Journal of Free Black Thought

The Journal of Free Black Thought explores diverse perspectives within the Black community, challenging narrow stereotypes and promoting individuality. It addresses topics such as race identity, gun control, education, political ideology, and societal expectations, advocating for dialogue and understanding across racial differences and highlighting the importance of personal freedom and expression.

Stereotypes and Individuality Race and Identity Education and Culture Political Ideology and History Personal Freedom and Expression Social Justice and Activism Diversity and Inclusion

The hottest Substack posts of Journal of Free Black Thought

And their main takeaways

Reforming the DEI Reforms

38 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Reform Diversity Issues Organizational Culture Social justice Meritocracy
  1. MEI stands for Merit, Economics, and Ingenuity, which aims to improve the hiring process by focusing on qualifications instead of identity. This approach encourages selecting candidates based on talent and capability.
  2. The original DEI framework emphasized diversity and inclusion but often led to perceived fairness issues and political agendas. MEI seeks to replace DEI with a more straightforward focus on meritocratic principles.
  3. Incorporating concepts like Economics and Ingenuity in MEI means prioritizing economically sound decisions and encouraging creativity in organizations. This could help recruit individuals who bring unique skills and perspectives.

A Declaration of Revival and Redemption

54 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Family Values Education & Policy Community Initiatives
  1. There is a call to restore the traditional two-parent family structure in the Black community. This shift is seen as crucial for improving the overall wellbeing of children and families.
  2. The education system is a focus for change, emphasizing the need for school choice and vocational training to better prepare students for success.
  3. The movement advocates for a return to Christian values and community support for initiatives that strengthen families and provide quality education.

Why Is Africa Poor?

59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Economic Policy Entrepreneurship Trade Poverty Corruption
  1. Economic freedom is crucial for Africa's growth. When people can easily start businesses and trade, they can improve their lives and communities.
  2. Many African countries face heavy regulations that make it hard to start businesses. This creates barriers and leads to corruption, which makes economic freedom worse.
  3. Better trade connections and fewer rules can help Africa prosper. Countries like Mauritius show that when barriers are removed, economies can thrive and people can become wealthier.

The Courage to Disagree in Academia

53 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🚌 Education Academic Freedom Critical Thinking Intellectual humility
  1. Colleges should help students learn how to disagree and think critically. When students ask tough questions about what they're taught, it shows they're engaged and curious.
  2. It's important for schools to protect teachers' rights to express different opinions. This allows them to challenge the usual ideas and helps students hear various viewpoints.
  3. We should encourage open discussions on controversial topics. It helps students understand different perspectives and prepares them to think more broadly about important issues.

What Does Trump's Second Term Mean for Black America?

36 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Race relations Government Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term may come with strong support from Republicans, making it easier for him to push his agenda. This could lead to changes that impact Black Americans, but there will likely be strong opposition from some Black leaders and organizations.
  2. His approach to policies affecting education and policing might be controversial. For example, he plans to end federal education involvement, which raises concerns about how this will affect Black students.
  3. Many of Trump's policies, like imposing tariffs, could hurt low-income communities, including Black Americans. These changes might limit job opportunities and increase living costs, making economic conditions tougher for them.
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Daniel Penny Is A Hero

101 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Public Safety Media Criticism Political Accountability Race relations
  1. Daniel Penny was found not guilty for the death of Jordan Neely during a subway incident. Many believe he acted in defense of other passengers who felt threatened.
  2. There were concerns that the media focused too much on race in this situation, ignoring facts like other passengers helping Penny and Neely's troubling behavior.
  3. The writer argues that the real issues are the failures of the local politicians to handle problems like homelessness and mental health, rather than blaming Penny for the incident.

The Counter-Disinformation Industry Promotes Left-wing Groupthink, Not Truth

56 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Media Criticism Political Bias Censorship Public Trust
  1. The counter-disinformation industry mainly promotes left-wing ideas instead of truth. This means they often dismiss or ignore viewpoints that don't align with their beliefs.
  2. Many people in this industry don't believe in objective truth, which makes it hard for them to identify misinformation properly. Their focus on agreement among like-minded people leads to groupthink.
  3. To avoid misinformation, it's important for people to seek diverse perspectives and think critically about the information they encounter. Engaging with a variety of views helps to better understand complex issues.

On Leaving The Left and Finding My Center

118 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Personal Growth Social Critique Mental health Spiritual Journey
  1. Seeing myself as a victim made it hard to know who I truly was. This mindset kept me stuck in a cycle of blame and low self-esteem.
  2. I realized that being in an echo chamber of like-minded people limited my understanding of the world. It helped me see that I could respect different opinions even if I disagreed.
  3. Focusing on personal growth and unplugging from social media has been really valuable. It taught me to connect with people based on character rather than labels.

Bigger’s Dream: Killing and Self-Preservation

5 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
📚 Literature American Literature Literary Analysis Cultural criticism Historical context
  1. Bigger's act of killing Mary leads him to a new understanding of himself and the world around him. It marks a turning point where he begins to see things clearly for the first time.
  2. The murder symbolizes a drastic break from his old life, similar to the story of Adam and Eve. Both experiences bring about knowledge and a sense of being 'reborn' despite the consequences.
  3. Bigger's actions reflect his struggle against oppression and fear. Killing becomes a way for him to assert control over his life, but ultimately he learns it does not solve his deeper problems.

A Historic Race

81 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Racism Society Economy Immigration Media
  1. The recent election shows that many Americans are looking past race and focusing on the candidates' skills and policies. This might mean a move towards a more 'raceless' society.
  2. People seem to care more about the economy than race when choosing leaders. Even if economic conditions are good, voters often feel unsure and prefer leaders who they believe will better manage economic issues.
  3. The changing views on race in America highlight progress. The idea of voting based on racial categories is becoming outdated as people recognize the diversity within humanity.

The Case for Unabashed Black Patriotism

55 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race relations Patriotism Social Policy Inequality Identity politics
  1. Racial inequality is a real issue, but focusing only on it can be harmful. It's important to recognize broader social problems while also acknowledging these realities.
  2. The narrative that black people adopt about their country matters greatly. They can choose to see the U.S. as a place of opportunity or as a site of oppression.
  3. True equality for black Americans comes from claiming their rights and opportunities directly, rather than waiting for others to grant them equality.

Don't Let Anyone Tell You Americans Are Too Polarized to Disagree Passionately but Productively

37 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Race relations Public Engagement Community Building
  1. People can have deep and respectful discussions about tough topics, even when they disagree. It's possible to talk about sensitive issues without ending friendships.
  2. The recent meetup showed that when diverse individuals share their views and listen to each other, meaningful conversations can happen. Differences can lead to understanding instead of conflict.
  3. Hope exists for better communication in society. If a small group of strangers can connect positively, it's a sign that larger conversations can also be productive.

Countee Cullen's Lyric Ghosts

6 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Literary Analysis Cultural Studies Criticism
  1. Countee Cullen's poem addresses John Keats, showing a connection between the two poets. It suggests that both poets understand beauty and the passage of time in a unique way.
  2. Cullen's use of the season of spring represents renewal and transformation, linking life and death. It creates a feeling that past and future moments are blended in this beautiful season.
  3. The poem invites readers to feel included in the conversation between Cullen and Keats. It blurs the lines of life and death, making everyone a part of this shared experience of beauty.

Why Did Trump Prevail Again?

29 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategy Public Opinion Racial Issues Leadership
  1. Trump's appeal seems to come from his connection with everyday people. Many feel he cares about their struggles, especially during tough economic times.
  2. The Democrats might be missing the point by focusing too much on race and gender as reasons for their losses. Many voters are more concerned about economic issues.
  3. There's a need for the Democratic party to listen better to the experiences and concerns of working-class voters. If they don’t, they risk continuing to lose elections.

Introduction to "The Omni-American Review"

21 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Commentary Literary Analysis Music Influence
  1. The Omni-American Review celebrates American culture and its diverse influences by honoring Albert Murray's vision. It aims to show that different cultures can be united in their contributions to American identity.
  2. Murray believed that black and white cultures are not separate but intertwined, and his ideas push back against narratives that focus only on victimhood. He emphasized the importance of a joyful, resilient approach to life.
  3. The review features contributions from scholars and artists that explore connections between different cultural backgrounds. It highlights how these dialogues can strengthen relationships and promote a shared understanding.

Responding to Loss with Courage and Compassion

16 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Leadership Emotional Intelligence Human experience Personal Growth Community Engagement
  1. Leaders should face their losses openly instead of ignoring them. This helps them understand their emotions and grow stronger.
  2. True grit involves recognizing fears and failures, while false grit is about pretending everything is fine. Leaders should embrace vulnerability to inspire real courage.
  3. Understanding the emotional impact of loss is key for effective leadership. Leaders must help others process their losses to facilitate positive change.

Where Is the Love?

22 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race relations Identity politics Election Commentary
  1. There aren't many memoirs written by white men about their relationships with black women, which is surprising given the rise in interracial marriages.
  2. Events like 'White Dudes for Harris' show the importance of white men publicly supporting black female leaders. It's a step towards better race relations.
  3. There's a noticeable cultural gap where more black women authors write about love with white men, but there's a lack of similar stories from white men, highlighting a missed opportunity for shared experiences.

The Impact of DEI on College Campuses

157 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics DEI Higher education Racism Anti-racism
  1. DEI in higher education is often influenced by Critical Social Justice ideology, which perpetuates racism by assuming it in every situation.
  2. Critical Social Justice can lead to the imposition of certain values, attitudes, and behaviors based on race, discouraging critical thinking and questioning of the narrative.
  3. People are pushing back on DEI approaches underpinned by Critical Social Justice ideology as they find it infantilizing, anti-intellectual, and not aligned with their beliefs.

EVENT: Censorship in the Sciences

9 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🔬 Science Censorship Freedom Ethics Research Policy
  1. A conference on censorship in the sciences is happening at USC from January 10-12, 2025. It will bring together various experts to discuss important topics related to censorship.
  2. The event will cover themes like the balance between scientific freedom and social responsibility, and different forms of censorship in research and public discussions.
  3. Participants can register to attend, and the conference is open to the public, with live streaming available for those who cannot be there in person.

How to Apply to Graduate and Professional School

7 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🚌 Education Career Guidance Professional development
  1. Start early when applying to graduate school. Research your options and prepare your application well ahead of the deadline.
  2. Your statement of purpose is very important. Clearly explain why you want to study your chosen field and what makes you a unique candidate.
  3. Getting strong letters of recommendation is crucial. Ask professors who know you well and give them enough time to write a thoughtful letter.

EVENT: Empowered Ed Leadership Summit

11 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🚌 Education Curriculum Leadership Workshops Community
  1. The Empowered Ed Leadership Summit is happening in Sacramento from October 27-29. It's focused on improving education by promoting critical thinking and mutual respect.
  2. A diverse group of organizations is working together to counter political agendas in school curricula. They want classrooms to be inclusive without pushing one-sided views.
  3. The summit aims to create practical plans to make education better by teaching students how to think critically rather than telling them what to think.

Writers Meet-Up in Hollywood!

7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Events Community Publication Creativity
  1. There is a writers meet-up in Hollywood on December 6 from 7pm to 10pm. It's a great chance to connect with other writers and work on your projects.
  2. Everyone is welcome, whether you're experienced or just starting out. You can work on anything from blog posts to scripts in a fun, creative space.
  3. Spots are limited, so it's important to RSVP as soon as possible to secure your place at the event.

The Bigotry of Low Expectations

87 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🚌 Education Policy Equity Standards
  1. Eliminating magnet schools and abolishing standards hurts Black students
  2. Portland's new grading policy includes considering 'non-academic factors' in student grading
  3. Lowering expectations and politicizing education can harm Black students

What Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” Gets Wrong

41 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Cultural critique
  1. Ava DuVernay's film 'Origin' focuses on a single story, overlooking complexities and nuances, emphasizing the danger of presenting a singular narrative.
  2. The portrayal of present-day oppression in 'Origin' ignores nuances in countries like India, painting a one-sided picture that does not capture the full reality.
  3. The film 'Origin' and the book it is based on, 'Caste,' fail to consider societal progress and depict a skewed view of racial prejudice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complete context.

How Would Booker T. Washington View Civil Rights and Social Justice?

49 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social justice Discrimination Government
  1. Booker T. Washington advocated for black self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
  2. Washington believed in achieving progress through internal growth and skill rather than external forces like government intervention.
  3. Washington's principles on self-reliance and autonomy contrast with the modern social justice movement's emphasis on victimhood and political support.

On Being a "Carlton"

72 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Race Society History Media
  1. Being labeled as 'acting white' or a 'Carlton' based on narrow stereotypes can be damaging and hurtful.
  2. The notion of 'acting white' stems from a narrow view of 'blackness' that imposes specific behaviors and interests.
  3. Embracing individuality and being true to oneself, regardless of stereotypes, is important in overcoming societal expectations and judgments.

Being Without Race

56 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Identity Equality Race Society Philosophy
  1. Identity is fluid and not tied to inherited language or rigid categories.
  2. The concept of distinct races is relatively new and outdated in our human history.
  3. Focusing on individual uniqueness and rejecting racial categories can lead to a more inclusive and enlightened society.

What to Us Now Is the Fourth of July?

48 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Slavery American Revolution
  1. America's history includes both oppression and the struggle against it, like the anti-slavery movement.
  2. Revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality were pivotal in the fight against slavery in America.
  3. The Founders' hypocrisy in not immediately abolishing slavery does not erase the importance of their ideals that eventually led to the destruction of slavery.

Blacks Should Never Give Up their Guns

46 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Racism History Government Overreach
  1. Gun control is seen as oppressive by some who believe it infringes on the liberty of citizens, especially those vulnerable to oppression.
  2. The right to bear arms is viewed as safeguard against government tyranny, based on historical examples of gun control leading to minority persecution.
  3. History shows that gun control laws have often disproportionately impacted minority groups, leading to the belief that all gun control is universally oppressive.

Gender Ideology, Neurodiversity, and Alternative Schooling

27 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🚌 Education Gender Ideology Neurodiversity
  1. California's political climate has influenced therapists and their practice with children, especially regarding gender identity.
  2. Autistic children are susceptible to gender ideology due to social nonconformity and online exposure.
  3. Traditional public schooling is viewed as lacking in support for children's mental health, with homeschooling and unschooling being seen as more beneficial alternatives.