The Viability of Black Family Life: Infidelity

African Americans have been described as the “most unpartnered and isolated group of people in America and possibly the world” (Patterson, 1998). If true, what are the causes and implications of the fractured relationships? I spoke with noted intimacy expert, Ebony Utley, concerning the growing alienation between black men and women. Part three, the conclusion of our discussion, deals with the intersection of infidelity and technology. Read More

The Viability of Black Family Life II: Communication about Communication

Can fractured relationships be repaired? Can mistrust, resentment and other harmful consequences of a disconnected people be healed? I spoke with noted intimacy expert, Ebony Utley, concerning fractured or dysfunctional relationships, a topic many perceive to be emblematic of contemporary life in the black community. read more

Ali: The Blessedness of Resistance

He knew, just as most of us have known for as long as we can remember, that fire burns. So, when a young Cassius Clay won the world heavyweight boxing title in February 1964 and soon thereafter announced that he had joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, that he would feel the intense heat of societal backlash. read more

The Viability of Black Family Life

Will African Americans be able to regain a sense of community where healthy, stable, reliable and consistent relationships and/or families exist? I talked with a noted intimacy and relationship expert, Ebony Utley, Ph.D, concerning solutions to the current state of conflict and disconnectedness that exists, particularly among men and women, in the black community. read more

When Strong is Weak

Last week, Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson used the kickoff rally for Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken’s campaign to announce her own plans to run for mayor in 2017. Perhaps a calculated “flex” intended for the ears of potential rival mayoral candidates, it is, rather, the mayor’s strong-armed maneuvers, allegedly taking place behind-the-scenes, that could ultimately undermine her reelection efforts. read more

Red Alert

We have all seen or heard about the water crisis in Flint, Michigan: thousands of children and pregnant women have been exposed to lead poisoning after a series of questionable or, at best, very short-sighted decisions by various government entities caused lead to seep into their drinking water. This is, pure and simple, the poisoning of a community. And it is mainly lower-income African-American children who are poisoned at higher rates than in predominantly white neighborhoods or suburbs and whose lives are in dire danger. Recently, however, we are coming to learn that it is not just Flint and it is not just water. Consider what is happening right here in Ohio. (read more)

Intimate Friends

The March 15 Ohio primary confirmed that the African-American vote is relevant and also suggests that the ability to win over African-American voters will be critical for hopefuls in the November 8, 2016 general and presidential elections. Hillary Clinton, despite shared policy views on substantive issues, was able to distance herself from rival Bernie Sanders and establish a clear path to the Democratic Party presidential nomination, by riding waves of overwhelming African-American support. In contrast, Sanders’ progressive message emphasizing income inequality has appealed to liberals but fell flat among black voters. The difference? Read More