About
MomentumMomentum is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts.
Note from the editor
This is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts. Momentum doesn’t chase the news or report it out dispassionately. Momentum reflects the lived experiences of people right now, and ongoing, in America. About this month's header image: Thurgood Marshall sits on the steps of the Supreme Court with the children who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1958. Six of those children and two NAACP officials sit outside the Court in this 8/22/58 photo. The NAACP asked the Supreme Court to take action insuring the admission of Black children when the school opened in September 1958. Pictures, from left are : Melba Patillo, 16; Jefferson Thomas, 15; Gloria Ray, 15; Mrs. C. Bates, Pres. of NAACP in Little Rock; Thurgood Marshall, NAACP chief counsel; Carlotta Walls, 15; Minnie Jean Brown, 16; and Elizabeth Edkford, 16. Credit: Bettmann Collection/Getty Images 10:10 Credit: Bettmann Collection/Getty Images
Editors
Dr. Allison Wiltz
Black womanist scholar with a PhD from New Orleans, LA with bylines in Oprah Daily, Momentum, ZORA, Cultured. #WEOC Founder
Writers
Efe Scott-Emuakpor
Entrepreneur, Tech Nerd, Football Coach, Mentor, Deep Thinker. Live for today, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
Keith Reed
Keith Reed is a writer, editor and commentator whose work has appeared in ESPN the Magazine, the Boston Globe, Essence, CNN, MSNBC and elsewhere.
Deborah Gruenfeld
Social psychologist, Joseph McDonald Professor at Stanford GSB, author of Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe (Crown Publishing Group).
Stephanie Georgopulos
creator & former editor-in-chief of human parts. west coast good witch. student of people. find me: stephgeorgopulos.com
Dr. Tiffany Jana
Non-binary Top Writer in Diversity, Leadership, & Antiracism. Best-Selling Author, Pleasure Activist, B Corp Founder, TEDx, Inc.com Top 100 Speaker
Lauren Salles
Living, learning, and writing about it. Mental health, motherhood, mindfulness, spirituality, and feminism. Subscribe: https://livelearnlauren.substack.com/
Stephanie Leguichard
Writer, editor, leftist activist. Endlessly fascinated by the complexities of human minds and cultures. Completing my MA in Anthropology. sleguichard@gmail.com
Keith Nelson Jr
Writer by fate, journalist by passion. Bylines at: REVOLT, Grammys.com, Discogs, Vibe Magazine, Okayplayer, REVERB, LEVEL Mag https://linktr.ee/KeithNelsonJr
Jessica S. Henry
Criminal Justice Reform/Prof/Fmr public defender. Blog@ www.jessicahenryjustice.com. au:Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened
Alicia Wallace
Women’s human rights defender, research consultant, gender expert, public educator, movement builder, writer. #Caribbean #Bahamas #Equality242 @_AliciaAudrey
Demetria Wambia
NYC-based Writer and Editor | National Writers Union Member | Girls Write Now Mentor Alum
Cyraina Johnson-Roullier
Cyraina Johnson-Roullier is an associate professor of English at the University of Notre Dame, author and essayist.
Jeanette C. Espinoza
Mom of 2 amazing humans | Author of 3 books, including Rock Your Crown - Amazon.com| Speaker | Activist | Creator of Jeanette’s Jewels www.jeanettecespinoza.com
Anthony Beckman
Dad, husband, thinker, writer, exerciser. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” — Dumbledore
Natalie Griffith
Mindfulness My Way: Gratitude daily. Yoga occasionally. Don’t let the yoga fool you. Here I say what's on my mind and is too long for IG @oliviascomplex
Isaiah McCall
Journalist for 99Bitcoins and former USA Today, also Ultramarathoner | On Substack: https://isaiahmccall.substack.com/ mccallisaiah@gmail.com
Ronda Racha Penrice
ATL-based Ronda Racha Penrice is a writer/cultural critic specializing in film/TV, lifestyle, and more. She is the author of Black American History For Dummies.
Maia Niguel Hoskin, Ph.D.
@zora Guest Editor, Professor, Forbes Contributor, Race Scholar, Activist, Therapist, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Wife, Mother, & Addict of Ice Cream &Cheese.
Shawn Smith
Shawn M. Smith, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Public Voices Fellow through the Op Ed Project
Adam Mahoney
Black Journalist (he/him) focused on Black life, police and prisons. Split living between 310 and 312. Words in the Guardian, BuzzFeed and many more.
Denise Clay
Independent political journalist, wordsmith, believer in media diversity, representing Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware…
Char Adams
Char Adams is the digital editor of SUM research at The Graduate Center, CUNY. She is a former reporter for PEOPLE Magazine. She is on Twitter: @CiCiAdams_
Jessica Wolfendale
Jessica Wolfendale is Professor of Philosophy at Marquette University. She has written extensively on terrorism, torture, war crimes, and political violence
Nadine Drummond
Bacchanalist🧨, Journalist🥇, Filmmaker 🎬, aspiring vegan 🌱 with 👸🏾Feminist politics who praises Rastafari🔥 & studies no Evil💕.
Kenya Woodard
Freelance writer, editor, and PR practitioner. Avid traveler. Chocolate lover. Rocker of the blue and gold.
Elizabeth Wellington
Elizabeth Wellington is a writer at The Philadelphia Inquirer. She’s working on her first novel. Follow on Twitter @ewellingtonphl
Zuri Stevens
I write about racism, but there are so many other things I would like to write about instead. Help me dismantle racism so that I can get to that.
Dr. Allison Wiltz
Black womanist scholar with a PhD from New Orleans, LA with bylines in Oprah Daily, Momentum, ZORA, Cultured. #WEOC Founder
iWriteTee
Top Writer, freelancer, matriarch, educator & development consultant with bylines in Creators Hub, Better Marketing, Zora, Momentum, An Injustice!, etc.
Dayon Cotton
I write dope articles about social issues, life lessons, and living a better life, dayon1020@gmail.com, Follow My Twitter! @dayoncotton00, Active Duty US Navy
Nikhil Vootkur
Studying Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora @ Tufts University. Writes about identity, politics, and culture
Petiri Ira
Bylines in Screenshot Media, gal-dem, Malalafund, Momentum, ZORA. Contact: petiriira@gmail.com
Keith Dias
Travel geek. Productivity nerd. Husband, father, son, brother, friend, joker. I once met Stevie Wonder. I’ve played competitive ball hockey for 30 years.
Johnny Silvercloud
20 yr U.S. Army vet turned analytical street photographer who talks about power, protest, and politics. Do not defend racism or sexism when I’m in the room.
David Dennis, Jr.
Level Sr. Writer covering Race, Culture, Politics, TV, Music. Previously: The Undefeated, The Atlantic, Washington Post. Forthcoming book: The Movement Made Us
ACRE: Action Center on Race and the Economy
The Action Center on Race & the Economy (ACRE) is a campaign hub for organizations working at the intersection of racial justice and Wall Street accountability.
Dynasti Hunt Harris
CEO of Tayden Impact Partners | Writing about leadership, culture, and org transformation—through the lens of impact, strategy, and the future of work.
Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, U.S. Army
Army Veteran-Six Triple Eight Advocate and Documentary Producer: sharing stories about the only black WACS to serve in Europe during WWII
DarkSkyLady
Black/Puerto Rican creative non-binary. Spouts nonsense that occasionally makes sense. they/them
Treye Green
Treye Green is a culture writer and founder of the Black In Media community and newsletter. He’s a lover of double denim, R&B, and Janet Damita Jo Jackson.
Prince Shakur
AUTHOR of WHEN THEY TELL YOU TO BE GOOD | Twitter @prshakur | https://princeshakur.carrd.co/
Assad Abderemane
Writer based in France. Words at Level, Elemental, Gen, Human Parts, etc. Email: abderemane.m.assad@gmail.com
Quintessa L. Williams
Afra-American Journalist 📝📚| #WEOC | EIC of 13th and South | Editor for Cultured & AfroSapiophile. Bylines in The Root, MadameNoire, ZORA, & Momentum.
Arionne Nettles
Arionne Nettles is a lecturer at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, a Chicago-based journalist, and a special needs mama.
Stephanie Siek
Stephanie Siek is a writer and editor who loves cats, cookie dough and aborted alliteration.
Carolyn Desalu
Essayist + lifestyle writer. Bylines in Thrillist, Catapult, Essence, The Globe and Mail, Atlanta Journal-Constitution + more. Literary agents, holler.
David Stovall
David Stovall, Ph.D. is professor of Black Studies and Criminology, Law and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Garfield Hylton
Medium Creator Fellow. Award-winning TV news journalist. Freelance writer. Mad question asker.
L.A. Justice
Research & Policy Coordinator | Activist | Theologian | Author | Educator | Previously a Biochemist | Previous Top Writer in Racism and BlackLivesMatter
Jeffrey Kass
A Medium Top Writer on Racism, Diversity, Education, History and Parenting | Speaker | Award-Winning Author | Latest Book: Black Batwoman V. White Jesus | Dad
Jeremy Helligar
Brother Son Husband Friend Loner Minimalist World Traveler. Author of “Is It True What They Say About Black Men?” and “Storms in Africa” https://rb.gy/3mthoj
Sloane Miller
Licensed social worker, author, applied improvisation facilitator, copy editor. Insta: @sloanemillernyc
Chidimma J. Michaels
A student of life exploring philosophy, culture, civil discourse and society. Challenging the status quo & reviving the art of deep, meaningful discussion.
Devon Price
He/Him or It/Its. Social Psychologist & Author of LAZINESS DOES NOT EXIST and UNMASKING AUTISM. Links to buy: https://linktr.ee/drdevonprice
Nicole Meade Jensen
writer, mother, desert-dwelling urban professional with a bohemian heart and a rebellious streak. I travel the path with pluck, moxie, and a great big smile.
Elwood Watson, Ph.D.
Historian, Syndicated Columnist, Public Speaker, Social-Cultural Critic. Professor of Black Studies and Gender Studies, at East Tennessee State University.
Richard Thompson Ford
Professor. Lawyer. Dilettante mixologist. Amateur sartorialist. Watch geek. Author of Dress Codes: how the laws of fashion made history. www.dresscodes.org
Jayson Kristopher Jones
Storyteller. Social Worker. Dad-Joke Enthusiast | Beautiful From Head to Toe AVAILABLE NOW: https://bookshop.org/lists/liv-s-list
Arturo Dominguez
Journalist covering Congress, Racial Justice, Human Rights, Cuba, Texas | Editor: The Antagonist Magazine |
Jasmine Chantel
A compulsive reader, wannabe writer, and generous gifter… of unsolicited opinions. Website: https://www.jaschantelwriter.com/
Sarah M
I mostly write about motherhood + racism. My writing appears in An Injustice! & Momentum. I’d write more often if my house were tidier. Maybe one day.
Vishavjit Singh
Illustrator, diversity speaker, performance artist & creator of Sikhtoons.com | Connect @sikhtoons / vsingh at sikhtoons dot com
G Correia
Writing about Black life in a white space and trying to make sense of it all | Editor of Freethinkr
Ralinda Watts
Author+Diversity Expert +Consultant+Creative +Podcaster at the intersection of Race, Identity, Culture, & Justice. Let’s be in conversation. #RalindaSpeaks
Marilyn Flores
Latina feminist from Massachusetts. Educator, bookworm, wannabe writer, dog mom, Tia, mentor. Believer in justice. Black Lives Matter.
MJ Adia
Black-Filipina. Lived in Peru for 5 years. LICSW, dancer, meditator. Writes about multiculturalism, cinema, race, social issues.
Tim Wise
Senior Fellow, African American Policy Forum, critical race theorist, and author of 9 books on racism and racial inequity in the U.S.
River Irons
I grew up in a White Supremacist cult. I escaped. I still search for freedom from oppressive constructs. Abolitionist. Queer. Digital Artist, Storyteller.
YR Media
YR Media, formerly Youth Radio, is a dynamic national network of young journalists, artists and innovators. We create content that matters.
Alisha L. Gordon
Writer | Reverend | Trap Music Enthusiast | ED of The Current Project | Social Justice Rabble-Rouser | ATL→NYC | NYTBS? http://thecurrentproject.org
Bonsu Thompson
Bonsu Thompson is a writer, producer, Brooklynite and 2019 Sundance Screenwriters Lab fellow.
Janice R Littlejohn
Career journalist. Writing things I’m passionate about incl. sharing Black women’s stories — and my own. Connect with me at janicelittlejohn.com
Kerala Taylor
Award-winning writer. Interrupting notions of what it means to be a mother, woman, worker, and wife. Subscribe: https://keralataylor.substack.com
Michael Arceneaux
New York Times bestselling author of “I Can’t Date Jesus” and “I Don’t Want To Die Poor.”
Guy Nave
I LOVE thoughtful and challenging engagement! That's why I read and write on Medium. If you enjoy the same, keep in touch. I always respond.
Julio Vincent Gambuto
New writing, story, and creativity classes start May 20. Info and details at www.juliovincent.com/classes
NYC-DSA Racial Justice Working Group
Racial Justice Working Group is part of the NYC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Follow us as we #DefundNYPD and refund the people.
Bridgette L. Hylton
She/her. I write stuff. Published in Human Parts, Zora, AnInjustice!. #BLM http://www.Instagram.com/BridgetteWrites https://www.facebook.com/BridgetteHWrites
Laura M. Quainoo
I write about race, CHOSSA (Children of Stolen & Sold Africans…ie Black people), embracing Africa as our ancestral homeland & other stuff as my Spirit moves me.
Adebayo Adeniran
A lifelong bibliophile, who seeks to unleash his energy on as many subjects as possible
Dr. Nicki Washington
CS Ph.D., professor, and author of “Unapologetically Dope.” Advocate of HBCUs, identity, and cultural competence in CS. www.nickiwashington.com
Whitney Alese
Whitney Alese is an award winning writer & creator featured in WIRED Magazine, I-D Magazine, NBC, & Chalkboard Magazine.
E. Black
Top writer in Feminism. Writer and Translator. Living in a cabin by a creek in the North Country. http://www.followtherivernorth.substack.com
rachel krantz
Award-winning journalist & author of reported memoir OPEN, Host of HELP EXISTING podcast, Twitter & IG @rachelkrantz. www.racheljkrantz.com
Evelyn Martinez
Eviemwrites on Tiktok. Former blackjack dealer. Reader beware — you’re in for a scare!-R.L. Stine.
Chris Gamble, LPC
A counselor offering observations, gripes, and hopes about (most) things mental health and identity.
Stephanie Chrismon
Big Aries Energy. Writer. Political Scientist. Afrofuturist Author. Fascinated by all things pop culture and Social Justice.
Elizabeth Silleck La Rue
Conscientious Emigration, Equitable Conservation, Interracial Families. For emigration support: https://www.silleckconsultingservices.com/emigrationsupport
Myron Clifton
Indie published author, Voice Memos Podcast, Dear Dean EMagazine owner, Blogger at Medium. Myron Clifton on Spoutible. Check out my books at link below. 👨🏾💻
Garrick McFadden
I am a civil-rights attorney. I write about #whiteness, #racism, #hiphop, policing & politics. https://gamesqlaw.com/index.php/thoughts/
Jamie Cohen
Digital culture expert and meme scholar. Cultural and Media Studies PhD. Internet studies educator: social good, civic engagement and digital literacies
Monica Edwards, PhD
I am a Sociology teacher at a Community College, writing these posts for my students, for my sanity, for anyone willing to think towards something better.
Savala Nolan
uc berkeley law professor and essayist @ vogue, time, harper’s, NYT, NPR, and more | Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins | she/her | IG @notquitebeyonce
James Kwak
Books: The Fear of Too Much Justice, Take Back Our Party, Economism, White House Burning, 13 Bankers. Former professor. Co-founder, Guidewire Software. Cellist.
GFC: Grown Folk Conversations
We observe life through the lens of experience and intersectionality. We reflect, share, and welcome dialogue. Let the laughter, learning & healing begin!
Wajahat Ali
Author of GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM…; The Daily Beast Columnist; Senior Fellow Western States Center; wajahatmali@protonmail.com
Blackthelma
Black. Transwoman. Rebel. Survivor. Student. Lover of Life. Talking mess, fighting stress, accepting the tests
Barney Abramson
Barney Abramson is an award-winning creative leader, design mentor, and mental health advocate. Learn more about me here www.barneyabramson.com
Joshua Adams
Joshua Adams is a writer from Chicago. UVA & USC. Assistant Professor at Columbia College Chicago. Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joshuwa.bsky.social
Dr. Ciera Graham
I’m a writer and higher education administrator. A doctor of sociology with a love for writing topics on race, intersectionality, and women’s career issues.
Michelle D. Jackson
3X published author & Founder of PR Solutions, Direct2Author.com & Black Writers Workspace. Lives in New Orleans, LA. Connect at https://linktr.ee/Michelle0424.
Devon J Hall @LoudMouthBrownGirl
4 Time Self-Published and Published Author, Devon J Hall brings honest relatable content to you weekly
Parris Baker-Coley
I write about religion, politics, & race telling the truth about myself primarily, then the world. WEOC member.
EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary fights for library funding. Any library budget anywhere should matter to every library everywhere. We are in this together.
KSH
I’m an ordinary woman, and #survivor #writing—existing in an extraordinary world. Fuck them lanes. #WEOC #BotBEditor introvert #POMpoet #TBIN #Poetry #Memoirs
Hal H. Harris
Black on Both Sides. Medium Writers Challenge Winner. The founder of Established in 1865. I Tweet @Established1865. E-mail is hal.harris@est1865.com.
Savannah Worley
Essayist who writes about social justice, racism, and mental health | she/her | Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/skworley
David Bowles
A Mexican American author & translator from South Texas. Teaches literature & Nahuatl at UTRGV. President of the Texas Institute of Letters.
John Egelkrout
I am a sanity-curious former teacher who writes about social issues, memoirs, and other topics. Follow me on Substack at johnegelkrout.substack.com/subscribe
Clare Xanthos, PhD
RESEARCHER. AUTHOR. WRITER. Interests: racial equity, social justice, cultural identity. Co-Editor: "Social Determinants of Health among African-American Men."
Pamela Denise Long
Justice happens through you. -Denise Opinions Mine. All Posts Copyright 2023 Pamela Denise Long. All rights reserved. Twitter: @PDeniseLong
Faithe J Day
Writer, Creator, and Educator. Millennial and Internet Expert. Learn more at https://fjday.com
Paul Marsh
Native of Philly now living in the Midwest. Writing has been part of my life for 27 years. Avid reader. Fitness nut. Hopeful romantic. Superb cook. Word nerd.
William Spivey
I write about politics, history, education, and race. Follow me at williamfspivey.com and support me at https://ko-fi.com/williamfspivey0680
Dwayne Wong (Omowale)
I am a Pan-Africanist activist, historian, and author. I am also certified in CompTIA Security +
Herbert Dyer, Jr.
Freelancer since the earth first began cooling. My beat, justice: racial, social, political, economic and cultural. I’m on FB, Twitter, Link, hdyerjr@gmail.com.
EP McKnight, MEd
Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight
𝐆𝐫𝐫𝐥𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭, scientist & journalist
PhD evolutionary ecology/ornithology. Psittacophile. SciComm senior contributor at Forbes, former SciComm at Guardian. Also on Substack at 'Words About Birds'.
Joel A. Johnson
Family man, & creative who enjoys karaoke, poetry, & balance sports (skating & skiing). I focus on social justice. Writes for The Lark, AfroSapiophile, WEOC
Estella Writes
Storyteller, Savant, Military Brat, Wife, & Mom; I love the planet & the people who share the world with me. Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/jegail as well.
Kelsey Ogbewe
Poet | Essayist | Artist “You cannot enslave a mind that knows itself, that values itself, that understands itself…” — Wangari Maathai #WEOC
Unseen Japan
The Japan you don’t learn about in anime. A selection of popular stories from our website.
Zaron Burnett III
writer, story editor, essays & short stories at Medium, and always in the mood for donuts
Von Wright
Public Affairs. Public Relations. Freelancer. Lover of books and great journalism. Contributor to #WEOC. I write about Relationships, Family, and Race Relations
Jeffrey Rousseau
Award winning journalist, committed to amplifying marginalized voices, and elevating the accuracy and quality of reporting.
Marc2
Somewhat of a legal scholar, law & policy consultant, with a zest for sports. Passionate about justice, equality, and pragmatic societal insights.
Mwangi Wanjau
Freelance writer & Professional Blogger | Creating a billboard of thoughts, ideas, and opinions.
Alexandria M. Cummings
Black Woman first. Wife. Mom. Bad Ass. I love all things Chicago and am doing my absolute best to live authentically and shine as brightly as God created me.
Matthew Teutsch
Here, you will find reflections on African American, American, and Southern Literature, American popular culture and politics, and pedagogy.
Shamar M
27. Based in the UK. PG DIP HR Management. Chief of publication The First Time. Editor in About Me Stories.
Jean Latting
President, Leading Consciously| Diversity and Inclusion Consulting |Leadership Consulting| Online course: Pathfinders: Leadership for Racial and Social Justice
Dr. Cynthia Alease Smith
Anti-Racism Essayist & Educator offering discussions about Race, Racism, White Supremacy and the language used, from perspectives not ordinarily considered.
Priti Nemani @pritinotpretty
I write about law, social justice, dismantling oppressive systems, empowering racialized individuals, legal ed, representation, and mental health.
Bren Kelly
Engaged in Inequalities, dismantling Western Consciousness, confronting American narratives, seeking inherent injustices to address.
Douglas Giles, PhD
Philosopher by trade & temperament, professor for 21 years, bringing philosophy out of its ivory tower and into everyday life. https://dgilesauthor.com/
The Couch Tamale
Film, Music, Peak TV, Diversity— Tom Cendejas is sitting on a sofa and unwrapping Pop Culture with a Latino eye, one husk at a time. tomcend@gmail.com
Kingsley Asuamah
Simple guy with a twisted mind. Tech Enthusiast. Software Quality Evangelist (QA). Humour Monger. I have many interests but I write mostly on Technology & Life.
Andrew Jazprose Hill
I write about Art, Culture, and Race in The Jazprose Diaries on Substack. My short stories are there too in The Fiction Fix. Read me, Seymour, read me.
Wayne Ince
“We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression, and denial of my humanity, and right to exist.” —James Baldwin
Valentina Eve
Sci-Fi, Superheroes, and Sometimes, More! 🎬✨ I use Medium to keep track of my favorite movies and share my thoughts when they scream too loud.
Cicley Gay
Dreamer and doer with 20+ yrs of philanthropic experience. Black Lives Matter GNF Board of Directors. “Mom of the Year” to 3 sons (really won it).
Drew
Hi my name is Drew. I usually hang out on X & Instagram and my @ is HeyImReallyDrew . I write stories, articles and reviews. I got a lot to offer!
Carol Lennox. LPC, M.Ed.
Psychotherapist sharing new choices. Leans far Left. Mindfulness practitioner before it was cool. LPC, M.Ed. Helping you make a difference every day
Me and My Muse
A Londoner, essayist, crime fiction writer, humanitarian, avid reader. Writing about 'womanist' topics, race, gender, society, and what's important worldwide.
Tryce Prince
Sociologist of race, religion, and culture seeking to render Black people visible in the spaces they have been made invisible.