According to the Philadelphia Magazine, more than 5,000 text messages were exchanged, prompting the facility to fire the 9 white officers. Here are a few examples of the blatantly racist text messages exchanged among the guards:

• “To me a really good high is stomping the shit out of a nigger for no reason.”

• “No matter how they look at things, no matter how dressed up they get.. When they wake up tomorrow morning they’re still just NIGGERS.”

• When referencing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in the series of text exchanges, one of the messages read “Don’t forget his wife is a colored.”

The texts were written and exchanged on phones that were smuggled into the facility. According to the David Owens, the warden of the Camden County jail, the officers involved in the slew of racist texts represents a “small minority of rogue officers”, and says that in no way do the text message exchanges representing the hard work done on a daily basis by the hundreds of employees of the jail.”

The race soldier prison guards have been placed under investigation since late last year, when a shakedown of the staff occurred in November of 2014. More can be found on this story by following this link.

B. Clark

The establishment–named Reggie’s—is an after hours hangout for many of the university’s students, and has apparently served as such for the past 15 years. However, one young Black female student stepped forth and shed light on Reggie’s questionable practices regarding how it checks in its patrons. Taylor Ward is the Melanoid student previously mentioned who took to Twitter to express her frustration with her visit to Reggie’s, went on to describe the following:

This image is a screenshot of Ward’s Tweet, which was later deleted. As the picture depicts above, the stamp on her hand bears an eerie resemblance to the word “nigger”, even though letters are positioned upside down to illustrate the covert racist message the bar attempted to convey.

This isn’t the only clue that this place of business is owned and/or operated by suspected white supremacists. Last month, the LSU Reville ran a feature which went in-depth by questioning the suspect culture of the business. The story featured its discriminatory practices toward Melanoid people, to its tasteless choice of decorations in the form of a large confederate flag which hangs freely behind the counter of the bar.

Picture of the confederate flag which hangs in the bar area of Reggie’s.

The manager of Reggie’s, who as expected, has defended the venue’s use of the “Reggie/Nigger” stamps, has stated that the stamps have been used once a week for the past decade, and that there is no racial messages connected to the stamp. On another note, the term “Reggin”–the same word that is stamped on the Black hands of Taylor Ward and countless other Blacks who frequent the establishment–is derived with the intention of being the opposite of a “nigger/Black person”. It refers to white people who “act Black”, or choose to “slum” with Black people.

Watch the video on the story below.

B. Clark

In today’s current climate of the dominance of the “popular” music that we seemingly hear everywhere, many Black artists have made the decision to use their talents to “cross over”–or collaborate–with artists of the dominant society with the promise of exposure to a broader audience, the opportunity to evolve as artists, and last but not least, more money. This is not an indictment on those Black artists who have made these career decisions (much love and respect to them for doing what they have to do), however, let us highlight a few notable Black recording artists (in no particular order) who–for whatever reason–never made such a move.

The criteria for the listing of these singers is that they had to have made music with Black Society in mind on a consistent basis over the years…In other words, their music had that “Black sound”. The following artists are also known for having their music played on a national scale, yet they were able to continue “keeping it at home” with their extensive body of work. Another interesting factor to consider about this list is that you won’t typically hear people outside of Black Society playing and/or referencing these artists’ music on an everyday basis. Although there are many more artists who could have made this list, here is a short list of Black singers who we have in mind.

1. Anita Baker

For over thirty years, “The Songstress” from Detroit has blessed Black Society with her graceful singing style, and has accumulated a long list of soulful ballads.

2.  Ronald Isley (and the Isley Brothers)

From It’s Your Thing to My Favorite Thing, the man who’s affectionately known in Black Society as “Mr. Biggs” doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

3. Luther Vandross

The instant smiles that make their way on the faces of Melanoid people as you mention Luther Vandross pretty much sums up the legacy that the legendary singer left behind. In spite of the fact that it has been 10 years since he passed, the indelible mark that his music has left on Black people remains intact.

4. S.O.S. Band

Long before the ATL blessed us with talented singers such as Monica, Jagged Edge, and Xscape, The S.O.S. Band hailed from the exact same city, and they set the airwaves on fire throughout the 1970s and 80s with smash hits like Tell Me If You Still Care and The Finest. This soulful collection of performers have definitely lived up to their name…The Sounds Of Success.

5. Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

 No Black cookout is complete without a Maze record gracing the playlists of the music that day. The same group that brought you Joy And Pain makes sure that we never forget the great songs that they’ve created, still touring the country and causing you leave their shows with Happy Feelings in the process.

6. Donny & Lalah Hathaway

The Late Great Donny Hathaway was known and loved for his memorable duets with Roberta Flack in addition to his own solo hits. His daughter, Lalah, has carried on his legacy in a manner that would make her father proud.

7. Jill Scott

For 15 years since the debut of her first album, Miss “Jilly From Philly” has shown us the breadth of the talents that she possesses. Although she has experienced success in Hollywood, the music that she continues to create has never given us an inkling of the “pop” sound that the dominant society craves.

8. Erykah Badu

We could go “On & on” about this free-spirited singer, but her resume speaks for itself. With an array of songs laced with knowledge-dropping/down-to-earth lyrics that we can both expand our minds and relate to at the same time, she’s guaranteed to keep blessing Black folks for years to come.

9. Charlie Wilson (and the Gap Band)

Long before the band’s Charlie Wilson embarked on a highly successful solo career, The Gap Band put on one hell of a show for music fans everywhere, and we will always appreciate that.

10. Chaka Khan

In recent years, the Chi-Town native with the powerful voice has been re-introduced to younger audiences due to her Through The Fire being sampled by Kanye West’s debut hit Through The Wire. However, her music reigned long before that. Born Yvette Stevens, she took on her current name from a Yoruba Baba during a naming ceremony. She was also an active member of the Black Panther Party as a youth.

11. Floetry

Adding a little international flavor to Black music, the beloved duo from the U.K. have recently reunited after nearly 10 years of pursuing solo careers–both of who were very successful in their individual endeavors.

12. Anthony Hamilton

If you enjoy vibing to songs like Charlene and Can’t Let Go, then you enjoy the sounds of Anthony Hamilton’s songs.

13. Gerald Levert/Keith Sweat/Johnny Gill

What’s remarkable about this trio of singers is that not only were they smash hits as solo artists, but they also found an equal level of achievement when they decided to form the supergroup, titled LSG, in 1997. The group went on to have an album which would reach multiplatinum status. Although Gerald Levert passed away in 2006, we are left to wonder how much more great music that these vets of music could have made together as a group.

 14. Joe

This Brother has proved that he’s ‘not your average Joe’ by putting out album after album–each filled with great music. With an ever-growing body of work that he has compiled, you can almost guarantee that we’ll be seeing future work from him.

15. D’Angelo

The dominant society isn’t going to be crashing servers to purchase an album titled Black Messiah anytime soon. For that alone, we’ve gotta give pay our respects (on top of everything else he’s made previous to that). ‘Nuff said.

B. Clark

As we move into the waning moments of 2015, Black Society has weathered one of the most violent storms in history that doesn’t seem to have any ending in sight. This year alone, we’ve been bombarded with news stories upon news stories that consist of the following: lynchings, members of the dominant white society spewing “racial tourettes”, mass media propaganda which paints us in an extremely inferior–and one sided–manner, and the ever-accumulating stories of race soldier cops beating up and/or murdering Melanoid people in cold blood. However, we here at Melanoid Nation bring you these types of stories to light the proverbial fire under the collective backsides of Black Society.

In the midst of this tumultuous year, we have listened to the cries of frustration from many good Brothers and Sisters in Black Society who often wear the heavy burden of racism/white supremacy like an albatross around their necks. In reading many of these stories and/or sharing them via social media, the general consensus among many is that there appears to be much anger and fear which has been conjured up after they receive word of the inhumane acts that have committed against people who look like them. We most certainly empathize with your pain, because your pain mirrors ours.

Despite the gut-wrenching effects often felt from consuming these stories into our collective psyches, all hope is not lost. Listed below are a few ways to shake off those negative feelings which could ultimately cause you to sink into the muck and mire of a counterproductive life.

1. Dialogue with others about the material you’ve read.

Bad news, just like any other negative external force, should never be internalized without a method to properly channel the pain. For a lack of better words, just…vent. Disseminate these stories with family, friends, and loved ones who have your best interests at heart..especially those of the like-minded variety. Assess how you all can do your parts to counter–or change–what you’ve just read about in these articles.

2. Avoid pettiness. 

Since the launching of this site last year, the stories that we have provided for you have been generally well-received by our readers and supporters. Yet, sometimes the feedback of the stories can be sidetracked by trolls, who are oftentimes nothing more than white supremacists who seek to derail any progressive activity among Melanoid people. Learn to realize when these detractors are at work, and completely ignore their presence. Stay away from dabbling in emotionalism as they aim to bait Melanoid people into irrelevant activity such as namecalling and arguing with them.

3. Connect.

In the midst of the somber nature of some of the stories that have appeared on this site, we are proud to state that we feature stories of empowerment and inspiration as well. Some of these uplifting stories profile individuals, businesses, and movements that serve as an asset to Black Society. While covering these positive stories, we have included ways that you can reach out to them to contact them for their services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them and show your support, and you could possibly even forge business connections with these movers and shakers as well.

4. Support the cause.

In its short existence, the Melanoid Nation Foundation has already financially supported a plethora of noble causes in Black Society. This is due to your generous contributions to the site which has funded a movement that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. From paying for the funerals of Melanoid people who have been senselessly murdered, to supporting Afrikan-Centered Schools, just these examples alone are plenty of reasons to smile.

5. Know that the best is yet to come.

Because of your support, our stories are reaching Black people in record numbers, and counting. “The People” are becoming much more cognizant of what is happening to them, why it’s happening, and what must need to be done to rectify our current standing. It is because of you, Melanoid Nation, that we exist. We will continue to reciprocate the love.

B. Clark

The special day has gathered much buzz on social media, where countless Black men, women, and children were shown in photos donning dashikis of varying sizes and colors.

Celebrated this past weekend (Oct. 30th), Dashiki Day was a well-received event that seems to have legitimate staying power. Not only has the day become a movement, the movement has become a business. Although dashikis have been sold in stores seemingly forever, websites such as dashikipride.com are rightfully and respectfully monetizing on Dashiki Day, connecting with a younger customer base and ensuring that this particular segment of African/Black culture doesn’t get hijacked by “culture vultures” who have swooped in to devour much of Black Society’s other cultural contributions.

Co-founded by Lilian and Chinyere Ugokwe, Dashiki Pride’s website offers a wide variety of dashikis at very affordable prices. Although Dashiki Day has been perceived by detractors as a day for Melanoid people to indulge in yet another symbolic gesture, it actually represents something bigger. It validates the recent re-awakening of Black Society. In this case, Black people have awakened to embrace and celebrate their culture, and look good while doing so.

B. Clark

One white man–and a school district employee at that–made the decision to celebrate his Halloween this year by dressing like music superstar Kanye West (as shown in this story’s featured photo). As harmless as the concept of dressing like West may seem on the surface, the teacher took his costume idea one step further by painting his face in the traditional “Blackface” style indicative of the old racist stage performers of years past.

White couple dressing in “Blackface” as Black NFL player Ray Rice and his wife, Halloween 2014.

White trick-or-treater who dressed himself as the unjustly murdered Trayvon Martin.

The school official, named Heath Morrow, was accompanied by his wife Shannon, who shared the photo of them via social media and other online platforms. Shannon Morrow was dressed as Kanye’s wife, Kim Kardashian. In typcial “slumming” fashion, she added prosthetics to her backside to make it appear larger, a la Kardashian.

This behavior isn’t new, as it has now become a Halloween tradition. Many white supremacists and suspected white supremacists alike use this celebratory day practice overt racism without the concern of being reprimanded for doing so. It is a day that emboldens them to act upon deep-seeded insecurities and malice that may be harbored as it pertains to Melanoid people…under the guise of fun, games, and humor…except no self-respecting person in Black Society received the memo to laugh along with these bigoted provocateurs.

Here is a link to the story.

B. Clark

According to the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office, The November 2014 shooting death of the Black child has been considered “reasonable” because of Rice’s possession of a toy gun and officers Timothy Loehmann and his partner, Frank Garmback assumption that the 12-year-old boy would be a threat to them.

On CNN.com’s  coverage of the story, Subodh Chandra–an attorney for the family of the slain Tamir Rice–has stated that the Rice family has demanded that the officers be held accountable, but feels that the prosecution isn’t aggressively advocating the accountability of the two cops.

“Any presentation to a grand jury — without the prosecutor advocating for Tamir — is a charade,” Chandra said. “To get so-called experts to assist in the whitewash — when the world has the video of what happened — is all the more alarming.”

B. Clark

For those who missed out on the opportunity to hear the Minister’s powerful message, it can be found in the video below.

B. Clark

However, there may be many of you who may not be familiar with the term “Coon”. Although at first glance, it appears to be a nickname reserved for those pesky stripe-tailed rodents who terrorize homes and property, we’re referring to a “coon” in a different sense. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of who coons really are, and their characteristics.

1. Regurgitating White Supremacist Rhetoric

As Melanoid people, we are clearly under attack on all fronts from the system of racism/white supremacy. One of the methods of attack is through propaganda. This includes media, academia, and any other platform that allows a group of people to spew their venom towards the global Melanoid family. One example of such venom spewing white supremacists would be Rush Limbaugh. “Brothers” and/or “Sisters” who choose to engage in such talking points are clearly playing for the other team.

2. Shunning African/Black Culture

Regardless of whether you’re from Boston or Botswana, if you ethnically and biologically identify as an individual of African descent, then that is how the dominant society views and treats you. There are Melanoid people who attempt to distance themselves from their African roots, whether it be by their actions or their shared ideologies. Whenever you come across a Melanoid person who says they’d rather be caught dead than to attempt to embrace–or even acknowledge–their African ancestry, then

3. Making Excuses For Other Cultures’ Mistreatment Of Melanoid People

From the Middle Passage of the 1700s, to the miseducating institutions (called “schools”) that our children are enrolled with in the 2010s, to acknowledge that we as a people were mistreated could actually be an understatement. Surprisingly enough, there are more than a few Black people who actually try to justify our pain and suffering as if it were preordained.

4. Playing The “Shade Game”

It’s true that all families partake in the occasional banter with each other, but when that family accepts those jokes as the gospel truth, then it becomes a house divided. The global Melanoid family is no different. The banter we often engage in is the longstanding “Shade Game”, aka the “dark skin/light skin game”. You might not quite be familiar with the term “coon” yet, but you’ve certainly known another Black person to pick on a lighter-skinned Melanoid Brother because they felt he wasn’t “real enough” or “man enough”. You might’ve also heard other Black folks make jokes about darker-skinned Melanoid Sisters because they feel she’s “not pretty enough”. Either way, the “Shade Game” is pure coonery and extremely detrimental to the advancement of Black Society. On a lighter note, it’s apparent that Malcolm X and Naomi Campbell (thankfully) didn’t receive these “Shade Game” jokesters’ memos!

5. The Black Gender War

This is one aspect of cooning that is arguably the most prevalent. This could be a Melanoid man’s unsubstantiated anger towards Melanoid women as an escape clause for him to date outside his race. On the flip side, this could also involve a Melanoid woman drinking the the Black male despising feminist kool-aid only to be hit with the “Black men ain’t sh–” drunkenness. This is a bottomless pit that we as Melanoid people should avoid falling into, because it eventually gives way to serious systemic perpetual issues such as perpetual cultural dilution and reduced birth rates in Black Society because of the lack of trust respect among Black men and Black women.

6. A False Sense Of Obligation To An Openly White Supremacist System

It’s evident that we have to move and shake in this system of racism/white supremacy on a daily basis, but some members of our Melanoid family have gone above and beyond to kiss the feet of the dominant society by making open declarations of their love for the dominant society. Some have taken their loyalty to a Jihad-like level to preserve the religion of white supremacy.

B. Clark

1. Marcus Garvey School (Los Angeles)

School Type: Co-ed & Pre-K/Elementary Private School

Head of School: Dr. Anyim C. Palmer

Website: http://mgsla.org/

2. NationHouse (Washington, D.C.)

School Type: Grade School

Head of School: Kwame Agyei Akoto

Website: http://www.nationhouse.org/

3. Timbuktu Academy (Detroit)

School Type: K-8

Head of School: Cha-Rhonda Edgerson

Website: http://www.timbuktuacademy.org/

4. Sankofa Academy (Houston)

School Type: Grade School

Head of School: Toni Imani Fisher

Website: http://sisterhoodcreations.com/sankofa_academy

5. Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools/Barbara A. Sizemore/DuSable Leadership Academy (Chicago)

School Type(s): K-12

Head of School: Frank Davis

Website: http://www.bsics.org/

6. Freedom Home Academy

School Type: Private Home School (Based in Chicago)

Head of School: Marcus Kline

Website: http://www.fhaintl.org/index.php

7. Little Sun People (Brooklyn)

School Type: Preschool

Head of School: Fela Barclift

Website: http://www.littlesunpeople.com/

8. ILE OMODE SCHOOL (Oakland)

School Type: Pre K-8

Head of School: Jahi Awakoaiye

Website: http://www.ileomode.org/draft1/index.htm

9. Imhotep Institute Charter High School (Philadelphia)

School Type: High School

Website: http://imhotepcharter.org/website/

 10. Kamali Academy (New Orleans)

School Type: K-12

Head of School: Dr. Samori Camara

B. Clark