Educate — The BLKboard Collective

Gather ‘Round The BLKboard

Here at The BLKboard Collective we discuss topics that we personally feel we need to be more educated on in order to enact change. Want us to cover a topic that you don’t see below? Drop us an email or dm us on the socials. Chances are if you want to know more, so do we!

Check out our link tree to turn education into action: theblkboardcollective - action

The Midterm Elections

Time to make a plan! The 2022 midterms are almost upon us - and they may be more important than you think. Are you registered to vote?

Redistricting & The Republican Party

With all of the headlines swirling around lately, it’s hard to keep up with something as mundane as districting maps. However, the changes that have been made are priming the political landscape to be incredibly challenging in 2022 and of course, 2024. Let’s roll up the sleeves and peel the eyes folks! Time to get ready for a fight in 2022.

The Institution of Marriage

We took a quick detour from our norm to explore one of humanities’ longest standing institutions; marriage. When the concept of something has withstood the test of time like marriage has, it’s always good to take stock and see where we’ve come from compared to where we’re going. The exploration was fascinating and we’d love to hear your thoughts.

The Trailblazers of the WNBA

Often first in regard to social justice, but last in regard to equal pay — the WNBA is full of trailblazers and beacons of athleticism. But are they treated as such?

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15-October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month. In this video we focus on Hispanic Heritage as it relates to the formation of what we know today to be Los Angeles, California.

The Gender Pay Gap

It’s impossible to talk about income inequality without mentioning gender based discrimination. But no matter how many polls are taken, many people won’t even acknowledge the possibility of the pay gap between men and women.

So let’s break it down.

The Pink Tax

An often overlooked topic of economics is how it differs between genders. Male, female, transgender and even non binary individuals can experience drastically different economic expenses under an underlying discriminatory factor that has been labeled the pink tax. Let’s discuss.

The Pushback on Abortion

New abortion regulations are threatening the basic human rights of uterus owners in Texas and it’s only a matter of time before more states follow suit. Let’s discuss.

Critical Race Theory

Why is it so “controversial”? Why is it being banned in schools across the country? Let’s dive in.

Pulling out of Afghanistan

This week, we took a look at the history that brought us to this place. Our hearts are with the people of Afghanistan and the soldiers who have lost their lives.

Visit our home page for resources to help Afghan Refugees.

Racism in the Olympics

We all heard about the blatant racism that took place during the games this past summer. We’re not rehashing that. But the events did make us stop, think, and want to go a bit deeper. Because if racism existed this year, surely it’s not the first time.

Private vs. Public Schools

This week we focused on our education system in the United States while focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of private vs. public schools.

An Important Covid Update: Delta Variant

While we are not scientists or medical professionals, The BLKboard Collective’s research team is incredible and spent a lot of time gathering the most up to date information from experts. Here’s what we learned.

Eminent Domain

It refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it for public use…

Yup, that’s a thing. Let’s talk about it.

Government Assistance & Food

This week we rounded out our food series by taking a look at the pros, cons and misconceptions of government assistance and food.

Food Deserts

Not everyone is afforded the same level of day to day equality. This manifests itself in many ways; education, infrastructure and even food. In this video we discuss food shortages in communities of color.

African American Influence on American Cuisine

Food doesn’t come from where you think it comes from. Let’s discuss.

Vodou Traditions in America

It’s Vodou. Not Voodoo.

Environmental Racism

We’ve all heard of systemic racism, but have you considered the dangers of environmental racism? We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a lot to explore and so many reasons to continue to vote.

Harlem Renaissance to Harlem High Rise: A Gentrification Story

What is Gentrification? Watch as we dive into an area undergoing rapid gentrification and how communities of color are being affected.

The Never Ending War on Drugs

We’re breaking down the ever controversial War on Drugs in America. What is it? How did it start? Is there any way to right the wrongs? Here’s what we learned!

Breaking Down the Census

We all completed the 2020 Census last year (or at least we hope you did) but what does it all mean? Let’s talk about it!

The Israeli Palestinian Crisis

In light of recent events occurring in Jerusalem, we at The BLKboard collective realized we have much to learn about the ongoing violence in the middle east.

Special thanks to Sari Sabella for your input

Take action: link in our IG bio

Organizations to follow:

@letstalkpalestine
@palestinianyouthmovement
@jewishvoiceforpeace

We Stand in Solidarity with the People of Colombia

The people of Colombia are risking everything to hold their government accountable. Here are the ways we can help:

gofundme: #SOSColumbia (Urgent help for activists in Colombia)

Send money directly through Paypal for front line first aid supplies:

sanintlevy
SOSBUENAVENTURA
PaulaDelMar
afrosunidos

BIPOC Representation in the Media

Here we discuss BIPOC Characters in the media throughout history and how representation not only affects the psychology of People of Color, but all people.

Biden’s Gun Control Policies

What steps has President Biden taken during his first 100 days in office? And where has he previously stood on gun control issues? Let’s break it down.

Black Woman. Periodt

On May 2nd, 2021 activists from the LA and OC area came together to host a rally and march, held in Pan Pacific Park.

Black Women. Periodt. came to continue a legacy of creating spaces of harmony and healing, amplifying and celebrating the voices of women and genderqueer folks. Through organized community efforts, we will provide socio-political education, tangible resources and targeted calls to action that leave folks feeling inspired and empowered to enact change.

Our founder was invited to speak at this event!

Defund the Police: Part 4

Success Stories

Defunding the police seems like a daunting idea…until you realize it’s already been done! In this video we analyze one city’s plan to shift responsibility from police officers to social workers using an experimental program called “STAR".

How Do You Self Care?

Self care is activism. Period. You can’t take care of others if you haven’t first taken care of yourself. This week our team discussed how they unwind & recharge in order to become more effective in their activism.

"Self-care". Illustrations by Paru Ramesh

The Untouchable 2nd Amendment

From the NRA to the National Firearms Act and how Biden intends to use it to make change…there’s a lot to unpack here.

Defund the Police: Part 3

Social Services

In this video we discuss how divesting money from the police can help fund necessary social services.

Defund the Police: Part 2

Demystifying Police Unions

We as a country have talked a lot about our judicial system, the militarization of our police force, over policing in areas of color and reallocation of funds to other social services. However a topic we don’t hear covered a lot of how the current state of our police unions may be contributing to the problem at large.

Let’s break down the history of unions, how police unions differ from other unions and how political alliances contribute to a much greater issue.

Defund the Police: Part 1

Some topics are so dense that you can’t possibly cover them in that time frame...so what did we do? We created a series. That’s right! This will be a 4 part series covering Defund the Police. We’re going to be taking our time breaking this issue down BUT we’re not going to be explaining the difference between defund, abolish, reform, or disband. So if you need a reminder on that one go watch our first video we made cause we ain’t doing that again!

This is The Defund Series prt 1: Are You Safer With More Police Presence?

The NEW Faces of the Cabinet

We are focusing on the women in the cabinet. Specifically, one new-ish face who has the potential to make major changes. Let’s do a deep dive into their policies and past. Are we getting something new? Or just new packaging?

The Border & Biden’s Policy Efforts

We’re breaking down Biden’s immigration policy, what is in place, plans to move forward, and how it can all get done. Let’s get to it!

India’s Farmer Strike

Why is it that in a time where many Indian citizens' human rights are being threatened by the rule of law, most U.S. citizens have no idea what’s going on over there? Don’t feel bad, we didn’t know many of the details either. But if we’re going to commit to fighting for black and brown lives, we’re committing to fighting for them everywhere. So...

Let’s talk about the Indian Farmers Strike

Increase of Violence against the AAPI Community

The Power of Rhetoric. Bringing awareness to the disturbing rise of violence toward Asian Americans. Cases have only gone up since early as January 2020. We know there are reasons that have added fuel to this fire. We are standing with our fellow Asian American brothers and sisters. Just stop.

Vaccine Hesitancy

Let’s talk through some of the concerns and opinions around the COVID vaccine. We are also unpacking the story of Dr. South from hesitancy to receiving the vaccine.

We want to inform and educate, and allow everyone to have a respected viewpoint and choice!

What are your thoughts?!

Reddit vs. Robinhood

Let’s talk insider trading. Wall Street went crazy last week, we here to help you understand what went down!

Revisiting Flint Michigan

Let’s discuss the Flint Water Crisis and what has come to pass in the last few years. These people deserve justice!

Biden’s Full Plate

We have a new President and he’s got a lot on his plate. Let’s talk about what to expect in the first 100 days.

January 6, 2021

On this day, our nation saw an act of domestic terrorism unlike anything before. Paige breaks it down for us.

Let’s talk about the 2021 Coup.

And the Award Goes To…

2020 is coming to an end; take a look back with pride for your resilience. We are stronger than we think we are, braver than we may feel, loved more than we can fathom, and seen more than we are aware of. Here at the BLKboard collective, we work to fight every day to ensure that you feel this. We will not stop fighting, learning and showing up. From the BLKboard Collective, Happy New year.

COVID 19 & the Housing Crisis

This week we unpack the housing crisis in Los Angeles and how Covid 19 has played a role in its continued expansion.

Let’s Talk Socialism

Socialism: The elephant in the room. Is it as scary as everyone says it is? This week we challenge you to discover what you believe is the correct balance.

Civics Week!

We’re taking you all the way back to elementary school and breaking down the three branches of government. How much do you remember?

Women’s Healthcare is Under Attack

It’s been a bumpy road for women’s rights, particularly when it comes to healthcare. We’re here to break down where we’ve been, and where we’re headed next.

The Myth of Thanksgiving

It’s no secret that there are some serious misconceptions when it comes to the first Thanksgiving. Let’s take a moment to honor Indigenous peoples and break this down.

Border Separation Policy

Families torn apart. Unlivable detention facility conditions. Children representing themselves in court. It’s wrong…and it must be stopped. Let’s stay informed.

The Presidential Transition

We won! But what happens next? How do we hold our new president accountable? Let’s discuss!

Protect Black Trans Women!

Alaska breaks down three of the most important issues surrounding the Black transgender community.

What does it mean to be an ally?

We’ve heard the word ally maybe more than ever in 2020. But what does allyship really mean? Why is everyone saying I should be an ‘active’ ally? Important questions that can be scary to ask. But we gotcha covered. Step one: Just listen.

Protesting in America

Yes, we have the right to protest. But officials have the power to impose time and manner restrictions on these important rights. Let’s break it down.

The First Step Act

We’ve all heard of prison reform, but rarely of any practical steps taken toward it. For example, the First Step Act…heard of it? We hadn’t either! We’re breaking down what we’ve learned.

Reparations. Now.

We know, we know. This idea may seem unrealistic and the media has more or less made it into a farce but…this idea really isn’t so crazy. Ever heard of H.R. 40? Yea, we hadn’t either. Gather ‘round chillens. We have a story to tell.

The Rise and Fall of the Voting Rights Act

What happened in 2016? Well it was the first time in 50 years that we had an election without the protection of the Voting Rights Act. And why does that matter? Let's break this down.

Derecho In Iowa

This severe storm destroyed communities. Did you hear about it? We wanted to make sure you did. To offer aid to victims of Derecho you can visit table2table.org

Attack on USPS

Tr*mps attack on the post office is now a national emergency. WHAT?!

Well now we gotta break. This. Down.

Portland and the Feds

Wondering about the legality of federal agents in Portland? So were we. Let's take a look at this around the BLKboard.

Defund the Police

What does that mean? More importantly, what does it NOT mean? There is so much information out there on the interwebs that we thought a little clarity might go a long way. Let’s break this down.