Black Looks

I started writing Black Looks back in June 2004 after a number of abandoned blog attempts under different names. At the time I only had a broad idea that I wanted to primarily focus on anything to do with African Women – a very broad term for a whole continent – and the African Diaspora that is socially, politically, racially, culturally, ethnically and sexually diverse. I also wanted to look at human rights, to challenge stereotypes and discuss issues such as gender, sexuality and racism and how these are constructed and manipulated by culture.

These are areas that can make people feel uncomfortable because they reach to our core. They often reveal the hidden truths deep within ourselves. Talking about racism and ethnicity and sexuality can be threatening because they require people to consider the possibility that they may have racist or homophobic feelings and attitudes.

I have chosen to write about a range of issues that I have experienced directly or indirectly in my offline life such as gender violence, racism, sexuality, HIV/AIDS and cancer.

Over the years maintaining the Black Looks project has become a greater challenge and in order to broaden the discussion I have invited a number of other bloggers, writers and activists to contribute to the blog. I thank all the contributors past and present for wanting to participate. Some have their own blogs, some do not. But we do have in common is we are all progressives, Africanists and activists with a strong belief in the power of the pen to bring about change.

Contributed to the following blogs and online media:
New Internationalist Regular Weekly Blog posts
PBS Media Shift Regular Monthly posts on African Web 2.0
Pambazuka News: Weekly Forum for Social Justice in Africa Bi-weekly blog review
African Path, Syndicates Black Looks
Kabissa: Space for Change in Africa; Occasional Technology posts
The F-Word UK Feminist Site
Taking Place, US Feminist Site

Guest blogged at at Angry Black Woman and Sabbah’s Blog;

Global Voices Archive

CONTRIBUTORS

Black Looks Blog Awards

2008: Runner Up, Best International Feminist Blog

2007:

2006: Finalist, Best International Blog.

2006: Winner, People’s Choice Best Blog in English:

Member of:

Visit Africa Media Network

View my page on African Path Village