Lifestyle

Dear Joe, The systematic and perpetual oppression of Black Americans is not an issue to be toyed with. Let's be clear here. This is not just about Mike Brown. Mike Brown, Aiyana Jones, Rekia Boyd, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, John Crawford and so on, are examples of how law enforcement is allowed to become judge, jury and executioner when it comes to Black lives. The anger and fury expressed by Black Americans is based on perpetual violence at the hands of law enforcement. To you, the police protect and serve but many of us need protection from the police. The denial of your privilege prevents you from acknowledging this. In our lives, the jury decision not to indict does not suddenly absolve Darren Wilson of Mike Brown's death. Historically U.S. jury...

Your Holiness, Last year on Palm Sunday I wrote an open letter to you in the New York Times to implore you to bring an end to the Church teaching that homosexuality is a sin. I invited you to visit the Ali Forney Center, the world's largest organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youths. I hoped that if you met the young people in our care, many of whom were rejected by religious parents who believe that homosexuality is evil, that you might recognize the catastrophic harm caused by such a belief. While you have not responded, I continue to hope you will take up my invitation, and more importantly, end this harmful teaching. My hope has been strengthened by learning that you will come to New York City this September as a prelude to your participation in the World Conference of...

Dear Barneys: When it comes to fashion, you've always taken the lead. So when I heard you were featuring transgender models in a spring ad campaign I wasn't the least bit surprised. But I was worried... I've been an ad guy for almost 20 years, so I know how it works. The more over-the-top and provocative, the more attention the ad gets. I feared your campaign would be sensationalized in order to push the envelope like the Benetton ads of yore. Then I opened this month's issue of Vanity Fair and saw the eight-page insert that began "Brothers, Sisters, Sons and Daughters" and I was ashamed of myself for ever doubting you. Thank you, Barneys, for getting it right. For portraying transgender men and women as regular human beings. For highlighting the role of supportive people in our...

Dear 'Ye, You have spent much of your career defying naysayers and the standards people have set for you. You refused to be intimidated by guys on the South Side of Chicago for your creativity. You broke free of being only a producer when you proved Jay Z wrong and became one of the biggest names in rap music. When music executives tried to control the content of your music, you released the now-infamous "Jesus Walks." When Nike would not give you creative control over Yeezys, you took a deal with Adidas instead. You are, by definition, defiant. And I love that about you. Many in our community applauded your gall to stand on national television next to Mike Myers and utter seven words that shook the nation: "George Bush doesn't care about black people." We praised your...