Johnaé Strong

Ambassador of the Kingdom of God; restorer of waste places.

I think, feel, and live the same way that many of us do. I face problems everyday yet my identity is found in how I deal with them; I find peace in knowing that I have the one and only solution.

Follow Johnaé Strong on Twitter: @johnae_alyse

Posts by Johnaé Strong

Featured Post

May 22, 2012 at 12:28pm

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: Awkward Black Girl, internet racism, issa rae, web shorts

Dissin Issa Rae Based on Race? That’s Awkward

While late to the game I fell in love with Issa Rae’s webseries, Awkward Black Girl, for its honest and hilarious interrogation of race and race relations via the lens of some very typical situations. From her humble approach to her daring showcasing of other talents (i.e. her rapping skills) I felt endeared to her [...]

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April 24, 2012 at 1:34pm

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: black, brothers, humanity, interest, white

If You Had A White You

It sounds quite odd I admit but this is a real possibility that I am very intrigued by. I recently read a story of several layers about two teenage brothers, one is Black and one is White. Their parents are Black and White and apparently, the father’s European genes carried and mixed with the mother’s [...]

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March 28, 2012 at 10:50am

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Unity in Trayvon’s Wake

there is some beauty arising from the ashes. In the wake of this tragedy the nation is witnessing a pulling together of diverse groups to rally against hate.

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March 13, 2012 at 11:03am

By Johnaé

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Book List “Our Black Year”

How many times have you heard the term food desert, seen five McDonald’s in three blocks, or shopped at a store owned by people other than Black? In my experience, it has been just about every day of my life and I can be sure that you have a similar experience. There are several aspects [...]

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March 1, 2012 at 12:45pm

By Johnaé

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29 Days: Celebration of Black

This past weekend I had the honor and the pleasure of being a part of a Black Heritage event at my university. In lieu of bringing one artist of large notoriety, the school chose to make the event a celebration of several South Side Chicago artists and consequently the artistry in the community. It was [...]

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February 21, 2012 at 1:37pm

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: advice, examples, Girls, role models

Raising Girls in Public

This week has been the week of concern for young girls everywhere. From the death of Whitney and the fear of the consequences for her daughter to the examples of Too $hort and RiRi, it is no question why many are in distress. In an age where youth regardless of gender are tuned into the [...]

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February 14, 2012 at 1:18pm

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: childhood, discipline, school, success, urban schools

Disciplining Our Youth

Education is a major source of concern in Black communities; they are understaffed and under resourced. Hence, our children are being gravely under served in perhaps the most important social institution. We are in the midst of a new wave of school reform in the nation and there are several models attempting to overturn this [...]

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February 7, 2012 at 5:26pm

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: blackness, drama, invisible man, prose, ralph ellison, theater

Invisible Man

Court Theater, the professional theater located on the University of Chicago’s campus, premiered Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man last month. I haven’t read the novel since high school and was ripped open all over again, seeing Ellison’s words acted out on stage. I was surprised to feel such a deep connection to the emotions experienced in [...]

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January 31, 2012 at 5:05pm

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: children, church, class divide, home, parenting, questions, school

Black Youth Dissuaded from Asking Questions?

This past weekend I spent time with my niece in celebration of her ninth birthday! It was great to be in the midst of young children in my family with all their wonder and innocence. On another hand, it was also tiresome answering all of their questions all day! While I am mostly joking, this [...]

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January 18, 2012 at 1:00am

By Johnaé

@johnae_alyse

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Topics: Chicago, Community, eviction, foreclosure, homes, Human Rights

Home Ownership and Community Ties

Growing up in East Cleveland, everyone on my block lived in a house that was owned by the family. It was comforting to have a home to grow up in and to have stable neighbors who acted as extended family. I realize now that home ownership contributed to personal investment in the community, which allowed [...]

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