Black Culture — WHEN BRENDAN WHITT THINKS...

The Family W/ The Bitter Kool-Aid By Brendan Whitt

“ Richard sat at his desk scribbling notes on his tablet as he went over his brief. The office had emptied out hours ago but still, Richard toiled away. He worked for a prestigious advertising agency in Santa Monica. It was the job he always wanted. Pretty good pay, some benefits, and the opportunity to be creative for a paycheck. Unfortunately, Richard became stuck in the same position for the past five years, junior copywriter. Watching one old white man retire to Florida after another as their sons, nephews, and sons of friends filled the vacant offices.”

A Lesson in Socio-Economics By Brendan Whitt

“The boys made their way through the urban terrain of an east side Cleveland neighborhood. Looking at an abandoned brick building with smashed out windows or empty windowsills paints the illusion of peering into a person’s eyes whose soul has been snatched from them. The cracked pavement is a trash receptacle covered in empty swisher packs and the discarded plastic tips of Black & Milds. A light pole covered in dirty stuffed animals surrounded by empty liquor bottles paid homage to a young angel called home too soon.”

Short StoryBrendan WhittMay 6, 2020Black Perspective, Black Culture, Culture, Short Story, Writing

Just Another Case Of... By Brendan Whitt

“When Jones arrived at the scene he took his flask out of his blazer pocket and took a swig before stepping out of his car. Despite the late night hour a crowd had already converged upon the scene just to tell their neighbors and friends that they “were there”. Murmurs began to grow within the crowd. All speculation on who was under the sheet and why they were there.”

Short StoryBrendan WhittMarch 25, 2020Arts, Black Culture, Black Perspective, Short Story, Brendan Whitt

Workin' Man By Brendan Whitt

“…Left the lake for the land of palm trees and executive greed

Told my Mrs. I was only plantin seeds

She ain't have to worry about me plantin seeds…”

PoetryBrendan WhittFebruary 20, 2020Black Perspective, Poetry, Arts, Black Culture

Blought #42: The Wire Pt. 3

Here we are, the final installment of my The Wire Blought Series. I’ve dug into the issues that surround organized crime, family structures, education, and even public service workers. Today we take a look at the politics of the inner city and how the news media can play a small but impactful role.

Blought, TelevisionBrendan WhittFebruary 10, 2020Television, Black Culture, Black media, Black Perspective, Culture, Media, The Wire

Blought #41: The Wire Pt. 2

Last week my three part series focused on families effected by drugs and the school system that fails so many inner-city youth in America. Today we’ll look at criminal organizations and the struggles of policing a major city.

More than just keeping us entertained on Sunday nights David Simon drew upon his past as a crime reporter in Baltimore to tell us the ugly truths that so many are shielded from on a daily basis.

Television, BloughtBrendan WhittJanuary 21, 2020Black media, Black History, Black Culture, Black Perspective, Television, Culture

Blought #40: The Wire

With this three part series I will offer my brief analysis of the crime, economic and political woes that presented themselves during the course of the show and how they mirror the realities of urban America today. In Part 1 I will focus on families and crime and offer a brief assessment of how a school system can fail inner city kids.

Blought #39: Warning: The Black Woman has Taken Over

“The common theme between both of these savants of modern beauty is inclusion…I’m just proud that these two women are steering the ship towards waters where the differences in women can be celebrated and embraced.”

A Narrative Prose of Barbara Byrd-Bennett in Three Acts

“By the time I was in the second grade Byrd-Bennett had assumed her new role as CEO of the CMSD. My education as well as tens of thousands of other children’s in my school district were now in the hands of this accomplished and decorated education professional.”

EssayBrendan WhittAugust 30, 2019Black Culture, Black Perspective, Politics, Cleveland, Education

Socially Casua(Acceptab)l(e) Dress

“What if I told you that tomorrow when you wake up you have to wear a special mask and suit? Do you need to know more? Ok.”

Short StoryBrendan WhittAugust 30, 2019Prose, Black Culture, Black Perspective, Writing, Fiction