BLACKTINA MAGAZINE

Afro-Latina actress and Orange Is the New Black star Dascha Polanco is one of seven actresses and activists who recently lent their support to the Center for Reproductive Rights for the “Draw the Line” monologue campaign. The campaign is a series of video vignettes inspired by real stories submitted by American women about access to abortion care. The Draw The Line Monologues: Polanco, along with Elizabeth Banks, Amy Brenneman, Mercedes Mason, Mary McCormack, Retta, and Bell

The island of Puerto Rico has reported its first case of Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that has been spreading across South America and the Caribbean, Caribbean News Now! reports. Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress, told Reuters that his office is in touch with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pierluisi states that “there is no reason for alarm, and the public should continue to take common sense steps to avoid mosquito bites, like u

CNN reports that a police officer killed three fellow police officers in Puerto Rico at police headquarters in the city of Ponce. Puerto Rican police said via Twitter on Monday, that a suspect is in custody. Puerto Rico Police Deputy Superintendent Col. Juan Rodriguez Davila said that "there are no words to describe this tragedy where three colleagues have lost their lives." The officer who was arrested is accused of killing a police commander, a lieutenant and an officer. Th

According to the Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos (CNDH), there is a lack of inclusive public policies for African descendent communities in northern Mexico. In far north Mexico, there are small communities of Afro-Mexican populations, especially in the state of Coahuila and along the border that Mexico shares with Texas. These Afro-Mexican communities are descendants of free blacks and runaway slaves who fled the United States in the 19th century. One particular pop

Earlier today, the New York and New Jersey State Police departments activated the Amber Abducted Child Alert Plan after a man allegedly stabbed a 31-year old woman multiple times and fled with their their 3-year-old child. According to the NYPD, 51-year old Diomedes Valenzuela allegedly stabbed his ex at 1:44 p.m. this afternoon 2974 Perry Avenue in the Bronx during a domestic dispute. Valenzuela then fled with the couple's 3 year-old daughter, Rebecca Valenzuela. The victim

Black women in Brazil are standing up and demanding equality. On Wednesday November 17, 2015, at least 10,000 black women from across Brazil marched in the nation’s capital to condemn violence, racism, and lack of gender equality. Protesters gathered outside of the National Congress of Brazil to demonstrate their objection to recent conservative bills that attempt to reduce their rights. Last month Brazil’s lower chamber commission approved a bill that limits access to the mo

Last night the world watched in horror as a series of coordinated attacks were carried out throughout the city of lights, Paris. Setting off a night of panic and confusion, the vicious attacks killed 127 people, and wounded almost 180. At least 80 victims are in critical condition at Paris area hospitals. France declared a national state of emergency, and tightened its borders. The Eiffel Tower is closed indefinitely, as police conduct their investigation. Vowing to strike b

On Wednesday the Brazilian government announced that it would grant permanent residency to 43,871 Haitian immigrants who entered the country illegally. TeleSUR reports that the “joint act of recognition, authorization and concession of permanence” was signed in Brazil by Minister of Justice Jose Eduardo Cardozo, and Minister of Labor Miguel Rossetto. The act gives Haitians up to a year to request foreign resident identification documents. Haitians, who are formally accepted b

The New York Daily News is reporting that black NYPD Sergeant, Tameika Goode, is under fire for allegedly ridiculing her Dominican police officers as “stupid and crazy.” The derogatory comments were allegedly made Sunday, during the morning roll call at the 40th Precinct in the Bronx. According to a Dominican officer who was at the Sunday roll call, Goode started “asking the officers where they were from. Whoever said they were Dominican she would say, ‘Well I can tell.’ Then