This month marks the 1 year anniversary of melanoidnation.org. We here at the site have worked tirelessly to serve you, Black Society, with stories (good, bad, and ugly) that you are more than entitled to be informed of. This has been done because many of the stories we have featured here on the site would have never seen the light of day under the watch of the dominant society’s media outlets, which further emphasizes the need for Black media to counter such media biases and blackouts that do not serve the best interests of Black Society.

As we move into the waning moments of 2015, Black Society has weathered one of the most violent storms in history that doesn’t seem to have any ending in sight. This year alone, we’ve been bombarded with news stories upon news stories that consist of the following: lynchings, members of the dominant white society spewing “racial tourettes”, mass media propaganda which paints us in an extremely inferior–and one sided–manner, and the ever-accumulating stories of race soldier cops beating up and/or murdering Melanoid people in cold blood. However, we here at Melanoid Nation bring you these types of stories to light the proverbial fire under the collective backsides of Black Society.

In the midst of this tumultuous year, we have listened to the cries of frustration from many good Brothers and Sisters in Black Society who often wear the heavy burden of racism/white supremacy like an albatross around their necks. In reading many of these stories and/or sharing them via social media, the general consensus among many is that there appears to be much anger and fear which has been conjured up after they receive word of the inhumane acts that have committed against people who look like them. We most certainly empathize with your pain, because your pain mirrors ours.

Despite the gut-wrenching effects often felt from consuming these stories into our collective psyches, all hope is not lost. Listed below are a few ways to shake off those negative feelings which could ultimately cause you to sink into the muck and mire of a counterproductive life.

1. Dialogue with others about the material you’ve read.

Bad news, just like any other negative external force, should never be internalized without a method to properly channel the pain. For a lack of better words, just…vent. Disseminate these stories with family, friends, and loved ones who have your best interests at heart..especially those of the like-minded variety. Assess how you all can do your parts to counter–or change–what you’ve just read about in these articles.

2. Avoid pettiness.

Since the launching of this site last year, the stories that we have provided for you have been generally well-received by our readers and supporters. Yet, sometimes the feedback of the stories can be sidetracked by trolls, who are oftentimes nothing more than white supremacists who seek to derail any progressive activity among Melanoid people. Learn to realize when these detractors are at work, and completely ignore their presence. Stay away from dabbling in emotionalism as they aim to bait Melanoid people into irrelevant activity such as namecalling and arguing with them.

3. Connect.

In the midst of the somber nature of some of the stories that have appeared on this site, we are proud to state that we feature stories of empowerment and inspiration as well. Some of these uplifting stories profile individuals, businesses, and movements that serve as an asset to Black Society. While covering these positive stories, we have included ways that you can reach out to them to contact them for their services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them and show your support, and you could possibly even forge business connections with these movers and shakers as well.

4. Support the cause.

In its short existence, the Melanoid Nation Foundation has already financially supported a plethora of noble causes in Black Society. This is due to your generous contributions to the site which has funded a movement that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. From paying for the funerals of Melanoid people who have been senselessly murdered, to supporting Afrikan-Centered Schools, just these examples alone are plenty of reasons to smile.

5. Know that the best is yet to come.

Because of your support, our stories are reaching Black people in record numbers, and counting. “The People” are becoming much more cognizant of what is happening to them, why it’s happening, and what must need to be done to rectify our current standing. It is because of you, Melanoid Nation, that we exist. We will continue to reciprocate the love.

B. Clark