Entertainment

Are Letitia Wright’s Vaccine Skepticism Tweets Creating a Teachable Moment?

Published

6 years ago

December 12, 2020

Kiki

Letitia Wright, Wikipedia

In February 2018, the world was introduced to Letitia Wright’s rendition of “Shuri” in “Black Panther.” With her witty one-liners, she instantly catapulted into global fame.

Wright recently shared a YouTube video from a channel named “On The Table.” In a now-deleted tweet, the “Mangrove” actress simply accompanied the link with a prayer-hand emoji, clearly indicating support of the content.

The Hollywood Reporter provides more background:

The “Black Panther” star tweeted a video from “On The Table,” a YouTube discussion channel, where the presenter opined at length about the efficacy of vaccines, the dangers of taking them and the supposed origins of the ingredients of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I don’t understand vaccines medically, but I’ve always been a little bit of a skeptic of them,” the presenter Tomi Arayomi said toward the beginning of his fact-free monologue, which was full of personal anecdotes and his own general feelings on vaccines.

After Wright had posted the video to Twitter with the prayer hands emoji, she quickly became embroiled in arguments with users taking her to task for using her platform to spread misinformation on vaccines.

The British actress, who is currently starring in Steve McQueen’s acclaimed “Small Axe” anthology series, countered that she wasn’t against vaccines but thought it was important to “ask questions.” “I think it’s valid and fair to simply ask what’s in it,” she replied to one user.

Naturally, her tweets caused quite the reaction on Twitter.

What fueled the fire even further is that Wright leaned into defensive mode, replying to several of the tweets in kind.

“If you don’t conform to popular opinions. but ask questions and think for yourself….you get canceled,” Wright tweeted with a laugh-crying emoji. Unfortunately, the “think for yourself” type of phrasing sounds familiar as it has become typical to attempt to dodge any type of accountability—the continuous dodging only leading to an increasingly downward spiral.

In addition to the dangerous and factually unsubstantiated rhetoric, many Twitter users expressed concern for transphobic aspects of the video, as well—concerns which were also brought to Wright’s attention.

Even her Marvel peer Don Cheadle chimed in. Initially, he quote-tweeted Wright with “Bye Letitia,” then later backtracked a bit admitting he wasn’t fully knowledgeable about the situation (or hadn’t seemingly watched the actual video) before commenting.

After several fans explained why her tweets were harmful, Cheadle followed up with more tweets.

“If she went transphobe, fire away,” Cheadle tweeted. “But I’ll personally take it to her if she said something crazy. not to twitter. That’s how I do it with friends and how I hope they do it with me if I [%&$*] up. trying to find it now.”

“Jesus…just scrolled through,” he added. “Hot garbage. Every time I stopped and listened, he and everything he said sounded crazy and [$%&*] up. I would never defend anybody posting this. But I still won’t throw her away over it. The rest, I’ll take off Twitter. Had no idea.”

Other fans speculated on how Wright’s tweets may factor in her potential role in “Black Panther 2,” which has already been a source of speculation following Chadwick Boseman’s death.

It’s been nearly 50 years since the grotesque “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male,” (also referred to as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study) came to an end, a historical travesty which understandably left generations of Black people skeptical about any sort of experimental medical procedures.

As Wright is British, it’s important to note that the United Kingdom has become the first country to authorize Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, with the first shots rolling out next week.

According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report updated just four days ago, Black, African-American non-Hispanic people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at 1.4 times the rate of their white counterparts; have been hospitalized for the novel coronavirus at 3.7 times the rate of white non-Hispanic people and have died at 2.8 times the frequency.

It’s one thing to be open and honest about processing those valid feelings in a historical context, then follow that up with an earnest desire for education backed by facts; it’s entirely different to promote unfounded conspiracy theories about a significant and much-needed treatment for a deadly disease—especially when the very disease in question is disproportionately harming and killing Black people.

That isn’t healthy skepticism, that’s just another side of a dangerous coin.

In what may be Wright’s final say before an official statement comes out, she wrote: “My intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. Nothing else.”

The Root has reached out to Wright’s team for comment on this matter and will update if they respond.

I have a feeling this isn’t over, but we’ll see if this results in an actual teachable moment for Wright. After all, if you have “questions,” you should be fully open to the factual answers. Only time will tell…

Tonja Renée Stidhum is a staff writer for Entertainment at The Root.

Kiki

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

9 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Oakland Post

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Black History

How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

AFRO-AMERICAN – WASHINGTON — Caitlin Clark, a WNBA player, has been weaponized against Black women, leading to federal government involvement. A letter signed by 11 Republican lawmakers, led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, was sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening a Department of Justice investigation into the league due to concerns that fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.

Published

15 hours ago

July 27, 2026

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How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

(Black Press USA Newswire) – Caitlin Clark is more than a WNBA player; she has become a tool of weaponization against Black women. And now the federal government is involved.

Led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, 11 Republican lawmakers signed a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening to have the Department of Justice investigate the league because fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.”

“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation. If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws,” the letter stated.

The letter creates a false narrative and is irresponsible and dangerous.

Stephanie Christmas, a former women’s basketball player at Georgia Southern University, has remained a WNBA fan since its inaugural season in 1997. Christmas has never seen politicians use their platforms to sway the league’s direction.

“If you want only one player to play the game, that’s not basketball anymore,” Christmas shared. “I don’t think that they should be putting any legislation in place. They are making it worse for the players and the WNBA game.”

The people who are using Clark as a tool couldn’t care less about what occurs in between the lines of a basketball court. Statistically, Clark is a decent shooter and above-average passer, but she lacks offensive efficiency and is a liability on defense. Her most staunch defenders are not basketball enthusiasts; instead, they view Clark as a symbol to further their hatred for Black women.

Every moment of discomfort Clark appears to face on the court becomes an opportunity for her supporters to unleash vile and racist language against the alleged perpetrator. If Clark is fouled hard, engages in trash talk with an opponent, or receives what she views as an unfair call by a referee, her defenders are incited to unleash their wrath.

During a tightly contested match between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury in June, the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas and Clark were on the court battling for a loose ball. Thomas’ arm briefly pressed against Clark’s neck during the scramble, but no foul was called. Following the game, Thomas was issued a flagrant one and suspended for one game by WNBA officials. The play triggered Clark’s supporters, and they aimed racial slurs and death threats at Thomas. Thomas responded by calling out WNBA commissioner Engelbert for not protecting athletes in the league.

“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It’s no surprise,” Thomas shared in a press conference after her suspension. “You can see what’s being said on social media. It’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”

It was only after Thomas’ statement that Engelbert responded to the threats sparked by Clark’s supporters.

“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate,” Engelbert said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority. We ‌are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.”

Weeks later, Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces faced racial animus following a simple foul call that went against Clark. While driving to the basket, Gray was fouled on the arm by Clark, who collapsed to the ground and held her stomach as if she was in pain. Clark yelled at the referee, claiming that Gray had hit her, but video replay proved that Gray never initiated contact with Clark.

But an otherwise normal basketball play led to Gray enduring racial slurs and harassment. Following the game, Gray reposted a screenshot on Instagram of a man using a racial slur against her, and she wrote, “People act like we make this s— up.”

The post went viral, and the man, who worked for Hilton Grand Vacations, was fired within days.

Gray responded to the ordeal in a press conference, revealing that she and other WNBA players have faced ongoing harassment.

“Enough is kind of enough,” Gray said. “These messages are not the first time. It’s not. There was other stuff, too. I just decided to share that one. This time I got fed up with it, and I just decided to share it. And maybe I don’t share the other ones, but I know people will think twice.”

Clark never asked to become a symbol for those who aim hatred at Black women, but is she doing enough to distance herself from the position?

She issued a statement after hearing of the harassment Thomas experienced. “The harassment, the hate. None of that is OK,” Clark said. “There should never be a question of character, as I’ve always stood up here and said that, and that’s truly what I believe; that’s how I was raised. So, none of that is okay, and I don’t want anyone to experience that.”

It’s similar to another statement Clark made in 2025 after Angel Reese faced racial slurs while playing against the Fever in Indianapolis. “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said. “Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that. I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that.”

A competitive moment between Clark and Reese during the 2023 NCAA Championship game sparked a cultural division that followed both players to the WNBA. Their star power has coincided with the league’s recent emergence, but the overall success continues to be marred by the divisiveness initiated by Clark’s supporters.

“I would like for to have addressed her fans,” Christmas said. “Her fans are making threats, and they’re making racist comments. And it’s only racial coming from her fans. They don’t even really love the game. They just love her and then try to make it about race. At some point. I would like to see her stand against her fans when she sees them attacking some people that are on the court.”

Beyond her polarizing fanbase, Clark has also been accused of presenting herself as a victim and throwing tantrums on the court when things don’t go her way. During a recent game against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark used her hand to create distance while driving for a layup against the Valkyries’ Kiah Stokes. Clark fell to the ground after the layup and began berating referee Gerda Gatling while yelling, “Give me a f—-g call! I got fouled five times!” Replay video revealed that Stokes initiated no contact, and Gatling showed restraint by not giving Clark a technical foul.

The clip of Clark’s tantrum went viral, and she faced backlash online for her negative attitude.

“Caitlin Clark is a liar and the most dangerous type of white woman,” @mama4obama wrote on X. “One whose lies get Black women death threats. She wasn’t even touched and should have been thrown out of the game for the way she behaved toward the ref.”

“The Caitlin Clark experience serves as a microcosm of America’s divided socio-political atmosphere.”

The Caitlin Clark experience serves as a microcosm of America’s divided socio-political atmosphere. She has been chosen as a figurehead for hatred and division while her Black colleagues on the court remain prime targets.

It’s become an inescapable stain for a league that fought for years to garner interest and respect.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.

The post How Black WNBA players became collateral damage in the Caitlin Clark culture war appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Based on reporting by Afro-American – Washington.

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Commentary

Free Back-to-School Summer Family and Community Event Is Coming to Richmond

OAKLAND POST — Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Published

1 day ago

July 26, 2026

bpusa-syndication

By Carol Lee Tolbert

Boost African American and Black student literacy skills this school year by attending the 2026 ‘Right-To-Read’ film viewing on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. An award-winning documentary exposing the literacy crisis impacting many African American and Black students in our public schools.

In the words of the film’s director, “It’s a game changer.” After the audience views this eye-opening film, our experienced panelists will provide information to parents, guardians, and advocates on how to help children become proficient readers, close the literacy gap, and share why literacy matters.

Here is an example of a comment by a past attendee: “Excellent experience!” “The panel was amazing!”

Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Sadly, African American/Black students ranked last in fourth-grade reading scores and 5th in eighth-grade reading scores. So, what’s the big deal? According to NAEP, just 10 points can mean a grade-level difference between two students in the same class!

THE MORNING ALSO INCLUDES: A Backpack Giveaway, Fun Activities for Kids, Breakfast, Lunch, Prizes, and Materials!

To be sure, some African American/Black students are thriving in public schools, but far too many are not – as the data reveals. By watching this inspiring film and hearing from panelists, WCCUSD parents, guardians, and advocates can give children a jumpstart on the 2026-2027 school year. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed!

This event is sponsored by the Oakland Eastbay Alliance of Black Educators (OEABE), in partnership with Easter Hill United Methodist Church and United Women of Faith.

Pre-register by July 29 at www.oeabe.org. Space is limited. Inquiries can be emailed to oeabe.info@gmail.com. Event location is 3911 Cutting Blvd, Richmond.

About the Author

Carol Lee Tolbert, M.A., M. Ed., is a former School Board Trustee, Education Consultant, and Vice President of OEABE.