Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now
Victoria M. Massie

Victoria M. Massie

Former Race & Identities Reporter

    Latest articles by Victoria M. Massie

    archives
    Watch: Jay Smooth explains why celebrating Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is trickyWatch: Jay Smooth explains why celebrating Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is tricky
    archives

    It’s worth noting that tying Harriet Tubman to American money is complicated.

    By Victoria M. Massie
    Social Media
    Snapchat tried to honor Bob Marley on National Weed Day — and failed miserablySnapchat tried to honor Bob Marley on National Weed Day — and failed miserably
    Social Media

    Marley didn’t just smoke weed for recreation. It was a part of his spiritual practice as a Rastafarian.

    By Victoria M. Massie
    Politics
    How Clarence Thomas used racism to deny he sexually harassed Anita HillHow Clarence Thomas used racism to deny he sexually harassed Anita Hill
    Politics

    The hearing wasn’t as simple as “he said, she said.”

    By Victoria M. Massie
    Culture
    Actors Aldis Hodge and Jurnee Smollett-Bell on why WGN’s “Underground” resonates todayActors Aldis Hodge and Jurnee Smollett-Bell on why WGN’s “Underground” resonates today
    Culture

    “I think it does make us take a look at our lives to look at what can I do to own my freedom more?”

    By Victoria M. Massie
    Politics
    Why did Bernie Sanders do better with black voters in the Midwest? We asked 4 experts.Why did Bernie Sanders do better with black voters in the Midwest? We asked 4 experts.
    Politics

    Exit polls are missing a lot of points about the black electorate in 2016.

    By Victoria M. Massie
    archives
    The outrage over Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone, explainedThe outrage over Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone, explained
    archives

    What we talk about when we talk about Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone.

    By Alex Abad-Santos, Victoria M. Massie and 1 more
    Video
    Afrofuturism mixes sci-fi and social justice. Here’s how it works.Afrofuturism mixes sci-fi and social justice. Here’s how it works.
    Play
    Video

    Black people aren’t represented in sci-fi and fantasy works. Afrofuturism is one solution.

    By Victoria M. Massie and Gina Barton
    Culture
    Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler are hosting #JusticeForFlint concert. Here’s why it matters.Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler are hosting #JusticeForFlint concert. Here’s why it matters.
    Culture

    Celebrities are pitching in where local officials failed Flint residents.

    By Victoria M. Massie
    Culture
    Race is supposed to be a biopic about Jesse Owens. Too bad it focuses on everyone but him.Race is supposed to be a biopic about Jesse Owens. Too bad it focuses on everyone but him.
    Culture

    Race misses a great opportunity to add nuanced social commentary on race.

    By Victoria M. Massie
    Culture
    The first black Oscar winner fought segregated housing in Los Angeles — and wonThe first black Oscar winner fought segregated housing in Los Angeles — and won
    Culture

    Hattie McDaniel broke down barriers on and off the big screen.

    By Victoria M. Massie