Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Attendees of the Brown Sugar Brilliance club meeting talking to each other in a circle while smiling. A bubble floats in the air.

Brown Sugar Brilliance sweetens the soul with Black queer excellence

How a new club for NYU’s bustling Black queer scene might help me heal my inner child, reconnect with nature, and vibe out in all my vulnerabilities.
Ekene Onukogu, Contributing Writer September 28, 2023

NYU is far from a historically Black college, but the Black experience in New York City is truly like no other. It’s hard to match the energy of going to a summer block party...

An edited illustration of Michelangelo's “The Creation of Adam” showing the index fingers of a pair of yellow hands with black tattoos wearing rings touching.

Review: Yves Tumor cheekily preaches for religious fluidity

The artist's newest album, “Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)” is rich in visual aesthetic and political argument. 
Sandy Battulga, Music Editor March 29, 2023

In “Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds),” Yves Tumor overtly and subtly pokes fun at the rigidity of Christianity, arguing for...

Against a purple background, a reel of film with the yellow text “IS THIS BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU !?!?” imprinted on it.

Review: ‘Is That Black Enough for You?!?’ reappraises Black filmmaking

“Is That Black Enough for You?!?” documents the forgotten chapter in American film history when Black directors drove the industry. The film is currently playing in select theaters and is available to stream on Netflix.
Yezen Saadah, Staff Writer November 14, 2022

The new documentary “Is that Black Enough for You?!?” was recently screened at the New York Film Festival. It describes the history of Black cinema and its long-lasting impact....

An illustration with a purple background, featuring three Instagram posts with two women in swimsuits, and another one wearing a strapless dress and pink sunglasses.

Struggling with beauty standards while growing up Black

Beauty standards are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Existing between multiple cultures can make it feel impossible.
Maia-Olivia McDonald, Contributing Writer March 24, 2022

Beauty is contextual and temporal. I, being Afro-Caribbean, have endlessly struggled with that interpretation. Caribbean beauty standards. Black American, particularly Southern,...

An illustration of the back of a Black girl’s head while she sprays products into her hair in front of a mirror. On the right is a table with eight assorted hair care product containers.

The US hair care industry lags behind in accepting Black hair

Hair is an essential part of Black identity and culture in America. It’s time for hair care brands to reflect that.
Mika Chipana, Contributing Writer March 11, 2022

Hair matters. It is a part of our identity, our sense of self. Hair is an extension of culture, a unified experience. But my hair did not start mattering to me on a personal level...

(Image via THEO)

Diamond in the rough: THEO continues mining for brand identity

Is it supposed to be subversive minimalism or tacky ZARA party glam?
Victoria Maung, Abroad Arts & Culture Editor February 16, 2022

THEO’s digital presentation of its Fall/Winter 2022 collection, “_Crystalline_,” was confusing. THEO, lead by designer Theo Dekan, is a Kyiv-based fashion brand that erases...

When asked how he approached photographing the sex educator, Jason Turner explained, "When I think of sex, I still think of love. I suppose these pictures show that side of it all." (Photo by Jason Turner)

Tara Jones: sex educator and advocate

College of Arts & Science senior is calling for comprehensive sex education centering around black and queer voices.
Rachel Mashambanhaka, Contributing Writer December 10, 2021

When I first sat down with Tara Jones in Jurow Lecture Hall, my mind was racing with all the questions I wanted to ask. She was “the Sex Educator,” according to her Instagram....

Illustrated by Alejandra Arevalo.

Encountering Trauma in the Classroom

Black students often view racially traumatic images, videos and readings for the sake of learning, and that exposure can take a lasting toll on their emotional and mental health.
Tatyana Tandanpolie, Contributing Writer April 20, 2020

Content Warning: This article contains mentions of racial trauma, slavery, violence against Black and Brown bodies and racial slurs that can be disturbing or triggering. Black...

Nya-Simone Spann is a freshman at Stern who has her own jewelry business. Her brand is focused on creating pieces fit for a diverse range of customers.(Photo by Katherine Hollis)

First-Year’s Jewelry Business Encourages Inclusion

A Stern student uses her business mind and creativity to embolden women of color and promote diversity.
Nya Etienne, Staff Writer February 18, 2020

Stern first-year Nya-Simone Spann is the founder and CEO of the fashion-forward accessories brand Simone’s Pieces. Her warm personality and firm belief in her business is testimony...

Protect Black Girls Before It’s Too Late

Protect Black Girls Before It’s Too Late

Black girls and women are failed every day that society continues to neglect and ignore them.
Chinenye Onyeike, Staff Writer November 25, 2019

Samaya Dillard was a seven-year-old black girl from Sacramento. In December of 2013, Dillard’s second-grade teacher dragged her by her chair outside into the cold and made her...