The Gatekeeper

Defining Black American Identity in the 21st Century

February 28, 2026

blacklikevanilla

This season, I did something audacious. I applied to three PhD programs in Anthropology with zero formal experience in the field. I have taken notes from the boldness of those who rarely question whether they belong. Audacity, it seems, opens doors. Two rejections arrived. I am still waiting on the…

A Case for the Paper Bag Test – The Gatekeeper – Vol. I No. 01

September 1, 2025

blacklikevanilla

Trigger Warning: Race/Identity This piece will only be uncomfortable with those who may take offense to the following statement: I have four Black-American grandparents. I know that this statement FEELS aggressive but trust me, it only FEELS that way. This is not poking a wound. In fact it is the…