Mic Check: Who Really Gets to Speak Freely

This might be one of the more controversial posts I’ve written. While my blog usually leans into fashion, movies, and lifestyle, I occasionally feel compelled to speak on real-world issues—and this is one of those moments.

If you haven’t been following the news, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically killed at a speaking engagement. What followed was unexpected: a wave of public debate around freedom of speech, censorship, and political bias. It’s sparked a digital war between those who believe speech should be protected at all costs and those who feel certain voices have long gone unchecked.

As a Black woman, I’ll be honest—I never paid much attention to Charlie Kirk. His platform often centered around criticizing marginalized communities, including people who look like me. Naturally, my energy and empathy tend to go toward those who uplift and advocate for us. That said, I don’t believe anyone deserves to die in such a violent way. It’s heartbreaking, especially for his family.

But this situation has exposed something deeper: the selective nature of empathy and outrage. If we can’t pause to understand how others live or feel, how can we claim to support freedom of speech for all?

What complicates things further is the backlash against comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who made comments about Kirk. Disney reportedly responded by pulling his show, which led to a wave of unsubscribes from their streaming service. It raises the question: is freedom of speech truly free if companies punish people for expressing their views?

I often wonder—when decisions like this are made, are there any people of color in the room? Do these companies understand the impact of their actions on diverse communities? Silence can be strategic, but in this case, it seems Disney miscalculated.

Brands like Target are learning this too. We’re not in the 1920s anymore—Black consumers have power, and our dollars matter. Companies can’t afford to ignore that.

I’m not trying to be insensitive to those mourning Charlie Kirk. But I also won’t pretend he was a champion for equity or inclusion. If he had the right to speak freely without consequence, why don’t others get the same grace?

So I ask: Who really gets to speak freely—and is it only when the majority agrees?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Keep it respectful—any hate will be blocked