Sign in

M🅱️u™ Maqungo

@mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social
64 followers 64 following 119 posts

I write, talk and organize. 🇺🇸🇿🇦🇸🇿 prev: Beaumont Enterprise, Rooster Teeth, Death Battle, Acres Home Community Advocacy Group, Port Arthur Community Action Network, The Ram Page

PostsRepliesMedia
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I don’t even believe nation-states should exist, but if we’re forced to have them we should not be giving them the power or permission structure to execute people, let alone live-streaming themselves doing it. We’re sick, man.
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I’d definitely suggest Medium or some other long-form publishing platform. (Also shamelessly throwing out there that I’m a freelancer who’d loved to collab.)
010
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
During the MTG: Arena workers’ union campaign, multiple employees posted pictures of letters on Bluesky from management discouraging them from voting yes. “We believe your voice is strongest when it is heard directly.” mbumaqungo.medium.com/dungeons-dra...
mbumaqungo.medium.com
Dungeons & Dragons and Magic The Gathering workers form a party to unionize 🎲🐉
The highest grossing tabletop roleplaying game and the second highest collectable card game could soon see higher-quality protections after…
110
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
D&D, Magic, D&D Beyond workers and other teams are now moving to expand @uwotc-official.bsky.social, the union of employees at Wizards of the Coast. mbumaqungo.substack.com/p/dungeons-a...
mbumaqungo.substack.com
Dungeons & Dragons and Magic The Gathering workers form a party to unionize 🎲🐉
The two Hasbro flagships roll for initiative in the workplace
122
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Isaiah D. Colbert @shineyezehuhh.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Waxed poetic about that Lanterns show and how its lowest-rated episode had the most to say about a bullshit aspirational platitude.
Black excellence is a term coined, lamentably, during the Barack Obama presidency. It’s meant to celebrate the Herculean efforts Black people make to succeed despite systemic and social barriers like racism, bigotry, and all manner of invisible tripwires that make success harder. Become a billionaire like Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Black excellence. Become president? Black excellence. Become a Lantern? Honey, you just might be a Black Hal Jordan in the making. But every time I hear the phrase, my teeth itch. To me, “Black excellence” lives in the same area code as white people calling a Black man “King” as a compliment—well-intentioned, maybe, but pandering as hell. 

My issue isn’t the term itself but the mindset behind it. The idea that Black people must be excellent to be worthy of celebration, status, or privilege. That mediocrity is unacceptable. That you must be exceptional on whatever sliding scale the moment demands, doing twice the work for half the validation. Black excellence is almost never self‑defined—it’s projected onto you, shaped by other people’s expectations rather than your own. It's a prison where your only solace is toxic gratitude for platitudes over self-affirmation. Having John reject that fool’s errand plight as the main hero of a primetime DC Studios series means more to me than any roadmap superhero timeline.
8426109
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The United Videogame Workers (@videogameworkers.bsky.social) launched a first of its kind mutual aid fund that raised over $252,446 at time of publication. Here’s just one testimonial from a rank and file member. 📸: @bethesdaunion.bsky.social
A black image with white text that reads “The UVW-CWA hardship fund just covered all my expenses for the move back home.” This quote is attributed to a One Bethesda Game Studios Communications Workers of America Union member who was impacted by layoffs in 2026.
040
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
While the workers behind WoW, Diablo & OW now have CBAs, organized devs and QA testers for Doom, Fallout, Elder Scrolls and so many more with @videogameworkers.bsky.social deserve your attention. mbumaqungo.medium.com/the-unionizi...
mbumaqungo.medium.com
The unionizing developers in Texas behind your favorite games 🎮
An introduction to the workers and organizers trying to save the gaming industry
001
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
September was bookended by nearly 1,900 Blizzard Entertainment workers winning an unprecedented union contact and 268 Microsoft staff lost their livelihoods. A bleak story that I set out to write a helpful on-ramp for. mbumaqungo.substack.com/p/the-unionizing-developers-in-texas
mbumaqungo.substack.com
The unionizing developers in Texas behind your favorite games 🎮
An introduction to the workers and organizers trying to save the gaming industry
100
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
She adds, "But Republicans have made it a big attack on you," which is a telling statement. Stated simply: We don't find it newsworthy either, but it's our job to use talking points from one side and parrot them back to the other side. If not, we'll be accused of bias. (Also, my boss is Bari Weiss)
844252861
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Read what happened here: tinyurl.com/3h349k8p
tinyurl.com
ICE arrest of Beaumont restaurant worker spurs community concern
The ICE arrest of a Beaumont restaurant worker has spurred a wide range of community concern. Here's what we know.
001
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/1FhR...
facebook.com
Facebook
100
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Beaumont’s Maria De Lourdes Gomez has been released from the Conroe I.C.E. concentration camp and returned to her family after 11 months of unlawful imprisonment.
100
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
ICYMI: a player-led labor union launched in July 2026 to protect, organize and represent college athletes as student-workers through CBAs. They stand in opposition to the Protect College Sports Act, legislation lobbied to the senate floor by Texas Tech megabooster Cody Campbell. theucaa.org
theucaa.org
UCAA | United College Athletes Association
We deserve a real seat at the table, so we’re organizing a union: the United College Athletes Association (UCAA). The UCAA’s mission is to protect, organize, and represent college athletes as humans, ...
011
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Aftermath @aftermath.site · 09/09/2026
After years of company stalling, Blizzard workers win mega-contract that applies to all unionized teams aftermath.site/blizzard-union...
the famous orc statue outside blizzard's HQ in irvine, california
213256874
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
OneBGS - Bethesda Game Studios Union @bethesdaunion.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Guaranteed remote and hybrid protections. Salary increases. Recall rights to open positions 14 months after a layoff anywhere in Blizzard. Massive congratulations to the units at Blizzard for securing these rights (and more) in their historic contract! A win for one is a win for all ✊
117462
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
What's next for me is a big question mark. I hope the gatekeepers in these job fields & the fourth estate see the value in real Black working-class perspectives in their newsrooms & comms teams. In the meantime, my focus will be on @rollingtothetop.bsky.social & my Substack. Siya Phambili. 👋🏾
011
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
It’s been a privilege to learn from so many people in this part of Texas. Above all, I hope my SETX labor, business, and policy writing helped people, & connected them to ordinary neighbors making a difference. chron.com/business/article/sabine-area-labor-council-aims-fix-tax-break-22411085.php
chron.com
Labor council president seeks BISD partnership this Labor Day
This Labor Day, the Sabine Area Central Labor Council is proposing officials reimagine tax abatement compliance enforcement with a new subsidized high school apprenticeship program.
010
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Criticisms of corporate tax break tracking and hiring compliance are nothing new in SETX. Beaumont & other municipalities in the area have said they rely on Jefferson County’s voluntary database. beaumontenterprise.com/business/article/sabine-area-labor-council-aims-fix-tax-break-22411085.php
beaumontenterprise.com
Labor council president seeks BISD partnership this Labor Day
This Labor Day, the Sabine Area Central Labor Council is proposing officials reimagine tax abatement compliance enforcement with a new subsidized high school apprenticeship program.
110
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
“Our TX labor movement is at a pivotal crossroads, with the future of the state in the balance,” @texasaflcio.org’s Leonard Aguilar & Lorraine Montemayor wrote in a recent report, adding context that union workers statewide favor connecting more people with high-paying union jobs.
110
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This is last story for the Beaumont Enterprise. This Labor Day, the Sabine Area Central Labor Council is proposing officials reimagine tax abatement compliance enforcement with a new subsidized Beaumont ISD high school apprenticeship program.
A vintage Labor Day pennant with Port Arthur, Texas Labor Day 1915 written on it is framed in the Sabine Area Central Labor Council President’s office.
121
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Michael Sainato @msainato.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
House Republicans launched investigations into several labor unions based on dubious claims and allegations from far right groups www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
House Republicans ramp up labor union investigations ahead of midterms
Inquiry come after conservative thinktanks claim unions are using member dues to support Democratic causes
0157
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Crying in the fucking cubicle rn 🥹 great stuff Nick!
110
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Nick Cramer @nervousnick.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I had the privilege of playing both producer and editor for this mini-doc surrounding Texas Showdown and the legendary Brolylegs! Thank you to everyone I interviewed for your stories, perspectives, and vulnerability. This project would be nothing without you. <3 www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3N3...
youtube.com
How Texas Carries an FGC Icon's Legacy
YouTube video by EvoFGC
2258
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I’ve been working on a D&D campaign with friends for the better part of a year. We started this before Dungeon Masters was announced, and took it as inspiration to share our merry little international band with the world. Can’t wait for y’all to see our pilot episode. ☺️
010
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Jason Koebler @jasonkoebler.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Flock CEO Garrett Langley has repeatedly lied about 404 Media's reporting, our intentions, and the facts of the cases we've reported First to Forbes & now in a leaked damage control convo he had with cops in Ohio. This company has not actually moderated itself www.404media.co/flocks-ceo-i...
404media.co
Flock’s CEO Is Lying to Cops About 404 Media's Reporting on Abortion Case
Garrett Langley, Flock’s CEO, told cops that a 404 Media story about cops using Flock to track someone who self-administered an abortion was "entirely false." He's lying.
522882
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
It’s bittersweet to learn today the icon was even more iconic as a unionized musician, but we really are always in for a treat when it comes to Dolly Parton’s influence. www.afm.org/2026/08/pass... Rest in Peace. 🙏🏾
afm.org
AFM Statement on the Passing of Dolly Parton
Today, the entire community of professional musicians mourns the loss of an irreplaceable icon and a generous heart: Dolly Parton. While the world knows her as a global superstar and philanthropist…
041
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
NEW: I spoke with multiple current EA workers who said many inside the company have become trapped in a 'state of cynicism' after the publisher was bought by an investor group led by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. Feelings of shame and uncertainty are the new normal, but where can they turn?
gamedeveloper.com
EA workers trapped in a maelstrom of uncertainty after Saudi deal
Current EA employees share their views on how the publisher's seismic $55 billion buyout will impact the people behind its popular franchises.
316373
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Read the full story 🩺: www.chron.com/news/article...
chron.com
Lt. Gov candidate Vikki Goodwin holds town hall in Beaumont
Texas Lieutenant Governor candidate Vikki Goodwin laid out her healthcare platform in a Beaumont town hall Wednesday during a tour to promote her race against Dan Patrick.
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
MN’s CWA 7250 was the subject of an illegal undercover federal investigation…all because they dared to be highly organized and active in the fight against the fascist ICE campaign. labornotes.org/2026/08/fede...
labornotes.org
Federal Spies Hunt Minnesota Unions in Search of Conspiracy, But Find Solidarity
Yesterday news broke of a sweeping undercover investigation by the Department of Homeland Security in Minnesota early this year to infiltrate and surveil meetings and obtain the financial records of n...
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
NEW: @vikkigoodwintx.bsky.social brought her Healthcare Town Hall to Beaumont Wednesday, and responded to last year’s reelection campaign kickoff for Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
100
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Read my latest on the Texas senate race: www.chron.com/news/article...
chron.com
James Talarico reveals economic policy platform in Port Arthur
Senate candidate James Talarico returned to the Jefferson County this week with a request for Golden Triangle voters to help him build the successor to the New Deal and the Great Society.
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
After his ”New American Dream” rally in Port Arthur, Texas, @jamestalarico.bsky.social said ICE’s priorities are messed up and leaned towards reforming the department over abolishing it. He visited the memorial of Lorenzo Araujo the day before coming to Jefferson County.
100
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Workforce Commission figures on unemployment in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro continue to surpass the state & national averages, & call into question prosperity of industrial Southeast Texas. ✍🏾: beaumontenterprise.com/business/article/unemployment-beaumont-port-arthur-metro-struggles-22376379.php
beaumontenterprise.com
Golden Triangle unemployment reaches new high this summer
A higher percentage of Golden Triangle workers are out of a job than Texans or Americans, according to Texas Workforce Solution's latest report.
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Read about the rest of the CBA terms and what @texasaflcio.org reps said in my latest piece: www.chron.com/business/art...
chron.com
Ashland strike in Texas City ends with some wins and concessions
Ashland Specialty Chemicals workers in Texas City ratified a new contract with the company, ending the 42-day strike. Read the terms here.
010
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
After 42 days of picketing from sunrise to sunset, the unfair labor practice strike at Ashland Specialty Chemicals Texas City plant has ended. Gains for workers include more sick leave & vacation days, a 9.25% wage increase over three years and other restored rights.
1575
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
OneBGS - Bethesda Game Studios Union @bethesdaunion.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
UVW-CWA's hardship fund has raised over 100k through the bundle with @itch.io and has had a real impact on the lives of laid off developers. You can help by purchasing the bundle, and make a long-term difference by joining UVW-CWA. Check out the bundle here: itch.io/b/3802/game-...
Quote from a OneBGS member who was impacted by layoffs: "The UVW-CWA hardship fund just covered all my expenses for the move back home."
016085
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Read my latest 🏗️ www.chron.com/business/art...
chron.com
Beaumont could tighten tax abatement rules after transparency concerns
Here are the comments, community impact and accountability suggestions raised during this week's city council tax abatement workshop in Beaumont.
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
NEW FROM ME: Beaumont city council set a deadline to make new corporate tax abatement policy terms this September. This update in that ongoing conversation in the community touches on city-level accountability, living wage calculators and the Sabine Area Labor Council.
110
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Tevita ‘Uhatafe @tevitauhatafe.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Why are central labor bodies/area labor federations using AI to promote their events?!?!? SMMFH! 🤦🏽
232
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
youtu.be/97oTFMml25s?...
youtu.be
Modern Gaming Needs More Iwatas
YouTube video by Monado Boy
000
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
New study! www.epi.org/publication/...
epi.org
The case for tripling union membership: How rebuilding union power would strengthen workers, the economy, and our democracy
Foreword Imagine union membership tripling in the United States. It may sound radical—if you’ve forgotten history. In fact, more than 1 in 3 private-sector workers belonged to a union in the 1950s. Th...
001
M🅱️u™ Maqungo @mamelaaa-mbu57.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
They replaced this original flyer on their doors with a slightly less 3 armed version after they got shut down. www.chron.com/business/art...
000
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Lupita Nihongo @otsumamiboy.blacksky.app · 11/07/2026
Gurren Lagann is correct about its central conceit that the entirety of the power of the human spirit is ignited at the intersection of hope, belief, faith & trust. And that despair not only limits imagination but is also a spiritual death that leaves us helpless when facing humanity’s adversaries.
382929876
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
United Videogame Workers-CWA @videogameworkers.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Hobbies include: teaching people about wage theft
110119
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
💀Legendary Imposter Elianora ★★★★ @elianora.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I promised I'd get the mod up before bed! :) Unified Front - A Dev Support Mod is out now on Bethnet and @nexusmods.com creations.bethesda.net/en/skyrim/de... www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecia... @bethesdaunion.bsky.social @zosunited.bsky.social
Skyrim Unified Front mod banner with a female Dovahkiin holding a steel and wood shield with OneBGS logo on it over red paintSkyrim Unified Front mod screenshot with a female Dovahkiin holding a steel and wood shield with OneBGS logo on it over red paintInventory screenshot from Skyrim showcasing the Shield of Assured Quality and its stats. The shield has ZOS United QA logo on itSkyrim screenshot from birdseye view of Whiterun where the mod adds some red banners that have the OneBGS union logo on them
113943
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Microsoft is laying off 4,800 workers today. Its CEO made $96.5M in 2025, a 22% increase from the previous year. Microsoft made $101B in net income last year — and raked in up to $12.5B in tax breaks from Trump's Big Ugly Bill. This is what a rigged system looks like.
22388043621
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Jason Schreier @jasonschreier.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I want to re-emphasize one part of this Xbox story: Half of the 3,200 cuts are happening today and half are happening in the next 12 months. In other words, even people who survived today's layoffs will have to spend the coming year wondering if they're going to be next.
954160932
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Aftermath @aftermath.site · 06/07/2026
Xbox will lay off 3200 workers and cut four studios loose aftermath.site/xbox-layoffs-j...
Xbox logo
35462161
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
Chris Person @papapishu.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Microsoft engineered this so that it looked the least bad optically while at the same time still committing a slaughter, all so that Satya Nadella can still dick around with more useless AI horseshit. Fuck him and fuck Microsoft.
82430493
Reposted by M🅱️u™ Maqungo
GamesIndustry.biz @gibiz.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The United Videogame Workers union (UVW-CWA) has created a hardship fund for industry workers affected by layoffs in the United States and Canada www.gamesindustry.biz/union-launch...
A stylized white logo with the letters UVW in a geometric font on a red background, with "UNITED VIDEOGAME WORKERS · CWA" in a circular text around the bottom of the logo.
0317