Facebook's decision several years ago that people must use their first and last names on the popular social media site had negative consequences for a queer African American Bay Area man who recently received an award with his incorrect name.
Blackberri, a well known singer-songwriter who uses one name, was initially thrilled when he learned that he had won Man of the Year Award from The Barony, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the East Bay that raises funds for charities within Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties.
But Blackberri's excitement turned to disappointment when he saw that the award was made out to "Blackberri Singer," the name he has been forced to use on Facebook. "Blackberri Singer is not my name," Blackberri told