Transitions: Exploring Opportunities 2020
In the middle of a pandemic and a civil rights movement (Black Lives Matter), I experienced much pain but also in the midst of the pain, moments of joy. How and why this happens is beyond me. What I have learned is to live in Read More …
Anti-Racist: What Would Peter Norman Do
In light of the Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, many are questioning their prejudice, bias, and role in perpetuating systemic racism. It is not enough to not be a racist, you must strive to be Read More …
History Lessons: 1918, 1944, 1960
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”–George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905. “What history teaches is that men have never learned anything from it.” — Hegel Movies and television programs in the 1960s had us thinking that by the year Read More …
The Flag & America’s Desecration of Black Veterans
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” – US Declaration of Independence Unfortunately, America does not seem Read More …
Understanding Over-Policing & Defunding the Police
During the protests, people are talking about systemic racism, over-policing, school-to-prison pipeline, police brutality and defunding the police. You need to understand where this is coming from. This is but a primer to understand a small portion of the issues leading to cries for defunding Read More …
Punishing Impunity and Judging Discretion: Police Brutality
“Burn this B*tch Down,” Louis Head shouted in anger after learning of St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert (Bob) McCulloch’s announcement that the Ferguson grand jury returned a no true bill against Officer Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown. The protests began and so did Read More …
George Floyd, Protests & America
I wanted to be silent because anger and rage is high. I am fed up and tired of being sick and tired of America’s racism, prejudice, faux political correctness, liberal whites who only give lip service to the black community but want our votes and Read More …
Church in Quarantine: Erykah Badu & Jill Scott
Featured artwork by: Jeff Manning Art Even before quarantine, my soul was weary. I hungered for that sweet communion of fellowship. I heard about a new service a few weeks ago that they called battles. The first battle was between kings Babyface and Teddy Riley. Read More …
In Defense of André Leon Talley and Michael Jordan
I watched ESPN’s The Last Dance featuring Michael Jordan (MJ) and the Chicago Bulls 1997-98 team. Amidst this, I read about excerpts from The Chiffon Trenches, André Leon Talley’s upcoming memoir which references his relationship with Anna Wintour. I love black people and our culture. Read More …
420 Playlist – Get High
I am not a 420 participant. It is the smell. It reminds me of leaves burning in the fall. For me, texture and smell can be a turn off. The smell of cannabis is not pleasant. Maybe if it were more aromatic then I would Read More …
Social Distancing – Bring out the Board Games
During holidays and breaks, there was family time. That typically meant board games with my family. This was never a simple matter. Even as children, it was competitive. My dad did not believe in letting us win. He said that he wanted us to know Read More …
White Feminists & LGBTQ Community: It’s Time to Pull Up
March is Women’s History Month. I am always conflicted about it. It follows Black History Month and there’s a natural angst because I rarely see feminists highlight the contributions of women of color. Every election cycle there is an interesting spectacle of candidates who claim Read More …