In the aftermath of the killings of two more African-American citizens by local law enforcement officers, the subsequent nationwide protests, and the killings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge; the opponents of the movement to restructure policing in America have attempted to re-brand the phrase Black Lives Matter. Continue reading “Words About Black Lives, Matter”
Pets, People, and America
Running away from the long arm of law enforcement. Running to find the missing members of your family. A beautiful movie at the end of a tragic week. Continue reading “Pets, People, and America”
American Pie (Pt. 4)
This is the fourth in a series of posts in which I try to understand what’s going on in our country right now. Continue reading “American Pie (Pt. 4)”
Summer Blocks Buster
I have spent nearly all of my adult life mentoring and teaching young people. Any adult involved in the work of raising, teaching, coaching, mentoring, or supporting young people is also an unofficial ambassador for the social contract of America. It’s not enough to teach kids to follow the rules. In this moment, the more relevant questions are: Continue reading “Summer Blocks Buster”
American Pie (Part 1)
As this year’s presidential election rolls through the country like a car in reverse with the parking brake still on; I am less interested in talking about the final 4-5 candidates for the job, and I am more interested in posing a few questions to the American people about what exactly we’re trying to do here. Continue reading “American Pie (Part 1)”
We Broke Ya’ll
Back in January, the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) published a powerful report on the financial health of America’s citizens. The picture they chose for the report’s cover describes the situation perfectly: Continue reading “We Broke Ya’ll”
Off White Privilege
Recent terror attacks in Paris and Beirut. Civil war in Syria. Forced exodus of millions of Syrian and Iraqi families. French bombs. U.S. bombs. Russian bombs. Soda can bombs. These are serious times. Continue reading “Off White Privilege”
Watercolors at the Water Cooler
“Is this what progress feels like?!” That was the first of many questions which jumped in my mind while reading a recent Atlantic magazine article by Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield which presents a view of workplace diversity from the perspective of people whose bodies and backgrounds have added color to the canvas of the professional workplace. Continue reading “Watercolors at the Water Cooler”
Good Clean English Names
“Why didn’t your mother give you a good, clean, English name?”
This unfortunate question was directed to me by a newly hired co-worker at my job during a training session a few weeks ago. While my initial reaction was surprise at the boldness and lack of tact with which the statement was uttered, the second (and longer-lasting) feeling that cascaded over me was one of disappointment in my co-worker. From the outside, it looked like she would have known better.