It was a phrase first made famous in a Malcolm X speech, then within the dialogue of Spike Lee’s seminal 1989 film of the same name: “Do the right thing.” The words, though simplistic, symbolize the need to make tough choices in turbulent times. Pushing forward with optimism into uncharted territory takes wisdom, courage and… Continue reading Moving Forward, Looking Back: The Impact of the Obamas
Category: DMN Briefing Columns
Weekly published columns that appear in Friday’s paper version of Briefing and online @dallasnews.com/local voices, make sure you check for the new ones on Saturdays to add your .02 :)
Losing Our Rhythm: Broken Hearts & Silenced Voices In 2016
On Feb. 3, 1959, a trio of young rockers—-J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly—-simultaneously lost their lives in a plane crash shortly after take-off. The day became a tragic anniversary in the annals of music history and became known to fans of rock-and-roll as “The Day The Music Died.” For those… Continue reading Losing Our Rhythm: Broken Hearts & Silenced Voices In 2016
Overlooking Racism, Enabling Racism: Helping America (Freely) Hate Again
In the 1984 comedy film, Beverly Hills Cop II, Eddie Murphy’s character, who was under surveillance, kept a pair of cops from following him by sneaking out of his hotel, running across the street and putting a banana inside the tailpipe of their vehicle. Hours later, he’s relocated and told, by the new undercover cops,… Continue reading Overlooking Racism, Enabling Racism: Helping America (Freely) Hate Again
Talkin’ Loud, Sayin’ Nothin’: How Symbols & Soundbites Trivialize The Struggle
A new month has arrived, a new year is around the corner and for some, 2017 can’t get here fast enough. Natural diasters, escalating civil unrest and a contentious election campaign have left many with frayed nerves and perpetual headaches, particularly as they imagine what changes the new administration and the president-elect’s cabinet choices could… Continue reading Talkin’ Loud, Sayin’ Nothin’: How Symbols & Soundbites Trivialize The Struggle
Standards, Struggle Love and A Woman’s Worth
The first time I heard Alicia Keys, I was with my mother. She’s not half the music fan that her daughter turned out to be, but that didn’t keep Mama from getting wind of Keys’ first single, “Fallin,’” and playing it every. chance. she. got. In fact, she played it so often and so incessantly… Continue reading Standards, Struggle Love and A Woman’s Worth