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

Our Babies, Our Legacy, Our Gratitude

Dear Darius, Nia and Layla, Another year has flown by and we are now on the verge of welcoming 2017. All three of you, at different levels, continue to grow and mature, solidifying your personalities and testing your limits along the way. Your childhoods, although stable, have been impacted by trends and changes that we… Continue reading Our Babies, Our Legacy, Our Gratitude

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

When The NFL Supports Cancer & Poverty, But Ignores Racism

In our home, even after Darius’ graduation, three students remain—-Layla, Nia and myself. Every morning, after our daughters are dropped off at school, I’m pushing though my own set of online classes. One of them is “Multicultural Perspectives.” As I opened the file for Chap. Two this week, the assignment:”Watch the included video links about… Continue reading When The NFL Supports Cancer & Poverty, But Ignores Racism

Kicking It Old (& New) School, Generation Next

Every summer, a month before school begins, it happens like clockwork: Nia and Layla wander over to the school supply section, pick up the generalized school district supply lists and question their parents as if we were educated in a distant place and time far, far away: “Mom/Dad, what stuff did you use when you… Continue reading Kicking It Old (& New) School, Generation Next