It used to be that my pen was my comfort. I wrote when I felt stressed, overwhelmed, sad, pretty much any time I had big feelings, I wrote. This has been a lifelong habit, even from when I was a little girl crafting background stories for every doll in my collection. I have … [Read more...] about Write On
politics
In Representation We Trust
One brown face is not enough. One brown face is just the beginning. I’ve had a hard time articulating what this Biden-Harris administration means, the obvious reasons aside, of course. I’ve been the only woman of color in the room, at the table, with the microphone, for most … [Read more...] about In Representation We Trust
A New Day
I have shed more than a gallon of tears since November 9, 2016. Most of those tears were a manifestation of grief with a solid dose of fury. These last few days also found me in tears as I struggled with impending election results. I took a long walk the day after the election … [Read more...] about A New Day
On the Eve of the First Day of School – 2020 Edition
Dear Bird and Deal, I usually write you a letter before the beginning of the school year to tell you what I hope the year ahead holds for you. My feelings are more complex and jumbled this year. Even as a writer, I struggle to put words to my emotions. I can’t quite name what … [Read more...] about On the Eve of the First Day of School – 2020 Edition
Going for a Walk Isn’t Even Safe Anymore
I had a bumper sticker once that said, “Friendly neighborhood liberal.” I was harassed on the road on a stretch of I-40 just shy of Greensboro, presumably for said sticker. And someone flicked a cigarette butt on the hood of my car at a stop sign while my young sons were strapped … [Read more...] about Going for a Walk Isn’t Even Safe Anymore
Songs for the Resistance
Music is a tonic that soothes us, inspires us, and fires us up. We are in exhausting times, and some soulful sounds from a variety of artists might be just what we need to fuel us. Do not feel defeated, friends. There is power among us as we organize. I'm sending you a virtual … [Read more...] about Songs for the Resistance
The Failure of Diversity
Platitudes prevail in America. Armchair activism. Social media. Memes. Retweets. Graphic T-shirts. Yard signs. We are quick to share our opinions but what are we actually doing to impart change? White supremacy and the patriarchy must be tumbled in order for a new … [Read more...] about The Failure of Diversity