The hurtful sentiment to "go home" isn't news to anyone of color in America. It's neither shocking nor alarming. Because we're used to it. I used to reply with a snide, "Go home? You mean to Virginia where I grew up?" This was followed by silence and a textbook look of … [Read more...] about Go Home
America
Free Summer Meals
Summer is a time for doors closing (or slamming, if you have teenagers in the house) as we end one chapter, while windows are thrust open to let in fresh ideas and inspirations. There is a palpable sense of freedom and wistfulness about the luxury of laziness. I watch my sons … [Read more...] about Free Summer Meals
Resist Tokenism.
If you are a leader of any sort and lift up people of color, minorities, and underrepresented people to make yourself look better, you are doing it wrong. We are not here to be your tokens. Underrepresented populations need to have a seat at the proverbial decision-making … [Read more...] about Resist Tokenism.
Fight on The Fourth of July
I don’t take my United States citizenship for granted because my family chose to be American; we weren’t born to it. As we do every year, we went to the North Carolina state Capitol to watch newly minted United States citizens sworn in. Today we celebrated 27 new citizens, … [Read more...] about Fight on The Fourth of July
Thoughts & Prayers Are Trite
I scope out exits everywhere I go now. I peek under seats to gauge the space beneath. I look for columns and other such things to duck behind if need be. I consider where I can hide and shield my sons. For ages I've kept this to myself, fearing I'd look like a paranoid crazy … [Read more...] about Thoughts & Prayers Are Trite
The Promise of Darkness, Eclipse 2017
We’ve been a nation shrouded in darkness since November 9, yet today we welcomed the darkness as we eagerly awaited the total solar eclipse. In a paradoxical twist, it was the promise of darkness that breathed an airy lightness into our country. Today was a … [Read more...] about The Promise of Darkness, Eclipse 2017
I’m a Flag Waving Liberal
The republican president is not my America. My America is open and diverse and welcoming. My America celebrates its freedom rather than squashes it. My America lifts others up, not puts them down. My America doesn’t make me feel ashamed. Independence Day has long been my … [Read more...] about I’m a Flag Waving Liberal