In this life, one thing is certain. Loss. The past couple of years I’ve taken some pretty bad losses. I lost my stepdad, who was one of my biggest cheerleaders. Though his death was completely unexpected, I knew it was final and I could grieve and people would understand that grief comes with a loss [...]
Of course someone thought it was a good idea to pull their penis out in the middle of a department store - it's 2020. At this point I'd be less surprised if the man unzipped his pants and his pet crow flew out and perched on his shoulder. But let's take a look at what [...]
I walked into the lobby and pushed the arrow for the elevator. The metal doors slid open and a black man was standing inside. He had baggy pants on, dreads and a flat-billed baseball hat. Eyes wide, I quickly scanned the situation. Is he grabbing his waist band? Does he have drugs on him? What [...]
My oldest son scrunched up his nose and said, “I’m not black.” I was immediately filled with anguish and dread. My worst fear was being realized. I have been having race conversations with both of my boys for as long as I can remember. Sometimes because I had to and sometimes just to have an [...]
Strange fruit has begun to bloom again. Isn’t it peculiar? I first heard the term strange fruit when I was a child, but I didn’t understand what it meant. I just knew it was a song that appeared to be solemn. It wasn’t until I was an adult and heard the song again that I [...]
Pain. Anger. Grief. Fear. If you’re feeling heavy from these emotions right now, you are not alone. Our country is weighed down in mourning the innocent lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. But for the African American community, these are not new burdens to bear. The weight of these emotions have left [...]
Hey friend, Do you remember me? It’s been a while, I know. I sat behind you in civics in junior high. Do you remember me? You were my base on the cheer squad, and once you caught my head just before it hit the ground after a long day of stunting. You don’t remember? Our [...]
One day normal will return. When things go back to normal, the birds’ songs will sound a little sweeter. Hugs will feel a little tighter, and smiles will look a little warmer. When things go back to normal, visiting relatives will feel like a vacation. Tears of joy will come a little quicker and love will [...]
Alright friends, buckle up because I'm going to give this to you straight with no chaser (I've always wanted to say that). Co-parenting is tricky business, with or without a pandemic. There's constant shuffling of children from one house to the next all while trying not to unintentionally step on a landmine filled with your [...]
Dear School Districts, I'm writing to let you know that some students' failure to complete work is not about access, it's about disruption and anxiety about the future. Some students have parents that are still working who do not have the time or energy to then teach their child lessons that are to be learned [...]