Listen to Them First
As a father, I observed and studied my children to learn how they hear, so I might understand how they are wired and know how to communicate with them best. I observe my own grandchildren in a similar way, which … Continue reading Listen to Them First
Bright Lights from Our Past Illuminate our Path
Those who seek your oppression will always demonize those who seek your liberation. When the Griots of the African culture sat down to share the history of the tribe, it was the duty of the listeners to internalize these … Continue reading Bright Lights from Our Past Illuminate our Path
The February Theme is entitled Blackout.
“The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” Fredrick Douglass Blackout: The effort to systematically erase memories of national history. This February, during Black history month, classrooms across the country are at risk … Continue reading The February Theme is entitled Blackout.
Strong Medicine
As I sit with my tissues, anti-biotic, vitamins, and hot tea trying to ride out this Covid diagnosis, my current unwellness puts a twist on what I was thinking for the article this month. Just as the pandemic has caused … Continue reading Strong Medicine
Whitewash: The Suppression of America’s Racist History
By Joel A. Bowman, Sr. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” These are the often-repeated words of Spanish philosopher, George Santayana. They are simple, yet profound. However, it is clear that many Americans are currently … Continue reading Whitewash: The Suppression of America’s Racist History
Blackout Books
When I was a librarian, we had a number of parents that would request one-on-one tutoring for their child who was struggling with reading for one reason or another. Our Children’s Librarian happily created space to do this in her … Continue reading Blackout Books
Admit it, Quit it, But for God’s Sake Don’t Forget it
It’s 11:59 PM; revelers dot the avenues in each of the well-known and obscure taverns and watering holes. What’s the occasion, Marti Gras, the Superbowl celebrations? It could be, or it may be, it’s just another ordinary Saturday night in … Continue reading Admit it, Quit it, But for God’s Sake Don’t Forget it
Recovering Our National Memories
America has a national amnesia when it comes to our history. So much of the past centuries since the European colonizers claimed the continent for themselves—and ignored the inconvenient presence of the Indigenous—is simply erased and forgotten, as if it … Continue reading Recovering Our National Memories
“You Can’t Handle the Truth!”
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Truth sets us free from the shackles which bind our intellect. Truth delivers us from unhealthy and destructive biases. Truth frees the soul to fellowship … Continue reading “You Can’t Handle the Truth!”
Three-Fifths 