During a recent trip to New York City to celebrate a friend’s milestone birthday, we toured the iconic Ellis Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. As we gazed upon this gift from France, dedicated in 1886, I thought about … Continue reading July 2026 Theme: In the shadows of Lady Liberty
One thinks of the leadership approach of some as being consistent with the abusive behavior of bullies and those who commit various forms of assault. In general, abusers and bullies only violate, hurt and take from those who cannot stop … Continue reading Under the Leadership of Abusers and Bullies
In 1852, Frederick Douglass stood before an audience in Rochester, New York, and posed a question that continues to echo through American history: “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?” Douglass understood something that remains true today. … Continue reading What, to America, Is the 250th Anniversary?
The circus came to town and left it in such disarray. But, you see, it was stupendous, colossal, exciting, with three rings and death-defying stunts, bearded ladies and giant rats from the sewers of Paris. It was unbelievable, just as … Continue reading The Two Minute State of the Union
“I’ll tell you what’s at the bottom of it. If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and … Continue reading The Bottom Line
Her Body Remembers Some histories do not stay in the Smithsonian. They do not remain trapped in old dusty court records, past census lines, outdated policy language, or the brittle pages of a nation’s selective memory. History travels, descends, and … Continue reading The Architecture Of What Remains
Why won’t it work? The man shouted forcefully. He tried several restarts. He said Why isn’t this system working for me. After placing his appointment, all phone calls, and his rapidly cooling coffee on hold, his breathtaking displeasure and impatience … Continue reading There Is a Ghost In The Machine
The Confederacy is often remembered as a failed rebellion that ended with the Civil War in 1865. Militarily, that is true. The Confederate States of America surrendered, its government collapsed, and the Union was preserved. If we are honest about … Continue reading The Burial America Never Held
What gets carried forward from our past? What spirits follow us? What nightmares haunt us, not only in our sleep but during our waking hours? Generational trauma is a proven reality. Add to that our individual experiences with racism and … Continue reading Keeping Hope Alive
Three-Fifths 