Race

Shining a Light on Institutional Racism: My firsthand account

Photo by Sean Patrick Murphy on Unsplash

When most people think of racism, visions of terrorism delivered mano a mano come to mind. You know … slavery, white hoods, lynchings, and other acts of abject terrorism and the trauma they leave in their wake come to mind. Interpersonal racism’s more comely, yet equally damaging sibling:institutional racism is not only alive and well, but thriving in the most unlikely of places. The time has come to shine a light on a textbook example to provide a better understanding.

Race

The Dreams of “My” Father

Image by Pete Souza, The White House

Last week, I watched Lester Holt interview the forty-fourth president of the United States, President Barack Obama. During the interview, the two men covered much of Mr. Obama’s two terms. Midway through the broadcast, it occurred to me that Mr. Obama’s presidency is the fulfillment of so much of

The Bigger Picture

Staying Human: Self-Care in the Face of Those Who Would Deny Your Humanity

Image by Clem Onoieghuo, unsplash.com

Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed numbers of black Americans and law enforcement officers killed in shootings. A lot has been said about the black community, our families, the police, and the system; but there’s one subject that is rarely addressed: the affect these shootings on black Americans and what coping skills we should employ.

Race

The Reason You Can’t Understand What Black Americans Are Going Through

Why is it that some people can easily grasp what Black Americans experience in the United States and others find it nearly impossible?

For Argument’s Sake

Let’s swap out Black Americans for short-statured people. No average-sized person can fully understand the challenges that we Little People face: the physical challenges of living in a world into which we do not inherently fit.

The Bigger Picture

America in Retrograde

A growing number of Americans are horrified by the recent spate of violent events related to race over the last few years. To me it’s like a watching a bad reality show entitled, “America in Retrograde.” If only the state of our union was just a TV show, I imagine lots of viewers would be scrambling for their remotes.

Hey Clay

Letter No. 9: Why All the Buzz About Black Lives Matter?

Hey, Clay.

I’m a little confused on the #blacklivesmatter movement. What is the message, and what do they want us to know about it. I have yet to receive a clear message on what it stands for. I know it has created spin offs like #alllivesmatter and #copslivesmatter. I know they want more policing of the police. What do they recommend we do to support them?

Hey Clay

Letter No. 4: Am I Black or Not?

Hey, Clay.

Am I Black or not?

My mother is white, and my father is Black. I’m biracial, identify as Black, but look white. Black people always tell me I’m not Black enough, it’s like I constantly have to prove my Blackness. “You like hard rock? Obviously you’re not Black enough.” Oreo cookie. 

Race

“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism”

Image by Kristina Flour, Unsplash.com

For the longest time I’ve wanted to broach the subject of racism on my blog, but I wasn’t sure where or how to start the conversation. Earlier this week, Cheryl Strayed, the #1 New York Times best selling author of the memoir Wild (which became a hugely popular film starring Reese Witherspoon) posted this article by Dr. Robin DiAngela (which I have reposted below in its entirety) on her Facebook page. The following article is by no means a blanket indictment, but an important and insightful starting point for dialog.