I logged into Twitter this morning to see this video of people in Palm Beach, Florida defiantly telling officials they could not mandate the wearing of face masks. Their unsupported arguments and hubris were just unbelievable considering the time, energy and money this country puts towards education. Either these folks failed their science classes, or … Continue reading How Will Ignorance Kill Us?
Month: June 2020
How Might We Encourage Black Students to Study Science?
On February 12, 1900, five hundred school children in Jacksonville, Florida performed what would become known as the Black National Anthem, one of my favorite songs to sing in church. Lift every voice and singTill earth and heaven ring,Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;Lift Every Voice and Sing, James Weldon Johnson Ever since the murder … Continue reading How Might We Encourage Black Students to Study Science?
How Do We Know A Champion?
The email came five years ago from a friend in North Carolina. Teresa Simmons told me about a Duke cancer researcher who had undergone a heart transplant because that vital human organ of his had been destroyed by Lyme disease. Would I help him with publicity? Teresa is one of many people I have toiled … Continue reading How Do We Know A Champion?
Are Institutions and Businesses Engaging in Performance Activism?
The Relationship Manager and Lending Specialist for the local branch of Bank of America called my house. Fortunately, I wasn't home. But my husband, who never picks up a phone, answered and later dutifully gave me a message. What did she want? I asked him. That's when he became my recognizable husband again. I don't … Continue reading Are Institutions and Businesses Engaging in Performance Activism?
Have We Become Documentary Filmmakers?
BBC reporter Joshua Nevett wrote an interesting piece about people who have dared to record moments of police brutality. Nevett begins by writing about 17-year-old Darnella Frazier, the young woman who had the presence of mind to film what would eventually become the murder of George Floyd. The story reminded me of an ethical discussion … Continue reading Have We Become Documentary Filmmakers?
Can Police Departments Evolve?
Yesterday, this quote from Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson appeared in my Twitter feed. “We are recruiting across our nation’s police forces far too many people who are not there to protect and serve, and preserve the peace — but are there to be the neighborhood bully.”https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/protests-for-racial-justice-sweep-the-nation-84652101870 My first, non-Officer Friendly, police encounter … Continue reading Can Police Departments Evolve?
Does Your Parrot Talk?
On beautiful afternoons during this time of quarantine, I will see neighborhood children and parents walk past my house. They see me on my front porch with my bird, and will ask: Does your parrot talk? Oh yes; she talks up a storm, but not when they ask her to say something! Like any good … Continue reading Does Your Parrot Talk?
How Powerful are Our Words?
Book cover of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You.
Why is the Adoption of a Child Forever?
Somewhat lost among the news stories last week about the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, appeared the story about YouTube Influencer Myka Stauffer and her now former son, Huxley. Yes, that's a weird statement isn't it? Former son. I find social media influencers problematic. Many of them love the stardom; companies see money … Continue reading Why is the Adoption of a Child Forever?
Can I Offer a Different Perspective on Racism?
The first time I was called the "n" word was in 2nd grade. Yes, the first time etches itself. I even remember the name of the person who hurled the slur. Just recently my closest friend told me the taunter had had an awful upbringing; a mother with a psychiatric illness. So he was a … Continue reading Can I Offer a Different Perspective on Racism?
