The popular saying: “If you build it, they will come” was first introduced in the 1989 baseball movie Field of Dreams. In searching the origin of this quote, all while thinking about equity work; it was a brilliant accident that I was also drawn to the baseball picture shown here (adapted from The Interaction Institute for Social Change by artist Angus Maguire). I have … [Read more...]
Race in Educational Access and Attainment Still Matters!
On June 23, 2016, the United States Supreme Court upheld in the Fisher v. University of Texas case the continued use of race-conscious policies in higher education. I must admit that I am somewhat surprised but given the balance of the court of liberal and conservative voices with the absence of Justices Kagan and Scalia, maybe this is what tipped the scale. This decision, … [Read more...]
Charleston Church Massacre: It’s Not Enough To Just Show Sympathy, Black Lives Matter
While I listen and watch different newscasts and the read plethora of reactions to the horrific Charleston Church Massacre, terrorist attack and hate crime, I feel I need to contribute my own voice. As I thought about this task, I became speechless and numb. Our collective struggle, suffering and victimization as Black people continue to be embedded in the DNA of the … [Read more...]
Déjà Vu at the 50th Anniversary March on Washington
On Wednesday, August 28, thousands of people will go to Washington D.C. and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. This first march focused on civil and economic rights for African Americans and has been credited with advancing the passage of both the Civil … [Read more...]
NYPD Stop and Frisk Policy Violates Constitutional Rights of Blacks and Hispanics
On Monday, August 12, 2013, a federal judge ruled that the infamous Stop and Frisk policy of the New York Police Department violated the constitutional rights of Black and Hispanic New Yorkers. While this is a victory in that the ruling acknowledges the humanity and constitutional rights of minorities, I wish these tactics were discontinued altogether. Ultimately, … [Read more...]