Category: Essays on Race

A series of essays highlighting the ongoing issue of race in the culture, politics, and psyche of America.

Depending on the Kindness of Strangers—and Friends, Even in These Rough Days

September 24, 2016

This has been an emotionally excruciating week. Between the barrage of political sniping by—and about—Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the outrageous murders of two more African-American men by cops, and the incessant, unavoidable 24-hour news cycle no matter where I turned, I’ve wanted nothing more than to hunker down in my house, shades drawn, hiding … More Depending on the Kindness of Strangers—and Friends, Even in These Rough Days

Reflections from Baltimore on a National Day of Mourning

July 8, 2016

While our national focus today is on the city of Dallas, which has just endured the vicious, callous massacre of five of their Peace Officers who were engaged in honorable, brave, and committed fashion to uphold the rights of their citizens to engage in lawful, peaceful protest, this has also been a horrific week in … More Reflections from Baltimore on a National Day of Mourning

Black History Month 2016: At the Intersection of the Past, Present, and Future

February 1, 2016

One year ago, I began my first Black History Month Celebration with the goal of bringing to light Black historical figures and triumphs of the past, attempting to cover the spectrum of Black achievements: from the arts and sciences, politics, commerce, inventions, and other contributions to the life of our nation and of our world. … More Black History Month 2016: At the Intersection of the Past, Present, and Future

There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part II

September 17, 2015

The War Between the States (aka The Civil War) Last week, I watched the landmark documentary, “Ken Burns’ The Civil War,” which has been restored in celebration of its 25th anniversary. I have seen this series numerous times since its first appearance in 1989. However, in view of recent events in the realm of race … More There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part II

There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part I

September 15, 2015

“Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?” —Psalm 2:1, New King James Version (NKJV) I have always been a history buff; it was my favorite subject throughout school, and it remains a beacon in my life as I struggle—like everyone else—to understand the present. Old sayings such as “Those who … More There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part I

Atticus Finch Is NOT a Racist…But He’s Not the True Hero of the Story, Either!

August 21, 2015

In late July, I took advantage of my bookstore membership discounts and ordered both To Kill a Mockingbird (TKAM) and Go Set a Watchman (GSAW). I had seen the movie version of TKAM as a girl and I already owned a copy of the book that I’d read as a girl, but it was buried … More Atticus Finch Is NOT a Racist…But He’s Not the True Hero of the Story, Either!

The Civil War of 2015 – Part II: The Battle Over Monuments

July 10, 2015

He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. —Battle Hymn of the Republic In the three weeks that led to South Carolina’s historic decision to remove the Confederate flag from the State House grounds, no reasonable person-on-the-street was asking for other Confederate symbols, such as monuments, to … More The Civil War of 2015 – Part II: The Battle Over Monuments

The Civil War of 2015 – Part I: Ding-Dong, The Flag Is Gone

July 10, 2015

The Emanuel Nine Massacre in Charlotte, South Carolina has forced America to finally come to grips with one of the ugliest facets of its 239-year history: The War Between the States (aka The Civil War)—and, more importantly, the scourge of Racism, which has always been at the heart of American History. When I look back … More The Civil War of 2015 – Part I: Ding-Dong, The Flag Is Gone