As someone who studies human behavior, I understand that people are not rational thinkers. Economists think we can be rational, but most people don’t need to read a book to conclude that humans tend to err on the side of the illogical. If you’ve ever interacted with people, you know we can be downright baffling!… Continue reading Change is Rational, Humans Aren’t
Tech Spotlight: Mahogany Beckford
The Abernathy Tech Spotlight series highlights black professionals working in tech, from freelance developers to non-technical founders. Complete this form to submit your profile. What is your current role and where do you work? I’m the founder of SparkPlug, a consultancy that helps entrepreneurs and startup teams grow their business using data-based strategies. How did… Continue reading Tech Spotlight: Mahogany Beckford
Tech Spotlight: Alan Johnson
The Abernathy Tech Spotlight series highlights black professionals working in tech, from freelance developers to non-technical founders. Complete this form to submit your profile. What is your current role and where do you work? I am the Engineering Lead for Auctions at Artsy. My team builds and supports the products and systems that power Artsy… Continue reading Tech Spotlight: Alan Johnson
Troy Maxson and Toxic Masculinity
“Patriarchy demands of men that they become and remain emotional cripples…Patriarchy as a system has denied males access to full emotional well-being, which is not the same as feeling rewarded, successful, or powerful, because of one’s capacity to assert control over others. To truly address male pain and male crisis we must as a nation… Continue reading Troy Maxson and Toxic Masculinity
Yes We Did: Assessing Black Progress During the Obama Era
In 2008 candidate Barack Obama campaigned with the slogan “Yes We Can!” When he became president in 2009, many thought he would be a transformational president. Soon however, it became apparent that Obama would face recalcitrant and racist opposition from both the GOP and the insurgent Tea Party in 2010. Looking back over the past… Continue reading Yes We Did: Assessing Black Progress During the Obama Era
On Critique and Praise of President Obama
As of January 20, 2017, the United States Presidency as we know it will be no longer. Barack, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia will cease occupation of the White House and enter American society as citizens, albeit as the former First Family. President Obama’s staff has minimized, his cabinet members have removed the last items from… Continue reading On Critique and Praise of President Obama
Racism Reminders
For many folks who hold historically marginalized identities, particularly those of us who feel the effects of racism and microaggressions acutely in our bodies, I’d like to share two truths for determining how to think about those who perpetuate bad behavior: They are mistaken. It’s not about you. Half the battle is deciding if we’re… Continue reading Racism Reminders
Tech Spotlight: Ramona Jackson
The Abernathy Tech Spotlight series highlights black professionals working in tech, from freelance developers to non-technical founders. Complete this form to submit your profile. What is your current role and where do you work? I’m a Director of Program and Project Management at Elavon in “The Grove”. The Grove is a global innovation center, which… Continue reading Tech Spotlight: Ramona Jackson
Boston, Boycotts, and BREAD
Tonight I’ll be in Boston for a discussion about race, business, and economic empowerment. Dr. King’s words are in my heart as I think about the work Leora and Justin, along with the rest of the BREAD Boston team, are doing. “Thank you very kindly, my friends. As I listened to Ralph Abernathy and his… Continue reading Boston, Boycotts, and BREAD
Whitelash
Of all the new words that entered the lexicon last year, “whitelash” was the hardest one for me to share with my students. I felt relief when a local media source in San Francisco chose “Xenophobia” as the word of the year, because that word’s easy to accept. Phobia is a powerful suffix we review… Continue reading Whitelash