Therapy is Working for Me

Looking back, the circumstances surrounding my mother’s death happened in two phases: the six months of hospitalization before her passing and the subsequent four months without her. PHASE ONE The first phase was a dizzying whirlwind of misfortune. I watched her suffer in ways that still seem surreal. She entered the hospital on Mother’s Day… Continue reading Therapy is Working for Me

Music for the Rest of Us: Welcome

Peace. Welcome to the “Music for the Rest of Us.” It would be logical to ask, “Just who exactly comprises us?” There’s my general definition, which is anyone who loves great music that was created with artistic integrity. Like most people, I have a wide range of musical interests that span several genres, and I… Continue reading Music for the Rest of Us: Welcome

Needle in the Haystack: The Rise of African Americans

“Get this man out of the classroom. He’s racist and promotes the rising of African Americans.” When I first read this comment on an evaluation for a class I previously taught, I was overcome with feelings of dismay, anxiety, then anger. But, I remembered something that my parents taught me long ago. They told me… Continue reading Needle in the Haystack: The Rise of African Americans

Why We Need a Viable Third or Fourth Party Option

“In the US, we have needed an independent political party for a very long time- an anti-racist, feminist, workers party.” — Angela Davis M y political affiliation is listed as independent. I’ve registered as an independent since I was old enough to vote in the general election in 2000. When I filled out the registration card on… Continue reading Why We Need a Viable Third or Fourth Party Option

My Daddy Said Shoot

Father-daughter

W hat happens when your husband is just like your father? In June of 2003, Beyonce broke the internet/television/radio/album sales/etc with the release of her first solo album, Dangerously In Love. I just turned 20 years old when the album dropped, and as the saying goes, it gave me life. Here was this unabashedly beautiful,… Continue reading My Daddy Said Shoot

Minister Farrakhan’s Stance on Modesty

B lack unity is the key to the rise of Blacks in America, so it is not with vitriol that I write this piece, but I’m taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to argue in the best of manner. It is in this spirit that I, an 18-year-old Black Muslim girl, write to disprove… Continue reading Minister Farrakhan’s Stance on Modesty

On Louis Farrakhan and Rape

For the last 40 years the Nation of Islam has been under the leadership of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Over the course of four decades, the Black community has progressed in ideologies, acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and addressing sexual violence. However on Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 during an interview with the Breakfast Club,… Continue reading On Louis Farrakhan and Rape

Healing through Haitian Folklore Dance

Strength and grace is something that is recognized when you see performers like Misty Copeland or anyone from an Alvin Ailey program dance across the stage. Unknowingly, you wouldn’t be able to tell of any suffering or pain these performers have been through, but you can sense their dedication – their passion – of giving… Continue reading Healing through Haitian Folklore Dance