Being brown means always being somewhat uncomfortable in America. Many, if not most, of y’all need to settle into your discomfort for a while. Pretend it’s the aptly named La-Z-boy and trick yourself into nestling in, knees tucked under, cup of tea in hand. You … [Read more...] about Settle Into Discomfort
values
July 4th Isn’t What It Used to Be
The 4th of July has long been my favorite holiday, but it's not what it used to be. I viewed it from an immigrant’s perspective only and marveled at how my parents immigrated to Philadelphia from Calcutta, India with two young children in tow. They built a life here and … [Read more...] about July 4th Isn’t What It Used to Be
Shame.
I have done things I am ashamed of. I have a lot to learn, process, and remedy. I reflect on my own biases and experiences on this Juneteenth. I'm embarrassed that I only learned of Juneteenth in adulthood. Most of the history I learned was whitewashed and inaccurate, or just … [Read more...] about Shame.
America is burning. Do not look away.
Dear Bird and Deal, America is burning. Do not look away. The current events of the world have gutted me. Do not trust the people who carry on with a business-as-usual gait. As you know, I grew up in Charlottesville and went to college there. It's become … [Read more...] about America is burning. Do not look away.
Going for a Walk Isn’t Even Safe Anymore
I had a bumper sticker once that said, “Friendly neighborhood liberal.” I was harassed on the road on a stretch of I-40 just shy of Greensboro, presumably for said sticker. And someone flicked a cigarette butt on the hood of my car at a stop sign while my young sons were strapped … [Read more...] about Going for a Walk Isn’t Even Safe Anymore
Songs for the Resistance
Music is a tonic that soothes us, inspires us, and fires us up. We are in exhausting times, and some soulful sounds from a variety of artists might be just what we need to fuel us. Do not feel defeated, friends. There is power among us as we organize. I'm sending you a virtual … [Read more...] about Songs for the Resistance
Resist Tokenism.
If you are a leader of any sort and lift up people of color, minorities, and underrepresented people to make yourself look better, you are doing it wrong. We are not here to be your tokens. Underrepresented populations need to have a seat at the proverbial decision-making … [Read more...] about Resist Tokenism.