by Jennifer Roberts Yesterday was Juneteenth. For the second year in the 245-year history of the United States, this historic day was recognized as a federal holiday. On June 19th, 1865, news of the end of the legalized enslavement of African Americans reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after […]
What is it you’re not seeing when you’re only looking up? Did you miss footprints in the grass, making imprints among the impossible? Or further behind on that scarred trail, scrapes of rakes and hoes barely staying steady? It’s the indents in earth that give it away, signs everyone needs something to rely on. Yet […]
Call for strong support for workers at VDH addressing racial disparities The following statement was released on Thursday by The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis: “In 2021, Virginia lawmakers passed a resolution recognizing that racism is a public health crisis, becoming one of seven states to do so according to the American Public Health Association. That resolution was […]
by Jennifer Roberts, Founder of Conversations In the Community We must proactively address racism in our school communities. We must create learning environments that are safe for all students and take thoughtful and swift action when racial and cultural violations occur . We need more effective training and accountability for teachers and staff concerning microaggressions […]
by Jennifer Roberts Yesterday, I thought about the sequence of events that generally happen after racially motivated acts of violence like the ones committed last weekend in Buffalo, New York and Laguna Woods, California. When these despicable hate crimes are committed, some people are filled with a range of emotions that motivate them to take […]
Awestruck by poison’s power, grass dies with wildflowers. Too quiet ally. (For more information on Katherine’s writings, visit her website.)
by Jennifer Roberts, founder of Conversations In the Community I am still reeling from Saturday’s devastating news of the racially motivated mass murder that was committed by 18-year-old, Payton Gendron who was armed with an assault-style rifle. I am still outraged that 10 people were killed and three people’s lives were altered forever because of […]
The iconic civil rights activist Fannie Loue Hamer is known for having said, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I sympathize with Mrs. Hamer’s frustration for I too am tired. “I’m tired of watching Black bodies be hunted like prey.” “I’m tired of overt and covert racism being ignored and dismissed in […]
Have you, as a parent, been ignorant of, confused, misinformed, saddened or outraged by America’s abuse of black people? Have you been wondering quietly to yourself or out loud to a group of trusted friends and family, “How did unarmed George Floyd get murdered by a police officer in broad daylight?” “Why was unarmed Breonna […]
Open your notebook. Log the times you think you failed. Read it to the wind. (Editor’s Note: For more writings as the previous haiku, you can find Katherine’s work at her website – -Katherine Gotthardt)
