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I began this blog about three years ago.  Since then: I’m amazed by the exponential increase in available resources about race/racism – an explosion in the number of blogs, podcasts, articles, videos, etc..I’m aware that so many of these resources, especially those authored by Black people, have much more to offer you than I might.And… Continue reading Cutting Back and Handing Off

I wrote here recently on the theme “Don’t Let ‘The Moment’ Pass” and I’ve been focused on that for myself.  I’ll spell out some of what has been happening in ROC especially in the wake of the summer of protests and the calls for police reform or transformation or reimagination or defunding or abolishment, etc..… Continue reading Police Reform/Reimagination: What Is Happening? What Will Happen?

In the past couple of months, so many local Black leaders and long-time Black activists have told me that this is indeed a moment like they’ve never seen.  The undeniability of racial inequity has torn the scales from many white eyes, rendering many of us belatedly horrified by the severe disparities that leave People of… Continue reading Don’t Let “The Moment” Pass

Dog Whistle:  Coded or suggestive language in political messaging to garner support from a particular group without provoking opposition.  The concept is named for ultrasonic dog whistles used in shepherding. Karl Marx famously declared:  “Religion…is the opium of the people.”  Today that label might be applied to sports fandom, celebrities, Facebook, Twitter or other entertainment.… Continue reading “Law and Order” and Other Dog Whistles

This is a reprise of a post from a couple of years ago – before most of my current subscribers were on board.  I was inspired to repost it by a new phrase that is beginning to go viral:  “Black Lives Inspire.”  This started with Rochester’s own Jacquie Germanow, a renowned artist, who wanted to… Continue reading Resilience: “….and still I rise!”