Introduction A recent Vacation Bible School program at Mount Olivet Baptist Church started a nationwide conversation. A video showed adults dressed in military uniforms acting out the symbolic defeat of a person portraying the devil while children chanted, “Take him out! Blow him up!” The church explained that the presentation was meant to teach about
Introduction Every nation tells stories about who it is and how it came to be. Some stories celebrate freedom, courage, and achievement, while others ask us to face painful chapters we would rather forget. America is no different. I’ve come to believe that we cannot fully understand where we’re going without first understanding where we’ve
America’s Unfinished Foundation: Why History Cannot Be Repaired by Nostalgia Alone Read More »
Introduction As I listen to conversations across this country, I hear a growing frustration from everyday people. Many Americans feel the issues dominating political debates don’t always match the struggles waiting for them at home. Folks are trying to pay the rent, keep food on the table, cover healthcare bills, and still find a way
Introduction Hair has always been about more than the way it looks. For Black people, it carries our history, our identity, our culture, and our creativity. The styles we wear often reflect family traditions, pride, and the freedom to express who we are. For generations, though, America held up European features as the standard of
Beyond “Good Hair”: How Eurocentric Beauty Standards Shaped Perceptions of Black Hair Read More »
Introduction Over the past few years, I’ve heard more people talking about the term “Foundational Black American,” or FBA. For some, it’s a way of honoring the unique journey of Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved in this country. They believe that history deserves to be recognized when conversations turn to reparations, public policy, and
Introduction I’ve come to believe that some of the greatest ideas begin in the most ordinary moments. They don’t always come from famous people, big companies, or government offices. Many are born when everyday folks find a better way to solve an everyday problem. That’s exactly what happened with Willie Lee Duckworth. As a young
The Black Soldier Who Gave the Military Its Cadence: The Story of Willie Lee Duckworth Read More »
Introduction We’ve all had days when life felt too heavy to carry by ourselves. Maybe it was a disagreement at work, trouble at home, a falling out with a friend, or news that caught us off guard. In moments like that, most of us need someone who will simply listen. We often call that venting,
Venting, Emotional Health, and the Importance of Responsible Communication Read More »
Introduction The decades surrounding the First and Second World Wars changed the social and economic landscape of the United States. During this period, millions of African Americans left the rural South in what became known as The Great Migration. They sought better-paying jobs, greater personal freedom, and an escape from the harsh realities of Jim
The Great Migration, White Flight, and the Changing American City Read More »
Introduction Throughout history, faith has played a central role in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Places of worship have provided moral guidance, hope, education, and support while helping people endure both joyful seasons and life’s greatest challenges. For many people, faith has been a source of strength when life seemed uncertain. It has
Faith, Identity, and Community Building: Finding Common Ground Without Division Read More »
Introduction One of the greatest fears employees have is being punished for reporting unlawful treatment at work. Federal employment laws prohibit employers from retaliating against workers who report discrimination, harassment, or other protected workplace violations. Yet proving retaliation is often difficult because employers may justify their actions with reasons that appear legitimate on the surface.
Workplace Retaliation and Employee Rights: Why Knowing the Process Matters Read More »