10 Ways You Can Be an Active Advocate
I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are each important values that should be promoted and upheld in all aspects of life, but especially in our churches and communities. As individuals, I am convinced that we can all play a role in advocating for these values and want to share some ways that you can do this right where you are.
The Dred Scott Decision
Did you know that our Supreme Court once ruled that people of African ancestry are not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word citizens in the Constitution and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens of the United States?
Low Literacy Rates and Crime
85% of all juveniles who interact with the juvenile court system are functionally low literate. Did you know that not only are low literacy rates associated with higher rates of crime, but they also make it difficult for individuals to break the cycle of poverty and dependence on welfare?
African American Vernacular English
Have you ever heard the term African-American Vernacular English (AAVE)? This type of language, also known as Black English, Ebonics or talking with a Blaccent, is commonly associated with Black culture in the United States.
The War On Drugs: A Racist & Ineffective Approach
Not only did the war on drugs disproportionately affect the African American community, it also turned out to be a rather ineffective approach to combating drug use. Despite stricter laws and increased incarceration rates down through the years, drug use has not decreased in the United States.
Black Wall Street (Tulsa, Oklahoma Massacre)
Black Wall Street was located in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This area was the home to over 100,000 African Americans who had previously been slaves. These people came to Greenwood looking for a new life and they built this community from the ground up.
Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves
I’d like to introduce you to the story of Bass Reeves. I’m not saying that the Lone Ranger was inspired by his story, but I am telling you that out of all of the rangers operating to the West of the Mississippi, Bass Reeves was the baddest of them all.
What Is Cross-Cultural Literacy?
I had someone say that they had never actually heard the phrase “Cross-Cultural Literacy” before and wanted to get a better understanding of what the phrase meant. So, let me take a few minutes to explain what it is that I’m doing, and why I feel that this phrase explains it best.
The Miseducation of White Privilege
When I go in to teach some of my Cross-Cultural Literacy Sessions, I’ve found that there are some words and phrases that I need to be pretty careful with using, or I literally risk losing the ear & heart of many of the white people that I am trying to help navigate this world of race & culture.
Why Do Black People Make George Floyd Into A Hero?
When I think of a hero, I think of someone who has an ability, or power, or something life-saving that I wish I could do, or be like. A hero is someone that I would want to pattern myself after, and I don’t know many people that are running around saying, “I want to be like George Floyd.”
