Category Archives: Reflections
Black Man
Because I’m Black,” he says matter-of-factly, letting the response breathe for a moment. “In America, Black guys are considered a threat. Dark-skinned Black guys are considered more of a threat. And you put the dark-skinned Black guy in action, people … Continue reading
Night Travels
Good chemotherapy gifts are hard to find. After 20 years of friendship, Nancy nailed it. Glossy travel magazines arrived in the mail featuring pristine beaches and faraway cities. A Post-it instructed: “Hang in. We’re going one day.” Chemo ended. Surgery … Continue reading
Sheltering in Their Place
In June 2020, hours after moving into an apartment, my daughter and I stood in the street holding our dogs, hypnotized by billowing smoke. We lost everything. Later, a friend asked how I was doing. “Living it up at the … Continue reading
When to Clap Back
I am a staff member at a predominantly white institution. The other week my colleague asked me to welcome a new employee to our university even though we’re working remotely, and I do not work with this new person’s team. … Continue reading
Real Life of an MSW 