Category Archives: Thoughts

Being Unapologetically Ashkenazi

Originally posted on JN Magazine:
Being a Jew who has skin shaded past the color described as olive–but is not Ethiopian–is a unique identity to occupy in American Jewish spaces. Identifying as Black or biracial means that there’s more to me than Ashkenazi. Now re-read that sentence. “More to me”. There’s more to Judaism overall…

Getting to the Elm (a preview)

More spirit than body, the dead leaves barely crinkled under the weight of her mocassined feet, and the rain drops fell more through her than onto her outstretched arms. A small tan rabbit peeked up from its burrow, perking up a single ear to find the source of the steady hum of her melodious voice.Continue reading “Getting to the Elm (a preview)”

Announcements!

In lieu of a post today, I would like to make two announcements. Firstly, I have posted the Glossary page. It’s in its infancy stages, so comment here (or using the box on the page itself) on what other terms you’d like to see defined. I’m excited to build this page to help us allContinue reading “Announcements!”

Why I’m DONE Tolerating Microaggressions

This past week, my family attended a food conference. Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. The sponsoring organization is full of passionate, dedicated, intellectual and action-oriented people who believe in the power of collective activism. The retreat center at which it was held is nearby to mountains, has a farm and lake on-site, and hasContinue reading “Why I’m DONE Tolerating Microaggressions”

A Response to Repossession: Reclaimed Slurs and Lexicography

I have always found words to carry great power. The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and I believe it to be true. As an avid reader in my youth, words built worlds and tore them down; a good book could quiet me from any crying spell, and I’d lose myself in myContinue reading “A Response to Repossession: Reclaimed Slurs and Lexicography”

Send who back to where? When will you send yourself?

White supremacists have always been a group that, at least from a distance, I find really interesting. The thought process that has to go into genuinely segregating oneself so much that they cannot see the humanity in another person, or just don’t care to know it, and often still identify very strongly with Christian orContinue reading “Send who back to where? When will you send yourself?”

Only Empathy Can Solve This. Can You Find Yours?

This civil rights lawyer sort of put my thoughts into words way better than I could’ve. It’s really true. Maybe some people are getting facts wrong. Maybe some people are saying facts don’t matter. But the point is this; sometimes facts and labels make for great talking points. They make for great ways for peopleContinue reading “Only Empathy Can Solve This. Can You Find Yours?”

I’m a White Parent. My Kids are Black. Am I Alone?

Short answer, you aren’t. With permission, I’m sharing the feelings of a woman well versed in navigating the complex issues of being a part of an interracial family. She’s educated, active, and great at applying that knowledge in raising her daughter. Everyone feels lost on this one. Please post your feelings, reactions, and suggestions inContinue reading “I’m a White Parent. My Kids are Black. Am I Alone?”

We’re tired. We’d like to not be dead.

Recently, too many cases have come to light from the past six months. Too many cases of a police officer, the people–people, aka human beings who are, in fact, fallible–who are charged with protecting and serving our communities, doing the exact opposite. Does it protect and serve our communities if someone illegally selling loose cigarettesContinue reading “We’re tired. We’d like to not be dead.”