Tag: inclusion
-
Smash the Spite Wall

In the 1930’s Morgan State University experienced an upswing in its enrollment. Derision grew quickly against the expansion of the historically Black college, as this yielded an upswing of African Americans in the area. The response of the white residents? A structure was built that came to be known as the “spite wall” or a…
-
Beyond Borders: Our Shared Humanity

Immigrants and refugees are often seen as less than human, but they deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else. They are often fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution in search of a better life. Before that, they are human beings, inherently worthy of dignity. By welcoming them with open arms, we can create a…
-
Racism: Spiritual and Systemic

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” -1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT Racism, a pervasive and destructive force, can be understood as…
-
Goodbye to DEI?

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” -Helen Keller News outlets large and small have been reporting recently on an impactful announcement by Walmart. Forbes, CNN, and several other have stated that the behemoth global retailer has announced that it will substantially scale back its diversity equity and inclusion (DEI)…
-
Gratitude: 3 Ways Thankfulness Improves Relationships

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” -Psalm 136:1 Gratitude, the simple act of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives, can have a profound impact on our relationships. When we cultivate a sense of gratitude, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, stronger bonds, and more…
-
Tulsa Reckons with Its Horrific Past. What’s Next?

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was a devastating event in which a white mob attacked the abundantly prosperous Black community of Greenwood. The two-day atrocity resulted in numerous deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands. The city continues its efforts to identify the remains of other victims through genetic and DNA analysis. Additionally,…
-
3 Ways Diversity Improves Organizational Culture

Maya Angelou once said, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Ethnic and racial diversity in the workplace is more than just a buzzword; it’s a powerful driver of productivity. Here are three key ways diversity can boost your team’s performance: This Malcolm Forbes quotes sums it up well, “Diversity is the art…
-
Connections over Candidates

Today I came across three shocking words on Google. Election Day Anxiety. Sadly this has become an immense concern as many are concerned about anger and fear. Politics doesn’t have to ruin relationships. There is a better way. In today’s increasingly polarized political landscape, maintaining healthy relationships can be challenging. While political discussions can be…
-
How to Connect with Someone Across the Divide

Many cultural commentators would say that people are becoming more and more divided. While virtually no one would argue against the fact that we all desire community, people are also quite adept at separating from each other. It seems that our need for community is expressed to fault. We don’t just appreciate our own culture…
-
3 Ways to Stand Up Against Hate

Recently a group of people held a racist demonstration on a highway overpass in the St. Louis area, my hometown. It was a sad sight. The masked individuals held up Nazi flags and a banner proudly touting white supremacist language. Along with sadness, it was surreal for me to witness this deplorable sight. Unfortunately, I’m…