Charleston’s Trauma is Our Trauma

I’ve avoided writing and even talking about the massacre in Charleston last week. I was on vacation when I found out and all I wanted to do was stick my head in the sand and pretend that it didn’t happen. And since then the emotions have come in waves for me. From sadness to grief […]

Unsuspecting Victims of Suicide

The recent suicides of Robin Williams and Karyn Washington remind us of the darkness that some people can’t see their way out of. Whether it’s depression, hopelessness, or mental illness the impact of suicide has a far-reaching effect. Too often the unnamed victims, the families and friends of the deceased are forgotten. Read more . […]

Choosing Joy in the Midst of Despair

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Henri Nouwen It may seem odd to consider this on the day that Michael Brown’s family must bury their son. The murder, injustice, and despair can make joy seem impossible or certainly unattainable. And sadly Michael Brown no […]

Silence Prevents Us from Healing – Lessons from Maya Angelou

When I first heard Maya Angelou speak I was captivated by her strength and openness to talk about her life as a Black woman. Yet she spent six years of her life in silence. How many of us within the Black community are living in silence? Keeping secrets that don’t need to be kept, worries […]

Being a Minority in a Majority World

As Black women we don’t always identify and discuss the daily stress and pressures of racism and discrimination. We know that it’s there we just don’t often dwell on it or put words to it. We’re prepared for and have experienced sales people following us in stores. But what about the other interactions throughout our […]