In recent months, many of us have watched in horror as Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has gone from a sideshow attraction worthy of laughs to what appears more and more to be a legitimate run for the GOP candidacy. Raucous rallies and events have translated into actual votes during this primary season and, increasingly, many of us (including the GOP …
Last night, I had one of those rare moments in a social setting where someone’s willingness to speak truth to racial reality caught me off-guard…but in a good way. The truth is, we would all be better off if we stopped skirting the issues and instead faced them head-on. As I settle into my post-marital life, I have found …
Since the untimely demise murder of Michael Brown in August 2014, matters of race and racism (both systemic and personal) have been very much at the forefront of many discussions in the US. The barrier of politeness that made in-depth talks of racism taboo outside of academic and racial justice spaces has been lifted and we are all talking. Now, …
Intolerance is the new black and, frankly, we should all be scared regardless of who we are. Living in Maine, many of us have become almost immune to the bombastic rantings of our governor, but the truth is that Paul LePage is a microcosm of something much larger than an intolerant bigot in a predominantly white state who often makes …
My day job is heading up an anti-racism organization, I write about race and I exist in a body that is called Black. Racism isn’t an intellectual activity for me; it is a lived reality that lurks on every corner once I step outside my door. If I don’t want to think about race and possibly racism, my only recourse …
Dear Paul, I hope that you don’t mind, but I am going to call you by your first name. I don’t stand on formality and titles are so overrated. Besides, to be frank, using language like “Honorable” doesn’t quite feel right in the context of what I need to say to you. Paul, I am hoping this post reaches you …
Back in 2003, I submitted my first piece on race to the Portland Press Herald and was eventually asked to become a rotating columnist for a now-defunct column called “Community Voices.” I had a degree and professional expertise, but no background in writing; however, being married to a career journalist with a degree from a top J-school allowed me to …
“Unlike race and racial identity, the social, political and economic meanings of race, or rather belonging to particular racial groups, have not been fluid. Racial meanings for non-European groups have remained stagnant. For no group has this reality been truer than African-Americans.” – Angela Onwuachi-Willig Since moving several months ago to what could be described as an urban island in …
Some weeks just gut you and leave you raw and exposed to the elements. This has been that type of week for me. I have been laid up battling ick since last Friday; so much ick that I actually refrained from going to my office all week for fear that I might pass out in the middle of Boston and …
Early Access
Are you a member?
Be in the know. Members gain early access to new posts.
Round Up
A curated list of relevant articles & a peek into what Shay's reading
What's Shay Reading?
Members only get a peek into what Shay's reading and wants to share.
Sample Round Up
Happy Friday! It’s a gorgeous day up in my corner of the world and way too beautiful to be writing a blog post today. So I present you with the Friday Round-Up a list of blog posts this week from other bloggers that blew my mind. Perhaps if you need to kill some time or have a quiet moment you can check them out. http://ravingblacklunatic.blogspot.com/ Check out this cat, I have been a fan of his work forever. http://www.whataboutourdaughters.com/ Good stuff here as well http://sweetersalt.com/ A Maine blogger who talks fashion and food…the best of both worlds http://paganchild-starmommy.blogspot.com/2011/03/keeping-focused.html A new blog that offers words of wisdom for all of us. http://mscleaver.com/ Another Mainer who for Lent is giving up pants, she is also a crafty gal If you have any links to good blogs, feel free to leave em. It’s my hope to make the Friday Round Up a regular feature at my new home specifically I would live to shine some light and love on smaller bloggers. It’s hard out here in this blogosphere with so many good blogs to choose from and so little time so let’s help everyone get a slice of the pie. I will be back on Monday, at that time I will unveil some ideas I have around monetizing things but You May Also Like: No related posts.
Member Only Posts
Are you a member?
This content is available to Members Only. If you are already a member, you can upgrade to the next membership level for immediate access to this content.
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Private Online Community
Are you a member?
This content is available to Members Only.
Primetime Blackness and White Discomfort
To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time. – James Baldwin America is a nation in the midst of seismic change—a change so great that it threatens the very soul of this nation and, to be honest, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The creation of …
Read more