The True Definition of Pride
Dictionary.com defines “pride” as a “high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.” As we celebra...
Living Through Tumultuous Times
When learning about history as a student, I often wondered what it was like to live in the most tumultuous times. Did people realize what was happening around them? And more importantly, why didn’t they do anyt...
Celebrating Diversity
A friend, an African American woman, recently told me the shocking story of how her landlord used the “n” word in her presence. She was dumbfounded, having had only wonderful experiences with this man, who had ...
Atlanta’s LGBTQ Job Fair
There is a hot girl sitting at the bar and you can’t take your eyes off of her. You also realize the rest of the room also sees her, and many of them are considering their approach, so you have to act fast. Doi...
Reaching the Big ‘L’ in the LGBTQ Market
I was asked to be part of a collaborative project with a local PR firm that focuses on the importance of women and their spending power when it comes to advertising. My contribution would incorporate the voices...
The Keys to Keeping Activism Alive
With so much passion for a variety of causes lately, I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about activism and keys to keeping it alive in your life for the long haul: There’s always bad news to find. If ...
Finding My Inner Crazy Cat Lady
It’s been a sad time in my house during this pandemic. First, my 20-year-old cat, Akima, passed away in March and then two months later my mother, Millie Pete, departed as well. Not only have I had to process m...
The Responsibility of Holding Influence Over My Son’s Life
Many years ago I was lying on the couch trying to take a nap with my mom, Millie Pete, when I suffered the shock of her mortality. Nothing bad happened—she was peacefully falling asleep holding onto my small 5-...
The Art of Language: Music’s Valuable Teacher
I was about 10 years old when music really entered my soul. That was the time when I would constantly replay songs to master the lyrics so I could stand in front of the mirror with a brush in hand, giving a pas...
Staying Happy During Coronavirus Shut-In
There seems to be a lot of debate about when our lives will, or should, go back to normal. Protesters are feeling like prisoners who are forced to stay inside their homes, while other seemingly more responsible...
Don’t Care How, I Want It Now!
Veruca Salt sang that line right before she plummeted down the “bad egg” chute in the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” As I reflect on our current situation, I realize that the coronavirus crisis...