By Sharkfu • 15 years ago

Notes from a bitch…

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Each year I am blessed to spend it with my siblings and chosen family of friends.
Oh, and the non-stop feasting is fantabulous too (wink)!
This year, with the economy in turmoil and communities bracing for layoffs, I’m beyond thankful for all that I have…not the materials things, of which I don’t have many, but the relationships and experiences that make a person whole.
I’m aware that there are many in my community who lack even that. Too often we tend to view poverty as a purely money-based thing and discuss it in terms of what a person can’t afford or has had repossessed. And it is important to remember those among us who will go hungry or homeless or both…and it is so very important for us to give with the knowledge that those in need are our neighbors and friends.
But being poor often makes a person invisible. Even now, when many folks who have been getting by are getting a taste of need and hunger, features on the news focus on the newly poor and segments carefully avoid featuring the women and families who were living poverty long before the economy went o shit.
With invisibility comes loneliness and isolation…depression and desperation. As someone who regularly volunteers with women in shelters I have seen the numbness a life of want inspires in too many eyes and I have also seen the power of a simple conversation…the positive impact you can have on a person simply by asking them what their name is and how they are feeling.
This Thanksgiving I hope that y’all are able to give to a food bank or donate your time serving a meal or two, but I also encourage you to see the invisible among you.
Ask them how they are doing.
Discover the person within.
We have much to be thankful for and so very much to give.
Have a blessed holiday.

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By Nia Evans • 6 years ago

Dear Betsy DeVos: Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Violence Is a Racial Justice Fight

For the past few months, I’ve seen several articles — almost exclusively written by white women — arguing that we shouldn’t enforce Title IX protections for survivors of sexual assault because the authors believe Black men are more likely to be accused. The narrative has been picked up by numerous media outlets and used by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to strip protections for survivors.

The idea that survivors’ rights are a threat to Black men leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Let me be clear: that’s not because I’m not worried about race discrimination in school discipline. We have no data to support the argument that Black men are more likely to be accused of or ...

For the past few months, I’ve seen several articles — almost exclusively written by white women — arguing that we shouldn’t enforce Title IX protections for survivors of sexual assault because the authors ...