Russia from My Window Redux

The sight of Khizr and Ghazala Khan on the stage at the Democratic convention last week will be forever seared in my mind. When Mr. Khan whipped from his breast pocket a dog-eared copy of the Constitution, questioned whether the RepublicanRead the Rest »

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Farewell to the Black Adonis

I first became acquainted with the true impact of Muhammad Ali about 20 years ago when I reviewed a one-man play about his life for NAACP’S The Crisis magazine. As a woman raised in a patriarchal household in a countryRead the Rest »

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A Mother’s Day Reflection: On Love and Loss

The last two weeks leading up to Mother’s Day have been like fingernails on a blackboard for me. I have endured the barrage of cheerful images of little tots holding their mothers’ hands as they gaze lovingly at them, remorsefulRead the Rest »

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Maya Angelou: Once Mute, Now a Voice for All Time

I first met Maya Angelou as a college student at Tufts University in Medford, MA.  After her free-wheeling and often theatrical presentation to a room full of awestruck young peopole, I shyly approached her to talk to her about theRead the Rest »

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Lovely Lupita

Okay, affirming community.  It has been a looooong time.  Between crushing work schedules, mind-blowing senior care and life in general, I have neglected my musings and you. But I could not let this week pass before adding to the long listRead the Rest »

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Gerald R. Gill, the Best Teacher I Never Had

Professor Gerald Gill was a quiet, dignified and purposeful man—part teacher, part big brother, part father, protector and friend.  Although I never took his class, he was perhaps the individual who had the most impact on my Tufts career, the best teacherRead the Rest »

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Fix Me Jesus, Fix Me

One of my favorite treats during the holiday season is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s program Revelations, an exploration of the “places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.”  Always a crowd pleaser, Revelations ends with the rousingRead the Rest »

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WINNIE MANDELA Biopic is a Must-See

WINNIE MANDELA traces the fascinating story of the second Mrs. Mandela from tomboy and champion stick fighter to social worker, reluctant revolutionary to disgraced political leader. Insightful performances by Jennifer Hudson as Winnie Mandela and an astonishingly spot-on turn byRead the Rest »

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West Indian-American Carnival An Embarrassment to Caribbean People of Conscience

Each year I cringe as the spectacle known as the West Indian-American Day parade gyrates its way into the public consciousness. With this substandard event, complete with the annual shooting/stabbing/fight, are costumes that look like they were glued together onRead the Rest »

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Baldhead Empress’ Favorite Things 2012

As the year comes to a close, I remember some of the people and things that have made it a cheery one for me.   I hope you enjoy!  Love, peace and joy, Affirming Community. Happy New Year! BE. SELF CARE Bedford-StuyvesantRead the Rest »

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