I was giving a presentation today, on the second of two “dead days”, which is the space in between the end of the semester and the beginning of exam period. I have been running non-stop for the past few days especially, with all good things but also just too many things. A running joke duringContinue reading “Teach me, but stay close by”
Tag Archives: social work education
Loaves and Fishes
A few weeks ago, on a sunny day, I put my students in pairs and told them to go for a 15 minute walk and check in on each other, and to specifically ask “What are the words you need to hear right now?” When they got back from their (much appreciated) walks, I askedContinue reading “Loaves and Fishes”
Remembering DeEbony
It was April 2018, a Sunday afternoon, and I was driving back from a volleyball tournament in East Tennessee with my three daughters in the car. They were all asleep when I took a call from my Dean while coming through a mountain pass. While it was unusual for her to call on a weekend,Continue reading “Remembering DeEbony”
Surface Pressure
Pressure like a drip, drip, drip, drip that will never stop. Woah. This line is just one of many apt descriptors in Luisa’s song (“Surface Pressure”) in Encanto, and it is what I am feeling these days. January has felt like it has had 74 days in it, minimum, and we still have the restContinue reading “Surface Pressure”
From “eh” to “ah” (and “aww” and awe)
I had limited time in the fall semester to write. I feel like I made it through the fall semester with the skin of my teeth, whatever that means. I had no desire to write over our very short break (winter graduation on Dec 17, classes began Jan 5) and then the semester started virtuallyContinue reading “From “eh” to “ah” (and “aww” and awe)”
What we permit, promote, and prohibit
Earlier this week, when news broke about the Haitian immigrants at the border of Del Rio, I couldn’t comprehend it, just in terms of the sheer numbers of people. When I saw images of people being chased by DHS officials on horses, I couldn’t process it. Then I saw Bernice King’s tweet, pictured below, andContinue reading “What we permit, promote, and prohibit”
Metaphorical masks and bearing each others’ burdens
Every fall semester I teach a class on macro practice where the focus is on community organizing and development, as well as organizational development. Early on, as I am trying to connect with the students, we talk about community and what it means to us. This year, I tried something different. I gave every studentContinue reading “Metaphorical masks and bearing each others’ burdens”
“Minding the gap”
In London, “minding the gap” is a phrase you hear frequently when using the subway. It is a reminder to pay attention to the space between the train and the platform. It can also be a metaphor for paying attention to the space between where you are, and where you are going….or a reminder/call toContinue reading ““Minding the gap””
“No sense of identity” and “menaced by a lack of vision” (James Baldwin)
James Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924, which happens to be the same year my grandmother was born. It is strange to think of them being in the same age cohort. That is a rumination for another day! If you haven’t seen I Am Not Your Negro, do that as soon as you can.Continue reading ““No sense of identity” and “menaced by a lack of vision” (James Baldwin)”
Tools and weapons: “Worship of the written word”
I have been reflecting on pieces of an article and framework this summer by Tema Okun, on traits of white supremacy culture. You can delve into it here, and let me tell you, it is powerful: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/ It has been hard to read and see elements of myself in these traits. What is helpful (andContinue reading “Tools and weapons: “Worship of the written word””
Teaching (toward) Beloved 