I have not felt motivation to write lately, or frankly, to do much of anything. I am struggling some with post-quarantine re-entry and while I am thankful to have the vaccine and some safety to “move about the cabin” of the world, I am not feeling quite myself in terms of being with people. IContinue reading “My “deep gladness” and the world’s “deep hunger”, and conversations with my children”
Tag Archives: social work education
“People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them” (James Baldwin)
One of the things I am proudest of for this spring semester is that I was able to get students interested in history…the history that isn’t often told in school, to be specific. The first session of my Social Movement/Social Change class happened on January 13, a week after the events at the Capitol. IContinue reading ““People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them” (James Baldwin)”
“…it takes a whole hand—both hands—to grab hold of hatred”
Today is the anniversary date of what is often referred to (in Tennessee) as the Waffle House shooting. That is an accurate description as far as names go but one that has always felt too impersonal, because part of the loss of life in this shooting was personal to me. One of the people whoContinue reading ““…it takes a whole hand—both hands—to grab hold of hatred””
“Memory knows before knowing remembers”— Using Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir in teaching about trauma
Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir is by Natasha Trethewey and it was published in 2020. The quote in the title of this post is from William Faulkner, used by the author in her work. I finished the book last week, as was assigned in an integrated learning community (ILC) that I am teaching in thisContinue reading ““Memory knows before knowing remembers”— Using Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir in teaching about trauma”
50,000 Coaches and Community Resilience
Last week, at the very end of our between semester break, my family and I watched Akeelah and the Bee. I had seen it before, several years ago, but loved it just as much this time around. If you haven’t seen it, the basic plotline is that Akeelah, a middle school student, is enrolled atContinue reading “50,000 Coaches and Community Resilience”
Teaching with the “Do No Harm” podcast
I finished listening to the last episode of the Do No Harm podcast today. It was a hard podcast to listen to, emotionally speaking, and I am no stranger to working in child welfare. I listened while walking around the neighborhood over the last couple of weeks, and there were a couple of portions ofContinue reading “Teaching with the “Do No Harm” podcast”
Honesty
Today has been unsettling. Simultaneously surprising (can this really be happening here? In the US?) and yet…not surprising at all. The past 4 years and then some have been building to this moment. I am thankful I have a few days to think before seeing a group of students. Between teaching a class on trauma,Continue reading “Honesty”
Reflections on Dr. King’s Drum Major Instinct: Looking into 2021 and beyond
I came across Dr. King’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct” about 4 years ago. He preached this sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4th, 1968. This is two months before he was assassinated in Memphis. In this sermon he references what he would like people to say about his life during his eulogy, whichContinue reading “Reflections on Dr. King’s Drum Major Instinct: Looking into 2021 and beyond”
Book review: Hidden Valley Road
One of my goals over the break between semesters is to read as much as possible! I have made good on that progress so far, and one book in particular has given me a number of ideas for how to use it in teaching. The book is Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of anContinue reading “Book review: Hidden Valley Road”
“We who believe in freedom cannot rest”: That’s what I’m professing
Between the pandemic, and the election cycle, and the general exhaustion level of…everyone…there were classes this semester that felt long and complex. Like every semester, I wanted to end this one with integrity, and to give something for students to think about as they leave (or “leave the meeting”). For one course in particular, thisContinue reading ““We who believe in freedom cannot rest”: That’s what I’m professing”
Teaching (toward) Beloved 