I remember the day in July 2015 when Chani Wiggins insisted we read a Washington Post article chronicling the life of Sharanda Jones who was serving life without parole for a first time drug offense. Chani was so compelled that we had a role to play in helping in Sharanda’s clemency petition. She immediately reached Read more about A Knock at Midnight: Brittany K. Barnett and Sharanda Jones[…]
My granddaddy and stepfather never talked about their time in the military. My granddaddy’s obituary doesn’t even mention it. My stepfather’s obituary mentions the year he enlisted and the year he was discharged, nothing more. The benefit of time helps me recognize that while John Lewis was being bludgeoned crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Read more about My Granddaddy, Stepfather, and Da 5 Bloods[…]
Photo from this week’s Washington Post magazine feature. James Baldwin, as always, nails it. ~ “I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Notes of a Native Son, 1955
Growing up, my mom and I believed it was us against the world. But in reality, we were surrounded by family and friends who became family that lightened the load, softened the blows, and loved away some of the bitterness. It certainly took a village to raise me:-) Some of you joined us to celebrate Read more about Happy 70th Birthday Mom, Mrs. Josie Allen[…]