Melissa Bray
banner
melissabray.bsky.social
Melissa Bray
@melissabray.bsky.social
Higher ed instructional designer, dog lover, chocoholic, bargain shopper, Orangetheory addict.
They clearly don't know you very well--one of the best faculty I've had the privilege of working with.
September 19, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Deleted mine directly from my junk mail folder because that's exactly what this nonsense is.
July 4, 2025 at 1:52 PM
So, trade deals are the new "infrastructure week." Got it.
July 1, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Lent and Advent will give you about 10 weeks.
April 23, 2025 at 1:05 AM
It's no longer just IN-3 for Banks. He "represents" the entire state as a Senator. Of course, he only believes he needs to represent those who voted for him.
April 8, 2025 at 10:24 PM
While it was written for the dawn of 2022, "New Day's Lyric" has some insights and themes that are important (maybe essential) for us in this era. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBER...
“New Day’s Lyric” by Amanda Gorman
YouTube video by Contemplative Interbeing
www.youtube.com
February 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Gorman's poems focus on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, but they all tend to also encompass an element of hope. She was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate and was the first poet to perform at a Super Bowl (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ejb...).
Amanda Gorman Recites 'Chorus of the Captains' at Super Bowl LV
YouTube video by NowThis Impact
www.youtube.com
February 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
If you have Netflix, you can watch the film adaptation of The Six Triple Eight. I highly recommend it.

For more information about the 6888th, please see www.womenofthe6888th.org/the-6888th
The 6888th / USA / Women of the 6888th
www.womenofthe6888th.org
February 27, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Upon their return to the States, the unit was disbanded and, for all intents and purposes, forgotten. Finally, in 2021, the unit and its surviving members were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service.
February 27, 2025 at 5:16 PM
There, they were tasked with sorting and delivering a backlog of 17 million packages and letters. They had to develop systems of identifying servicemen with limited information. They were allotted six months to complete this herculean task, which they accomplished in three.
February 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Beyond being a boxer, Ali was also a humanitarian and philanthropist. He donated time and money to feed the hungry and support the United Negro College Fund. He understood the importance of an education.

To learn more about Muhammad Ali, see alicenter.org
February 26, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 1971. He was both praised and disavowed for his position against the war.
February 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
His opposition to the war led to a charge of draft evasion and resulted in Ali being stripped of his boxing titles. He managed to stay out of jail, but he also didn't fight during what is considered a prime age.
February 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Enjoy my favorite Roberta Flack song, "Killing me Softly with his Song" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrud...

To learn more about Roberta Flack, see www.robertaflack.com
Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly With His Song (Official Video)
YouTube video by RHINO
www.youtube.com
February 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Before hitting the charts, she was a junior high music teacher and taught private piano lessons. She also spent her nights singing in D.C. jazz clubs, where she was ultimately "discovered."
February 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
However, she preferred the contemporary gospel music played at the Baptist church down the street.

Flack earned a full-ride music scholarship to Howard University, where she started at the tender age of 15.
February 25, 2025 at 2:06 PM
You can enjoy Andrew's favorite song by Horace Silver, entitled "Song for My Father" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWeX...

To learn more about Horace Silver, see www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/...
Horace Silver - Song for My Father
YouTube video by jazzhole13
www.youtube.com
February 24, 2025 at 10:50 PM
To learn more about Madame C.J. Walker, see indianahistory.org/education/ed...

If you have Netflix, you can also watch the mini-series Self-Made about her life - www.netflix.com/title/80202462
Madam C.J. Walker - Indiana Historical Society
Sarah Breedlove was born in Delta, La., on Dec. 23, 1867. She was the daughter of Owen and Minerva Anderson Breedlove. Both had formerly been enslaved. She was an orphan by the age of 7 and moved in w...
indianahistory.org
February 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Walker was also an activist and a philanthropist. One of her quotes is appropriate for our current times--"This is the greatest country under the sun. But we must not let our love of country, our patriotic loyalty, cause us to abate one whit in our protest against wrong and injustice."
February 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM