So many things happening, I nearly missed the @newrepublic.com piece I was quoted in last week. It raises the possibility of continued political threats to SNAP, underscoring a point I make often: the best way to politically protect the safety net is to build the power of those who rely on it.

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July 4th has never resonated. Too many people remained unfree after the U.S. declared independence & too many would be made unfree as a result of that declaration. Today, as so many devastatingly harmful policies unfold, charting a course towards freedom is unfinished work that depends on us.

Courage and conviction are a choice. Not the easiest choice, not the path of least resistance, not the safest route to go, but a choice nonetheless. Dean Jackson of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design is showing us what this looks like and I love to see it 💯

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There is so much to fight in this moment. For some of us, years of struggle lie ahead. But I will not let that necessary struggle define me. It is not the entirety of who I am, what I do, what I talk about, or how I feel. I am more than that. And “I not have my life narrowed down.”

I had a great time talking about building power for health equity at the 15th Annual Clyburn Lecture organized by USC's Arnold School. My favorite part was a long lunch with Congressmen Clyburn after the event. He shared wisdom & some very cool inside stories. Many thanks @bradwrightphd.bsky.social!

Even if answering email were my only job, I would not be able to keep up with my inbox. Never mind that it should (ideally) take up only a small fraction of my time. This is impossible & I cannot quite understand why we designed this system. But if I owe you a reply, forgive me. It’s unavoidable.

Toni Morrison giving me the wisdom I need just when I need. There is so much to be angry/appalled/dismayed about. Those emotions are fine, but after I give myself the space I need to feel them...I get to work. Because there is too much good waiting to be done for us to get distracted by the noise.

I can't deny being disheartened by all the ruckus of the last few weeks (months?), especially as it relates to criticism of higher ed and particularly concerning the role of Black faculty within it. But notes like this remind me of what is really happening in my classrooms & why it matters so much.

Struggling w/ the transition back to work today after a few weeks of travel, rest, & cherished family time. My inbox is bonkers, but this message from a student (via Cornell's "Thank a Professor" program) made my heart soar & gave me the motivation I need. This is one reason why I do what I do.

Notwithstanding my gratitude for Medicaid's role in providing transportation, my mother's experience made painfully clear the ways that transportation could purvey inequity. The last time I saw her she was waiting for her late transport: alone & bleeding. I cleaned her up, sat w/her, held her hand.