Ever since I first saw Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, I have fallen in love with history. Unfortunately, as a woman of color, history has often been a space of erasure for my story. If history in academia is to be genuinely reflective of time, we must expand—yes, the buzzword of the century—the narrative beyond white perspectives, white legacies, and their stories. Why do we discuss anthropological, sociological, psychological, historical, and scientific information merely to assert loose constructs instead of detailing the actual facts of time? History is our mosaic photo album that can be beautifully narrated, but if we…

If someone feels the need to excessively distance themselves from their own identity, the issue lies with them, not with the perceived “otherness” of someone else. If you struggle with the transformation of time, instead of using labels or -isms to define another person’s identity, reflect on your own labeling process instead.

Workplace apparel often defines professionalism based on what is mainstream. Many individuals from underrepresented groups refer to this practice as “code-switching,” as they navigate coming out of the margins. If we allow for professional environments to categorize variations in identity as ‘inappropriate’, the workplace further perpetuates the belief that certain behaviors, cultures, and identities are not valued. This cements the influence of social constructs on hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, and other benefits. Reform that promotes inclusive definitions of “professionalism” in work environments, over-implementing standards towards assimilation, work no longer blurs the lines between ethical conduct and oppressive practices. When I…

Workplace apparel often defines professionalism based on what is mainstream. Many individuals from underrepresented groups refer to this practice as “code-switching,” as they navigate the expectations to fit in. By categorizing variations in identity as inappropriate for the workplace, society perpetuates the belief that certain behaviors, cultures, and identities are not valued. We need to rethink workplace attire to create a standard that is inclusive of all cultures. For example, Black individuals should have the opportunity to define what constitutes “Black professionalism,” and cultural expressions such as piercings, tattoos, and traditional clothing should be recognized and respected by their respective…

While grassroots may be viewed as a political affiliation, at root, it is educated activism, and street advocacy. When society comes together for voter registration events, or community service and engagement, it is at this level that politics is initiated. This advance civil participation before it is turned over to politicians, addressing the people’s needs and embodying a trickle up government. A trickle up government is essential in promoting nonpartisanship because politics starts with the people; is turned to organizations and leaders; then is handed up to our government bureaus. Here, we promote the people’s republic and not private or…

When society comes together for Voter Registration events or Community Service and Engagement, it is at this level that politics begins. This advanced civil participation, before it is turned over to politicians, addresses the people’s needs and embodies a trickle-up government.

ICE has been enforcing immigration laws primarily by detaining individuals based on alleged infractions, rather than addressing clear indications of illegal activity. How are agents, who are supposed to tackle clear markers of illegal behavior, responding to cross-border interventions through broadly defined “violations of immigration laws?” Fun fact: President Franklin D. Roosevelt inherited anti-espionage efforts and established the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) on June 10, 1933. After the events of September 11, the INS was dissolved and replaced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under DHS, three agencies were created, one being ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). This…

Local legislation allows the state government to interpret jargon towards their preferred ideology. However, when there are discrepancies between protected rights and the court’s interpretation, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) must intervene. In A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, a student with a disability faced discriminatory practices within her in-school accommodations. The initial interpretation by the Eighth Circuit Court, regarding the Rehabilitation Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was a loophole interpretation. They favored an unequal implementation of disability rights within in-school disability accommodation, opening up the possibility to…

If I identify as a Black woman, consider myself Christian according to Black-American terminology, have a cross-cultural heritage, come from a well-to-do economic background, and identify as heterosexual (not to mention my social and personal identities as well as my geographic context)—what box do I fit into? From a sociological perspective, I embody all of these labels. However, sociology would also argue that as a woman, I cannot be considered a black woman; I am just performing the construct of being a woman. Yet, for me, these labels are intersected within society. If I cannot tangibly shed my identities when…

Classroom discipline efforts often rely on teacher discretion, and without proper diversitytraining, teachers become judge, jury, and executioner of minority students. In a congressionalreport, congress observed two key occurrences: 1) Racial and gender biases in school discipline practices and limited requirements in educator preparation and professional development all influence how school personal react to behavior by students of color; and 2) Improved and increased opportunities for culturally competence professional development programs can help teachers and related school personnel more effectively respond to student behavior misbehavior and thereby decrease the disparity between how Black and White students are disciplined. I remember…