There are several ways to look at the developments that got us to the present situation with Right-Wing politics. One way is through the actions of the Tea Party. Such a look suggests that those of us who saw some of the activities up close should have provided our friends in other places with better … [Read more…]
Nowadays, we are celebrating the life of Henrietta Lacks and decrying the circumstances that make her noteworthy. Cells from her body were used without her consent before consent was required in clinical research. Although the federal government now requires informed consent through institutions’ review boards, researchers and institutions do not always obey. Such was the … [Read more…]
During this Black History Month let us celebrate again Barbara Johns, who has been called the most successful American high school activist ever by Slate magazine and the Roanoke Times newspaper. And I agree with them. She was the personification of the theme of this year’s Black History Month, “Resistance,” as she helped bring down … [Read more…]
Among several of its projects, the Roanoke Hidden Histories initiative will erect a statue of Henrietta Lacks, who was born Loretta Pleasant in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1920. The last name “Lacks” came later from her husband’s last name. It is unclear about the change of the first name. Henrietta Lacks is honored because of the … [Read more…]
As we sat watching the insurrection on television on January 6, 2021, my revulsion at the rioters was matched by my disgust at the weak law enforcement response. Later, I joined many others in praising some Capitol police officers for their bravery and heroism. Since the January 6 hearings and the release of the final … [Read more…]
The recent horrible policing killing in Memphis reminds me of a sad part of my youth. As a teenager in Alabama, I studiously avoided police officers, because I had this morbid mindset concerning them. I was resolved with every fiber of my being that if an officer hit me, he had effectively killed two people—him … [Read more…]
Earlier this month the American Sociological Association issued the following statement. The American Sociological Association (ASA) strongly supports scholars, teachers, and researchers who are committed to raising awareness about the impact of race and racism in American and global society. Unfortunately, many sociologists and sociology teachers are currently facing fear for their livelihoods and careers … [Read more…]
When Demar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a tackle during a recent NFL game, it shocked many people to realize that America’s current favorite pastime, football, is such a brutal game. The injury rate is 100 percent for those who play in high school, college, and the National Football League. As a result, some … [Read more…]
From Diane Ravitch Stop the Lies About Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy Donna Ladd, editor and CEO of the Mississippi Free Press, writes here about the sustained rightwing effort to co-opt Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of militant resistance to racism and his dedication to telling the truth about our tarnished history. This is an … [Read more…]
I have not visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in D.C. Although I have been to Washington, D.C., many times since its installation, I have not been to the monument. I will go eventually; however, I have yet to reach that point. My hesitancy is because I was in Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday … [Read more…]