Juneteenth: a celebration of progress

Posted June 19, 2025

Filed under Life

Juneteenth may mark the end of slavery in the United States but must begin with acknowledgement for that bloody time in our history. This Federal holiday asks us to envision new horizons with opportunities for more than hope. Let us note how substantial change comes about, with people making their voices heard loud and clear, through peaceful protests and intentional voting. Looking backwards or forward, regardless, Juneteenth is provocative for it demands that we speak truth and face fact. We are a nation of mostly immigrants, some “Bought, sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare” but at this moment we are all “Praying for a dream” “on the pulse of this new day” (Angelou).

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Say Gay. Praise Science. Condemn War. Carry on.

Posted March 9, 2022

Filed under Life

Oh my what a week. Not that I’m surprised. I mean, 2022 has been a ton of crazy from the get go. And now, when we look at the hubbub in the south, we wonder, what has Florida done now? A state notable for its high poverty rate, disastrous infrastructure, and abysmal salaries for teachers and all those we praised as essential workers just 24 months ago. Snowbirds flock there on their measly social security or atrocious pensions to eke out their last days with some sunshine and air conditioning just to avoid income tax, (no blame at all– you have all my best hopes for better days and sunsets). Of course I can’t discredit the extraordinary Florida juicy oranges which fuel my soul during the coldest of months AND the most aquamarine ocean this side of the Mediterranean. But politics? Nope. DeSantis is rude, wrong, and just too arrogant for me, from how he talks to teens to what he says about them. Can you disagree? Eye to eye, can you really?

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Dear President Joseph Biden,

Posted December 9, 2021

Filed under Life

Dear President Joseph Robinette Biden,

I hope you are well, and ready to celebrate the upcoming holidays with reverence and joy. Lord knows, you have earned a few family days, in fact, I hope you have several moments when you are not worried about all of us. I am looking forward to a few days like that myself. You see, I’m a high school teacher of English, and I know for sure you understand what that entails, in terms of never being too far removed from your work life. My wish for the both of us is to step away for a minute and rejoice in the wonders of the season.

So, why am I writing you? Well, that’s a simple one to answer. I just want to say thank you. I get the feeling you might not hear those two words enough from people. I must admit, they carry great weight; I know this firsthand. Most days I stand at my classroom door as my high schoolers exit, and we exchange niceties as they move on to their next class, like thank you, or have a great day, or for those headed to play in a basketball game or participate in a musical or theatrical or dance rehearsal, granting a best wishes, best of luck, or some such salutation. At the end of my day, I am the one made richer by all the recognition and gratitude I hear back. But perhaps you don’t get such gracious greetings with such ease. So, thank you, for all you do.