There were several amazing teachers and professors who loved and supported me throughout this journey. I obviously didn’t do this by myself and never want anyone to think that I did. I also don’t believe that these situations I’ve gone through were supposed to destroy me, but to remind me of what God’s done in my life before. Special thanks to all of my friends and family who have advised me on this journey. Next stop, Howard University in Washington D.C.
Read MoreAdventist-ish: Leaving the Bubble /
As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, many of us feel like we’re pushed through the system: Adventist education, Adventist church, Adventist corporation. Rinse and repeat. We raise our children to go to Adventist schools and do all of the culturally appropriate “Adventist-ish” things. So, are we Adventist enough? Let’s make an obviously satirical checklist.
Read MoreWho Needs Black History Month, Anyway? /
Black History Month gives us a chance to celebrate our ancestors and family members who have paved the way for us to follow our dreams, passions, and goals. “Black Excellence” is about Black people realizing that they were made for more than just average. Black people, unfortunately had to spend hundreds of years being your average, faceless, nameless slave, incapable of changing the world. Black History Month reminds us of the resilience of people who led the largest American revolution we’d seen since the Revolutionary War--the Civil Rights Movement. Black History Month is a chance to celebrate Kobe Bryant, Ava DuVernary, Nipsey Hussle, Beyonce, and so many more. It’s a chance to celebrate my grandmother, your cousin, her brother, his auntie. It’s all around us.
Read MoreI Thought I Was Supposed to Figure it Out by Now: What I Learned Abroad /
2020 brings a lot of excitement (and perfect eyesight for those who think they’re comedians). For me, there’s a lot of uncertainty about the future. All of this contemplating brings more days of anxiety than anything else--these daily migraines are a testament to that. There are actually hundreds of people listening to the content that I’ve created, and that’s really humbling. There’s still the endless questions: What if I don’t make it into those graduate programs? What if my family refuses to acknowledge, understand, and encourage my creative development? I’m not avoiding my calling, am I? What if I get left behind?
Read MoreWHY?: Struggling through a Summer of Self-Doubt /
I went for a walk this past Saturday evening to try and clear my head. Staying alone in my dark room on a really sunny day (as much as I love darkness) wasn’t going to make me feel any better. When I’m frustrated, I talk to God. That day, I was yelling inside. “WHY? Why can’t I just know what it is You want me to do? Why does it feel like I can never reach the level I’m looking to achieve. Why can’t I be successful?”
Read MoreIs There Anything Illegal In Your Car? /
Earlier this week, I was profiled by police in central Florida. I was asked if I had something illegal in my car, which I obviously answered no. If you’ve never known what it means to be racially profiled and live a bit in fear by the ones who are sworn to protect you, allow me to let you into that perspective.
Read MoreAm I "TOO BLACK" for My Institution? /
The answer to my question: Am I “TOO BLACK” to attend my institution? If you equate being “too Black” to the same as too “progressive, idealistic, liberal, angry, or an emotional social justice warrior,” you might be right...or you might be dead wrong. I just think it’s time to move to towards the future, and I never want to leave our institution feeling like I didn’t give it my all or I never talked about the things so many of us have been feeling.
Read MoreWhy I Don’t Like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day /
Yes, Dr. King lived a life of service. He lived a life of service to his community, but that service was in uprooting the inherently racist and social norms in a society that promised life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. When Americans remember Dr. King, it should not be mistaken and equated solely with the idea of picking up trash, singing to people, or building new structures for those in need. Understand that there is absolutely nothing wrong with those things, but declaring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as “National Community Service Day” for years to come may miss the entire point of what King lived and died for.
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