Tag Archives: politics

Mrs. New’s Tattoo

I remember the first time I really saw the numbers tattooed on Mrs. New’s arm. I had seen them before, but by 11 years old, I knew enough to really see them.  I remember a 2 and a long chain … Continue reading

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Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a Tzadik

After Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, 11-year-old Micah Blay made a pilgrimage to the U.S. Supreme Court and blew the shofar for the hundreds of people gathered there. In keeping with Jewish custom, they laid small stones on the steps … Continue reading

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Understanding the Effects of Racial Trauma

Racial Trauma for Blacks is a prevalent phenomenon that cannot be disputed yet it is so commonplace that it has been normalized. Every day the U.S. global majority (an alternative term for people of color) face the damaging effects of … Continue reading

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Why Now, and What Now? A Theological Reflection on the Fire of the Current Moment

Why Now, and What Now? A Theological Reflection on the Fire of the Current Moment “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” –John Lewis God gave Noah the rainbow sign ‘No more water but fire next time. – … Continue reading

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Shooting a Virus Dred Feminist Rant #16

The corona virus exposes unmistakable crises in capitalism. While we reconfigure our expectations and lifestyles because of a virus few of us knew about three months ago, we endure this unimaginable crisis under a ruthless economic philosophy that sacrifices people … Continue reading

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A Note About The Use of Sacred Texts

Dear Friends, On behalf of the Smith College Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, I write to condemn the recent use of a sacred text to illustrate a political point. Christian scripture in particular has been manipulated to oppress black … Continue reading

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Otelia Cromwell Day 2019

Tribute to Adelaide Cromwell ’40 I met Dr. Adelaide McGuinn Cromwell in the mid 1980’s as a student at Boston University. Professor Gulliver, as she was known then, was my sociology professor in Afro American Studies, and one of only … Continue reading

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Religion and Politics:
The intersections of our spiritual and moral lives

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King used to say he preached with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. I understand this to mean that his words were always inextricably linked with the moral and ethical … Continue reading

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Poor People’s Campaign Sounds the Alarm

I didn’t plan on going to a grassroots activist rally that day, June 4, 2018. But my days as Muslim Student Adviser offer many different opportunities, so I wasn’t surprised. Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and College Chaplain Rev. … Continue reading

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Combatants for Peace:
ex-combatants lay down arms to seek peace

Two representatives from the bi-national grassroots organization Combatants for Peace (CFP) joined Smithies for a Peace Meal earlier this week. One representative was Palestinian; the other, Israeli. CFP was formed in 2006 when combatants on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict … Continue reading

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