Years ago, I found myself submerged in books and research about mass incarceration. Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow ignited my curiosity, but what kept me reading, what shook me, was the pattern that kept revealing itself. Incarceration in America is not just a tool of control. It is big business. A billion dollar business….
A Nation of Contradictions In America, it’s considered normal for CEOs to receive $100 million bonuses while millions of hardworking people live paycheck to paycheck. This grotesque gap is accepted as just part of our economy. Meanwhile, we hesitate to provide financial help to an elderly widow in Nebraska raising three children after her husband…
Local and National Politics: The Reach of The G Word In 2022, Netflix teamed up with comedian Adam Conover and former U.S. President Barack Obama to create The G Word, a limited documentary series that uses comedy to educate viewers about the inner workings of the U.S. government. Conover and Obama set out to make…
I fear it is coming and small businesses and owners should be prepared. History has a way of repeating itself, especially when politicians make reckless economic decisions. Small businesses, particularly in the food and hospitality industry, have long been at the mercy of policymakers who either fail to consider the consequences of their actions or…
Lately, I’ve been increasingly curious about Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada, Greenland, and Panama. It’s not just posturing—it looks like he’s actively trying to gain control over their lands and resources. But why? What’s the bigger picture? I can’t shake the feeling that this is all the brainchild of Vladimir Putin. Trump’s entire “Make America…
Paola Ramos’ Defectors presents a bold examination of the Latino electorate, shedding light on the surprising alignment of some Latino communities with far-right ideologies. Through nuanced narratives like those in Chapter 5, the book challenges assumptions about political monoliths and uncovers identity, belonging, and misinformation as potent factors in reshaping allegiances. This phenomenon, while intriguing…
It. Is. Not. Too. Late. If we act NOW. Welcome back, scholars. Let’s cut through the noise. The past week has been relentless, with the current administration’s authoritarian overreach growing bolder by the day. What should terrify all of us isn’t just the power grab—it’s the eerie silence from everyday people, going about their lives…
I want to start by sharing my love for cinema, a passion that has stayed with me since I was a little boy. Movies often reflect life, offering valuable lessons if we pay attention. Lately, I’ve been drawn to characters who betray their own group to align with those who neither care for nor respect…
How accurate is the video approximately 6 days after the election? Wake Up. Mobilize. Emerging evidence suggests that our worst fears about voter suppression may have materialized in the 2024 election. What was once dismissed as speculation is now being bolstered by hard data: the systematic disenfranchisement of voters—particularly from Black and marginalized communities—was not…
As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s crucial to revisit his enduring call for justice—not just racial, but economic. Dr. King believed poverty was a moral failing of society, an injustice that demanded systemic solutions. In 2025, America remains the wealthiest country on Earth, yet millions still struggle…
From the Bronx to New Beginnings In life, we often find ourselves at unexpected crossroads where resilience becomes our guiding compass. This story of reinvention begins in the Bronx, where family, culture, and community shaped a young man’s worldview. Yet, it was a leap into new industries and the embrace of uncertainty that would transform…
Leadership transcends titles and positions; it’s about inspiring a shared vision, empowering individuals, fostering new ideas, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Drawing on my experience leading diverse teams, I’ve learned that effective leadership involves more than delegating tasks—it requires connecting with people, motivating them, and paving the way for growth and creativity. Below, I reflect…
On December 24, 2024, I officially returned to work after an extended recovery following surgery—a break I needed more than I initially realized. The three pictures below tell part of the story: dramatic weight fluctuations between 2019 and today. I am proud to share that I am healthier now, more conscious of my stress levels…
When art meets purpose, magic happens—and Kelsey Ferguson is a prime example of this. In a recent interview for my podcast, The Boogie Down Scholar, Kelsey shared her journey as a graphic artist, offering a glimpse into her creative process, inspirations, and the profound impact her work has on communities. Let’s take a closer look…
Stephen A. Smith built his career on bold, unapologetic takes, usually in the realm of sports. When he sticks to what he knows, his commentary is entertaining, insightful, and sharp. But when he steps outside of that arena and ventures into politics and social issues, he stumbles — often spectacularly. His latest tirade about the…
Understanding Cult Mindsets Misinformation today isn’t just an annoyance — it’s a weapon, meticulously designed to shape belief systems and keep us divided. When I created my Boogie Down Scholar video on Breaking Free from Cult Mindsets, a wave of dread hit me. The more I dug into the topic, the clearer it became that…
I recently watched a TikTok that really got to me. It was not the usual clickbait or exaggerated outrage we often scroll past. This video, from @brendonfreakinglemon, was a blunt and honest take on where America is politically—and it hit me harder than I expected. The speaker, clearly frustrated and tired, described a nation where…
I Miss You Grandma Ever heard the phrase “Kiss My Grits”? It’s a nostalgic Southern expression meaning “Take a hike” or “I’m not putting up with your nonsense.” I first heard it from my grandmother, a proud South Carolinian who raised me in the Southeast Bronx while my mother worked long hours. My grandmother, a…
Have you Ever Heard of Martin Niemöller? Do you know Martin Niemöller? I referenced him in one of my previous posts. His name might not leap off the page like a Roosevelt or a King, but his story carries a weight that demands our attention – especially right now. It’s a story of transformation—of a…
Growing up, I saw firsthand what it means to face barriers—and to find ways around them. Those living in low-income communities can be incredibly resilient and resourceful. Those experiences, unbeknownst to me at the time, shaped my commitment to education and to creating systems that work for everyone [capital E], especially in higher education. The…