Introduction When the Aspiring Orange Dictator announced plans to approve 600,000 visas for Chinese students, the move shocked even his own loyalists. The right erupted in outrage, calling it a betrayal of the “America First” agenda. Social media lit up with racist dog whistles about spies and stolen opportunities, while conservative media scrambled to spin…
This past Sunday I did what many of us love to do when the work week finally lets go of our shoulders. I ate well. I stopped by the Oviedo Food Factory and tried a new spot called Tacos My Guey. Let me tell you, those tacos were the kind of good that makes you…
Introduction There is a storm swirling around us, terrifying, complicated, heavy, and relentless. It shakes our sense of safety daily and forces us to see things we wish we could ignore or unsee. We cannot. Storms do not just test structures; they test people. I have often said, “If you want to know what someone…
Introduction In a digital era teeming with algorithms and vanity metrics, Karen Rodriguez, founder of Social with Karen, offers a refreshing take: cut the fluff, and keep it real. Her philosophy on social media strategy aligns with what many of us in student affairs and higher education have been shouting from the rooftops…authenticity is not…
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…
In the past few years, friends and coworkers have told me about the challenging behaviors they have to deal with at work, which can be mild or overt. From shady firings to overt power plays, many people have to deal with an unsettling truth post this recent election: the possible erosion of federal and state…
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…
In the past few months, I read a book that struck a chord with me on a profound level. On top of that, it motivated me to get in touch with the author through LinkedIn. As a result of the fact that I purchased and read the book in the year 2023, it has taken…
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…