Introduction Throughout history, progress has often been met with resistance, and the United States is no exception. The battle for equality, justice, and democracy has not only shaped the country’s past but continues to define its present. Yet, in recent years-months-weeks-days, we have witnessed a disturbing trend: a desire to roll back the rights our…
This post-election period has me feeling a blend of emotions—anger, frustration, but above all, hurt. After several drafts, wrestling with the urge to let my language roam free (lol), I’ve found a place of clarity. Sometimes, a bitter wake-up call is necessary, and this election was one of those moments. It’s not a time to…
For seven consecutive years, Florida has proudly held the top position in U.S. higher education rankings. This accomplishment reflects the state’s commitment to student success, affordability, and research innovation. However, recent policies—particularly those affecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)—cast a long shadow over Florida’s ability to sustain its standing and uphold the principles of access…
Election night brings a lot of excitement, but it can also be confusing when early results favor one candidate, only to shift later in the night or over the next few days. These shifts are often due to two common patterns known as the “Red Mirage” and the “Blue Shift”. These patterns aren’t tricks or…
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…
The Epidemic of Deceit We are about to have an important election, and the country has to make a choice that goes beyond traditional party preferences. It’s not just about politics; the truth is being attacked in ways that have never been seen before in modern American history—full stop. The book “Invisible Rulers: The People…
Introducing “Boogie Down Bytes”! Here, you will find a collection of brief but thought-provoking ideas on a variety of subjects. “Boogie Down Bytes” is my attempt to provoke thought and discussion by offering reflections on leadership, relationships, and famous people. Sometimes, I share ideas that haven’t fully matured into standalone pieces, whether that be a…
I used to work out regularly and am trying to get back into it. A year and half ago, I had an injury to my adductor brevis muscle, during a run of the mill Jiu-Jitsu rolling session. Sidelined me for an extended period. I remember as I healed how I would compensate for this injury…
Mentorship plays an important role in professional development, providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities for all professionals, that can significantly impact career trajectories. For Black male residence life professionals, the importance of mentorship cannot be overstated, given the unique challenges they face within many of the institutions they work at. These challenges include navigating the…
I typically do not write on these types of topics, but I just finished a friendly discussion/debate with a good friend. However, this friend does not have the insight of someone who grew up in an inner city and around individuals like Cam’ron. The renowned journalist Abby Phillips’ recent interview with the rapper Cam’ron on…
There are many instances in which we fail to take into account the dual nature of the instruments, devices, and policies that we rely on in our day-to-day lives. Despite the fact that certain materials might be extremely useful, there are circumstances in which they might also be harmful. After working in an organizational setting…
On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped our lives through their unwavering love, wisdom, and resilience. It’s a day filled with appreciation for the countless sacrifices made by mothers worldwide. I wanted to create space to pay homage to the women who not only raised their children with little resources but…
First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade…
In higher education, we are encountering two significant challenges: burnout and attrition in student services roles. These dedicated professionals are crucial in enhancing the educational experience, so it is essential to prioritize their well-being and satisfaction for the benefit of students. This piece will revisit these subjects, analyze the causes of burnout, and propose practical strategies…
In a previous blog post, I introduced and began to explore the concept of the Incongruent Campus-Conference Persona (ICCP), a term I’ve coined to encapsulate the dichotomy observed in professional behavior, especially within the higher education sector. This reflection builds upon those initial thoughts, delving deeper into the implications of ICCP behaviors and the strategies…
Today, I pay tribute to the revered Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. by drawing upon his unique ability to recognize and provide insightful criticism of events that are frequently misinterpreted or ignored. He was more than just the person who could deliver the “I Have a Dream” speech. That is the version that is more…
The Unseen Influences in Our Workplace Imagine a scenario: Alex, an enthusiastic and experienced professional, recently joined the Fraternity and Sorority Life Department at a prestigious university as an Assistant Director. Brimming with ideas and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Alex was eager to contribute to the department. However, Alex soon encountered an unexpected…
In the world of college sports, there are few names as legendary as Joe Paterno. For over half a century, he held an unshakable grip over Penn State University’s football program, a place affectionately known as “Happy Valley.” However, it became evident between March and November of 2011 that ‘Happy Valley’ wasn’t so joyful for…
Hello, beautiful people. It’s been a minute since my last blog post, and I am excited to reconnect with you all and start blogging regularly again. My absence was for good reason – I have been on a long and incredible journey, culminating in achieving a lifelong dream: earning a doctorate. This journey began over…
In a world where stereotypes of masculinity often prioritize strength and aggression, the importance of male wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, has been overshadowed. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that toxic masculinity not only harms children and women but also negatively impacts males themselves. Growing up, I, too, was exposed to these…