The United States prides itself on offering abundant opportunities for higher education, yet the landscape is fraught with challenges that affect accessibility, affordability, and equity. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has played and continues to play an important role in navigating these challenges, serving as a backbone for educational institutions and students across the…
It’s been 4 weeks since election night on November 5th, I find myself analyzing post-election data and reflecting on deeper issues around identity, community, and political engagement. Analysts are already dissecting why certain minority groups may have voted in ways perceived as counter to their self-interests, but I’m focused on a different set of questions…
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…
I am a big fantasy movie nerd. I do not agree with all of Rowling’s views. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”. This iconic quote from Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban resonates deeply when reflecting on gratitude during…
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…
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…