Learning (Page 8)

Black Lives Matter protests. Supporters are marching through the streets of London protesting the death of George Floyd. LONDON- 03 JUNE, 2020

What does being “Woke” mean? (article)

Being “woke” means remaining alert to racial prejudice and discrimination and being willing to stand up against oppression and seek justice and reconciliation.

(306 words)

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School kid bullies sit on a brick stairway above a boy who is seated, with his head against a brick wall. The victim's expression shows feelings of rejection and ridicule.

To those who never read me. (a poem)

Remember the ones
you passed in the hall
never stopping to talk
or know them at all?

The awkward kid
who didn’t fit in
tried to make friends
but just couldn’t win?

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A young black woman sits on a gray sofa in a modern living room. She appears peaceful and stress-free while relaxing at home.

A Meaningful Life (article)

The definition of living a meaningful life
will differ for each person.

To some it may be to strive
for a form of greatness.
To others it may be
to make it through each day.

(405 words)

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A lonely woman sits on a swing in the park villa in the morning. She is reaching over to hold an empty swing beside her.

Andy (a poem)

I wish I had spoken
one simple, kind word.
It may well have been
the only one heard.

Now it’s much too late.
Life goes on without.
Memories will fade
but regrets they do not.

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A whitetail deer doe is walking through the water, across a small pond.

The clarity I seek is regarding how to remain calm
amidst the storms swirling round about me,
how to be of help and live compassionately
towards those in most dire need,
those who may not appreciate or understand
the choices I make each day.

(1,108 words)

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The words "Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion" are revealed on white paper, behind torn and peeled purple paper in the foreground.

A Beginner’s Guide for Allies

9 things we can do to be better allies.

(1,595 words)

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Library reading room. Empty wooden swivel chair at wooden library table with book open on the table. Glasses on top of book. Wooden bookcases with blurred bindings of colorful books behind table and chair. A steak knife lies on the floor nearby.

“I remember” (a poem)

TW: Suicide

I feel my chest heave as I walk through the kitchen.
Heavy breath, warm and wet.
My pace deliberate, pronounced.

Cold steel grazes my neck, awakening memories.

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A woman with black hair stands, eyes closed, with a large piece of black tape over her mouth. In the blurred background, protestors holding signs can be seen.

Silent No More. (an anaphoric poem)

The silence is over.
The time has now come,
where no longer fearful,
our voices ring clear.

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A monochrome image of two Icelandic sheep standing face to face, one is black and the other white. The only color in the image is in the sheep's eyes—the black sheep's eyes are brown and the white sheep's are gold and green.

People (thoughts)

Those with whom we surround ourselves
tend to define our worth.
Sometimes it is through their words,
and other times by our own comparisons.
Each time we share a bit of ourselves
we give them more power,
for that is what trust is, power.
The power to lift up.
The power to crush.

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