The Power in Keeping It Personal – The reFRESH - FRESH Speakers

Written by Jackson Bird

This week we’re highlighting personal stories on vital issues facing our nation as a reminder that the personal is political, and each of us has the power to make a difference.

What we’re checking out…

ICYMI Megan Thee Stallion wrote an incredible op-ed on Black feminism for The New York Times. As Charlene Carruthers said on Instagram, it matters not just because of the important message, but because of how far that message will spread, how many people will read it simply because of who she is who wouldn’t ordinarily engage with the topic. And that’s huge.

Nora Salem explains how cancel culture is not leading us towards “ideological conformity,” but is rather long-overdue accountability for those in positions of power.

by @niabydesign

As discussions about Roe v. Wade ramp up in the midst of the senate judiciary hearings, Michigan Senator Gary Peters shared the heartbreaking and all-too-common story of his wife’s abortion––making him the first sitting senator to speak publicly about a personal experience with abortion.

From a Buddhist Dharma teacher to the creator of The Nap Ministry, Taylor Hosking sought the guidance of several women spiritual leaders of color as she grieved her mother’s death from COVID-19.

Talking to people in your life about voting and want some data on hand? The Brookings Institution released a breakdown of all the ways the current administration has failed Black Americans, with receipts.

via IntoAction

Here’s a longread for your weekend: Wesley Morris takes us on a journey through history, across pop culture, and deep within his soul as he reflects on the mustache he grew during quarantine and how it made him consider his Blackness in new ways.

Our reFRESHing Talk of the Week is poet Crystal Good’s vulnerable and powerful testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee during Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing earlier this week.

The latest from our speakers…

Vanessa Garrison and T. Morgan Dixon had the Oprah Winfrey as a guest on their Black History Bootcamp podcast. Listen here!

Dena Simmons brought the fire in her latest for ASCD’s In Service on how school systems aren’t doing enough to support Black educators.

Both Alicia Garza and Samhita Mukhopadhyay reflected for GEN on Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, one year later.

by Hokyoung Kim, via GEN

Jamil Smith wrote for Rolling Stone about the hard truth that the damages wrought by this administration will be with us for long after their term ends.

Brittney Cooper appeared on Marc Lamont Hill’s Coffee and Books podcast to discuss Black feminism, writing, Beyoncé, and more.

Jackson Bird produced a short documentary about his life in transition.

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