What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? ~ Langston Hughes In … Continue reading Review: A Raisin in the Sun
Category: Race
McDonnell’s proclamation
Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation earlier this week declaring April "Confederate History Month." In doing so, the governor failed to explicitly acknowledge that a part of our history is not so nice: that part being slavery. After incurring the wrath of many, including those in the national media, the governor amended his proclamation, calling … Continue reading McDonnell’s proclamation
The struggle toward inclusiveness
This op-ed appeared in the Virginian-Pilot on Sunday, February 14, 2010. I’VE BEEN thinking about the subject of race in an ideal society, a world where we talk about race without making everything about race. It’s something I long for, something I once thought was not only possible but just around the corner. I’m no … Continue reading The struggle toward inclusiveness
Random, interrelated thoughts
I spent some time yesterday with some folks that reinforced in my mind a few things. One is that a lot of people never even bother to try to put themselves in the shoes of another. While failing to acknowledge that their perspective is shaped by who they are and their own life's experiences, they … Continue reading Random, interrelated thoughts
Race: the conversation we haven’t had
The weekend provided more examples of the ongoing lack of conversation about race in this country. Michael Steele has been, by most accounts, an embarrassment to the Republican National Committee. The list of things he's done wrong got longer with the release of a book he wrote, a book he never bothered to tell anyone … Continue reading Race: the conversation we haven’t had
Opinion, please: “Black Fur-iday”
It seems that animal shelters find black cats and dogs difficult to be adopted. In a play on words, the Norfolk Animal Care Center is holding a "sale" on the animals, to coincide with Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. The "sale" provides for adoption fees of black cats and dogs … Continue reading Opinion, please: “Black Fur-iday”
Pilot snapshot: race in America
Three different stories in Tuesday's Virginian-Pilot provide a snapshot of where America is on the issue of race. The first two stories were news stories, the third an op-ed piece. The first story dealt with a report released yesterday by the Census Bureau about voter turnout in the November election. The press release, including a … Continue reading Pilot snapshot: race in America
42 years ago: Loving v Virginia
Forty-two years ago today, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the case of Richard and Mildred Loving, a mixed couple who were barred under Virginia law from marrying. I thought about this case a couple of weeks ago as I met, for the first time, with a man originally from the Philippines … Continue reading 42 years ago: Loving v Virginia
Richmond Crusade for Voters controversy
I was a wee bit busy when the announcement was made of the endorsement of Terry McAuliffe by the Richmond Crusade for Voters. I did see that Sen. Henry Marsh, a long-time member of the historic black organization and a supporter of Creigh Deeds, was upset by the vote, as pointed out by the Richmond … Continue reading Richmond Crusade for Voters controversy
VA premiere: HBO’s The Black List Vol. 2
I attended the Virginia premiere of HBO's The Black List Vol. 2 last night in Norfolk. The event was done in conjunction with Cox Communications and The Urban League. The documentary was compelling and had the Chrysler Hall audience alternatively clapping, laughing and somber. What was most intriguing was the Q and A session afterwards … Continue reading VA premiere: HBO’s The Black List Vol. 2
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 