Category Archives: Reviews
“Mass incarceration will be halted only by a moral awakening.” (Gilliard, Page 9) Dominique Gilliard’s forthcoming book, Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores, reframes and reimagines the movement to end mass incarceration in ways that are practical, challenging, and encouragingly accessible. Gilliard skillfully weaves together sociology, theology, and personal stories to awaken our minds, … Continue reading Review: Rethinking Incarceration by Dominique Gilliard Brings Theological Awakening to Mass Incarceration
I Didn’t Read a Full Book Until Age 20 – So I Created Shortiez to Tell Our Stories
For seven years I attempted to impact the young minds I crossed paths with every school day. Eventually I felt I could make a greater impact innovating through technology from the outside in. I retired from my position in September 2016 and began focusing more on a startup I founded called Shortiez which we are piloting this school year.
Prayers, Protest, & the Dangerous Justice of Jesus – Interview with Kenji Kuramitsu
“A Booklet of uncommon prayer: Collects for the #BlackLivesMatter Movement – and Beyond” by Kenji Kuramitsu is a collection of prayers that belongs right next to your poster board and permanent marker collection. It is a gripping collection of prayers that come from Kuramitsu’s own activism and a welcome addition to your self-care rituals, community … Continue reading Prayers, Protest, & the Dangerous Justice of Jesus – Interview with Kenji Kuramitsu
How 90’s Black T.V. Became My Refuge in the Trump Era
“In a 90’s kind of world, I’m glad I got my girls,” Queen Latifah sings with such conviction. I’m curled up on my couch singing loudly and poorly alongside Ms. Latifah, but it’s not 1993—the year Living Single first aired; it’s 2017—the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency. Fast-forward a week, and I’m on the … Continue reading How 90’s Black T.V. Became My Refuge in the Trump Era
The Spiritual Quest & The Struggle To Name Ourselves – Review of Moonlight
Moonlight is a rare film, harnessing critical acclaim and popular attention while challenging its audience to face a complex reality. Based on playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney’s own story, Director Barry Jenkins immerses us in the life of Chiron, a poor, black, gay man, as he struggles to claim his identity in an unforgiving place. As … Continue reading The Spiritual Quest & The Struggle To Name Ourselves – Review of Moonlight
When Church Hurts: A Review of Carol Howard Merritt’s Healing Spiritual Wounds
Church hurt…well, it hurts. And I am no stranger to the ways in which bad theology, abuses of power, misguided politics and bigotry can manifest within a community and influence the ways church folks and religious bullies perpetuate damage to vulnerable, human souls. In Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting With A Loving God After Experiencing A Hurtful Church, Carol Howard Merritt weaves into just over two hundred pages personal narrative and years of professional ministry experience, providing a compelling case for finding wholeness in God despite experiencing pain at the hands of God’s people.