Featured Posts
Welcoming: Who, Where, and Why
I thrive on self-expansion, and I have a hunch you do as well. Being exposed to new points of view fulfills people’s ”fundamental desire to expand the self—that is, to increase their self-efficacy, perspectives, competence, and resources.” Here’s why that matters in our own neighborhoods as well as new place.
Reflecting on My 24 Years in St. Louis
When I arrived in St. Louis in May 2001, I couldn’t have imagined living in this region for 24 years. And even after two decades, I don’t feel like an expert. So I was bemused to be invited onto the B Side podcast with hosts JB Anderson of Gaslight Studios and Anthony Bartlett of Acclimate to talk about becoming a St. Louisan.
Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
When I was a kid in the 1970s, my family played a tiny role in a cross-country walk by an activist named Esther “Little Dove” John. A solo Black woman walking across the North Dakota plains to promote peace stood out in great detail from my everyday routine. And I can see why the idea of walking long distances to support a cause endures. The physical manifestation of the mental stamina needed to navigate hard times will always be compelling.
Feeling a Little Betrayed
Being “a little betrayed” is like being “a little pregnant.” Not possible. My guess is that a lot of us are feeling it right now. And not admitting it. Again, kind of like pregnancy. At first the information is shared on a need-to-know basis. Then suddenly everything shifts and it takes over your entire life every waking moment. I will warn you now: A single book or movie about betrayal is not going to be enough of a balm. You need an entire series.
Community IDs for New Residents Suddenly Make a Splash
I’m guessing that most of the folks who renew their resident card each year in my suburb don’t know any of the backstory about municipal IDs and wouldn’t connect the card they scan at the pool to the wider conversations around immigration, trust in law enforcement, access to healthcare, support for the arts, and more.