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bdtauthor.bsky.social
NYT best-selling author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race; President Emerita of Spelman College; Committed to the ABCs: affirming identity, building community, and cultivating leadership
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Prolific Poster

“Todd Wolfson, the president of the American Association of University Professors, a nat’l faculty rights group, described the move as the greatest incursion into academic freedom & free speech since Sen Joseph R. McCarthy’s crusade against communism in the 1950s.” www.nytimes.com/2025/03/22/n...

It will never be enough. The goal is to break the University, not have them meet demands. Taunting Columbia with the hope of compliance just sweetens the pot with humiliation.

This is how law firms should do it.

As a reminder, Joseph Welch — who defied McCarthy and brought him low with the “no sense of decency” line — was a partner at the prestigious firm of Hale and Dorr (now WilmerHale). It’s not only possible for leading firms to resist; it’s essential.

I’m not hearing the words “arbitrary & capricious” enough these days. There are laws protecting us against the actions of agencies that are irrational in this way. The funds would come through an agency, like the Education Dept, not from Trump’s pocket. We need Maine to sue and NOT settle.

In case you missed it…

Thank you to Princeton President for being willing to go on the record raising alarm about academic freedom. youtu.be/4yEkSa5hL0o

This is essential. Broadcast this!

Trump and Vance are following Viktor Orbán's playbook for exerting control over universities, but to what end? US institutions are widely regarded as among the best in the world. Not the case for Hungarian institutions. www.chronicle.com/article/why-...

MHC Prez Danielle Holley, constitutional law scholar, on NPR’s “Here and Now,” warns “Attacks on the university are one of the first places where people start when they want to attack democracy.” Read more and listen to the full segment at lnkd.in/eAR5qq3i She’s right!

Dr. Lonnie Johnson, known for inventing the “Super Soaker” water toy (#1 toy in the world!) but his primary research focuses on energy technology, and developing a solid state battery. He announced today the Dr. Lonnie Johnson Research Institute at Tuskegee University, his alma mater. #Geniusatwork

Why is it that of all our electeds, only AOC seems to understand how to talk about Trump and Musk right now?

The real meaning of DEI! youtu.be/OdjBdzkIXFE

Good news!

If you need to take a break from the current chaos… youtu.be/9542BuRJq6k

Shop at COSTCO, folks. The only company that didn't cave and furthermore doubled down on DEI efforts and said it has helped their revenue, their products, their employees, and their customers.

BREAKING: We’re suing the Trump administration to block the president’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. An executive order does not have the power to override the Constitution.

Stand firm.

“Could we… speak to one another with respect?” Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, joined @maddow.msnbc.com and responded to comments made by President Trump. WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: youtu.be/XsKZA0bBNu8?...

Dan Rather quoting @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social : “...no alternative to persevering, and that does not require you to feel good. You can keep walking whether it’s sunny or raining. Take care of yourself and remember that taking care of something else is an important part ..." berto.fyi/SteadyJan25

Unfortunately it won’t be just them.

Birthright citizenship is on the lips and minds of many, given yesterday’s “executive order.” Recommend Martha Jones’s book to those seeking to inform themselves about the context of this concept.

Can you imagine the courage it took to preach this message directly to the president? This is what a follower of Jesus looks like. (Partial transcript below.)

My dad earned his doctorate in art education from Penn State in 1957. We lived in Tallahassee, FL & he taught at FAMU. Florida State was across town but didn’t admit Black grad students until 1962. Instead, Florida paid his train fare (but not his tuition) to Penn State. #Blackhistory

Honored to be MLK speaker at Penn State last night. Students were warm and welcoming but it is -3 degrees in State College, PA this morning. Can’t wait to get back to ATL where it will be a balmy 35 degrees and yesterday’s snow will be melting!

#tdih 1968 When asked at White House luncheon why young people are angry, Eartha Kitt said, because "You send best of this country off to be shot and maimed." In retaliation for her honesty, gov't ruined her U.S. career for 10 years & CIA tracked her. See ⬇️ 🧵 www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/ea...

A phenomenal and motivating read on how to keep going, by @andreapitzer.bsky.social.

That’s how I see it, too. People are poor because they are paid poorly. $7.25/hour is not a living wage.

QOTD: “Life will always provide matters for concern. Each day, however, brings with it reasons for joy.” Adapted from the Rule of St. Benedict by John McQuiston II in Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living. Warning: Joy-seeking is habit-forming!

Child care for two kids costs more than the average rent in every state in America. For the same amount it would cost to renew the 2017 Trump tax scam, Congress could guarantee affordable child care for every family, fund paid leave for every worker, and more.

Agreed! Thanks @chrisbaraniuk.com for sharing it.

#tdih 1979 Symm v. U.S. — only Supreme Court case on 26th Amend. — ruled that denial of residency rights for college students was unconstitutional. Videos ⬇️: Professor Melanye Price at Texas Prairie View A&M describes history & ongoing fight for voting rights. www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/su...

Yes, there is. I have a new book coming out in September, in which I attempt to unpack it. More info about that coming soon!

James by Percival Everett is a great book, really well read by Dominic Hoffman. My favorite listen of 2024!

“Hopelessness is the enemy of justice. Injustice prevails when hopelessness persists.” Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative

#tdih 1931 Principal stood in doorway of a Lemon Grove, Calif. elementary school & barred Mexican American students from entering. Their parents organized & took school district to court. Read ⬇️ & see @leeandlow.bsky.social picture book #TeachOutsideTextbook www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/le...

I was 11 years old in 1965. This is not ancient history.

Good advice!

I make the same resolution each year: Do MORE each day! M -meditate O- organize myself/my day R - read for inspiration E - exercise Always we begin again!

I love this photo of the ATL skyline taken this evening. Honored to know the photographer! 😊

I spent almost every afternoon at the library during my elementary school years because I passed by it on my way home from school - my home away from home. I am sure I am a better person/writer today because of all the books I read and the encouragement of a welcoming librarian!

Maryland tchr Harriet Brown, with Thurgood Marshall of @naacp.bsky.social, sued for equal pay for African American teachers. #tdih 1937, BOE ruled in her favor. Norfolk tchr fired for same demand. Support teacher activism today: zinnedproject.org/donate/ ⬇️ www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/ha...

I’m seeing a growing number of students complain: “My grade doesn’t reflect the effort I put into the course.” Public service announcement: An A is for excellence, not for effort. The true measure of learning is not the time and energy you put in. It’s the knowledge and skills you take out.

Educator’s QOTD: “The true measure of learning is not the time and energy you put in. It’s the knowledge and skills you take out.” Adam Grant You can read his essay “No, You Don’t Get an A for Effort” in NYT 12/26/24. But, worth noting, time and EFFECTIVE effort does usually improve results!

Remember the hobbit!

Lovely Christmas afternoon at the movies w/family & friend to see Conclave. Such an excellent movie! Gave us lots to talk about at Christmas dinner! Wishing happy holidays to all as you celebrate your traditions whatever they may be!

When Mikaila Ulmer was asked if she had advice for other young women, she replied: “Real queens fix each other’s crowns,” emphasizing the importance of being willing to help others, and allowing others to help you. #wisdom