Can I Speak Freely

Considering Cults in Context

Throughout history, several authoritarian and totalitarian governments solidified the power of their leaders by developing what is called a “cult of personality.” A cult of personality can be described as a collective positive perception of a political figure that’s built out of unwavering praise and propaganda in that figure’s favor. They are grounded in fanfare …

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National Teen Self-Esteem Month: Paving The Way To a Brighter Future

May marks not only the beginning of warmer weather in the metropolitan area, but it also represents a time to heighten our awareness around crucial issues affecting the youth. National Teen Self-Esteem Month gives youth and adults time to think deeply about the importance of having self-esteem as a teen, and how to potentially heighten …

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Autism: A Journey of Understanding

April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability. Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States …

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Weed, Washington, and a Wicked Cycle

The “system” spoken of in the term “systemic oppression” is a devilishly intricate piece of machinery. In the American sense, it was forged from several centuries’ worth of enslaving, lynching, miseducating, litigating, suppressing, redistricting, policing, and a litany of further -ings that I haven’t the time nor the energy to list. It is the time-tested …

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The Stigma of the Strong Black Woman

America’s unappreciated hero is the Black woman.  Often celebrated for being the first willing to protect, care, and give, the mental wellness of Black women is frequently corrupted by a false sense of autonomy – that everything maneuvered must be done so alone.  Calling attention to how far we need to continue progressing doesn’t take …

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The Idea of Being Rich Versus Being Wealthy

When most people use the terms “rich” and “wealthy,” they do so interchangeably. If someone is a millionaire, they’re wealthy. By most people’s logic, that also makes them “rich” by default. However, when you consider how unique we are both as individuals and as a group, that isn’t always the case. Indeed, “rich” and “wealthy” …

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