Category: Writing About Race, Class, Gender, & Ability

What Do Black Childhood, Charter Schools, and Tamir Rice Have in Common?

Posted on by treasureshieldsredmond
Hint: Harriet Ball was her name, and she passed away in 2011. A veteran teacher from Texas, Ball was observed in the early 90s by two novice teachers, two young white men who were impressed by the way she infused the curriculum with rhythm and mnemonics that engaged the children thoroughly; much...

No, People of Color are Not Here to “Spice Things Up”

Posted on by treasureshieldsredmond
In the days after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, I posted the following on Facebook: “I wake up to a world where a black led group I was a part of told the white governor to his face: we don’t trust you. I wake up to a black president who delegated a […]

An Open Letter to the Dear Sugar Podcast or “If it’s white, say so”

Posted on by treasureshieldsredmond
Dear Sugar, I’m writing you because I love your podcast. You’ve created a place in the auralsphere where the big themes – betrayal, parentage, love — are met with measured, loving consideration and made shatteringly personal. Every week I get to hear some shard of myself speak and be acknow...

“Happy” Slaves, Presidential “Mistresses” & the Language of Race

Posted on by treasureshieldsredmond
There is no neighborhood in New York city named after a president’s mistress. But there could be. In a world where a major publisher would have to be pressured into taking a book that depicts happy slaves baking treats for their owner, (who happens to be George Washington), the naming of an est...

Ferguson and Whiteness

Posted on by treasureshieldsredmond
After the tragic killing of 20 young children and seven adults (including the killer’s mother) in Sandy Hook, Connecticut at Newtown Elementary, a group decided to create T-shirts emblazoned with the logo “Newtown Strong.” One can be certain that the idea arose as a show of solidarity and s...

The FEMININE PRONOUN SERIES #2: Traveling Through Illinois to Read My Poetry

Posted on by treasureshieldsredmond
#2 in the FEMININE PRONOUN Series. This video is about Traveling Through Illinois to Read My Poetry. I am listed with Illinois Humanities as a “Road Scholar.” My book is available at via Argus House Press.