“I AIN’T ALWAYS AN ARTIST … SOMETIMES I GET THE BLUES” (from A Requiem for Jimmy)

https://youtu.be/02u78tJctIE This is the show opener for "A Requiem for Jimmy," a spoken word performance in honor of the life and legacy of James Baldwin, performed April 9, 2025 at NCCU for a FREE SHOW on behalf of The James Baldwin Society of NCCU. The poem interprets Baldwin's response to an interviewer asking why it … Continue reading “I AIN’T ALWAYS AN ARTIST … SOMETIMES I GET THE BLUES” (from A Requiem for Jimmy) →

Class Discussion: Essex Hemphill’s “Heavy Breathing”

https://videopress.com/v/xVWvXD5l?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&autoPlay=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fvideos.files.wordpress.com%2FxVWvXD5l%2Fessex-heavy-breathing_mp4_std.original.jpg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

On “Hidden Curriculum”: Teaching Students How to Be Students

"The "hidden curriculum" refers to the unwritten, unofficial, and often unintended lessons, values, and perspectives that students learn in school, distinct from the formal curriculum. These are the unspoken messages and norms conveyed through the school environment, teacher behavior, and student interactions. " I had an opportunity earlier this year to participate in a professional development workshop on … Continue reading On “Hidden Curriculum”: Teaching Students How to Be Students →

“Just Between Us” (Black LGBT Documentary)

https://youtu.be/FgcqrG4EdpQ?si=KP2XGjQxhNsEwVej

Essex Hemphill: From The Anacostia to The Potomac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS4DB7NCMEY

Class Discussion: Essex Hemphill, “Heavy Breathing”

https://videopress.com/v/xVWvXD5l?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&autoPlay=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

It’s Finally Happening!!!

I'm super excited that we're finally launching the James Baldwin Society of NCCU! 25 students signed up over the course of two days. Students are still interested in J. Baldwin's legacy and that gets me pumped more than anything! We've crafted an expansive vision that allows for inter-institutional collaborations and community service while building Baldwin … Continue reading It’s Finally Happening!!! →

The Momentum of a Moment…

If you're like me, most often you are your harshest critic. You leave the classroom reflecting on the experience of learning you just shared with your students. On the way back to the office, you run through all of the things you think you could have done different (which translates in your head to better). … Continue reading The Momentum of a Moment… →

Dear (Depressed) Black Boy…

We had toiled over his missing assignments for several weeks with very little progress. Every conversation concluded with promises that never came to fruition, but I was being extra patient because I could see that he was earnestly trying and really wanted to get the work done. Something was happening, however, that just wouldn't allow … Continue reading Dear (Depressed) Black Boy… →

On Reciprocity…

A few days ago, I happened to mention that in my younger years I might have been categorized as a "church kid" while teaching. My class was discussing the impact of homophobia, stereotypes, and racialized perceptions of queer sexuality on African American parental expectations of teacher interactions with students in primary and secondary education settings. … Continue reading On Reciprocity… →