The Short: I currently serve my community as a committed new and online media communications professional and advocate working within the reproductive justice movement. Here I create visibility for women of color and families on the margins who have strategically been left out of the socio-political debate on reproductive health and rights.
Additionally I execute research in the area of Black women’s maternal health with the Black Women’s Birthing Justice Collective where we intend to challenge medical violence implemented by medical professionals and decrease disproportionate maternal mortality within the African diaspora.
Further I am pursuing a M.S. in Urban Studies with a focus on Race and Ethnicity in American Urban Culture. With this I intend to conduct policy research and analysis on how structural racism in the urban U.S. is manifesting itself into current policy and creating disproportionate achievement outcomes in marginalized communities. This, affixed to the research around disproportionate maternal mortality has led me to peruse and apply for programs that offer a PhD in Ethnic Studies.
My areas of scholarly and pedagogical interest are structural and institutional racism in urbanism, sociological implications of disproportionate maternal health outcomes, urbanism and planning as a conduit to rectify environmental injustice and resolve disparate achievement outcomes and Black feminist theory.
A little more: I am a multi-ethnic woman who is multi-faceted in her opinions and beliefs and always open for humble and stimulating discourse on how we can evolve into equity and unanimity. I believe in egalitarianism as a means to advance cultural competency to ensure a safe living and working environment for all people despite, privilege, race, class, sexual orientation age or gender.
By profession I am a journalist with a deep-seated feel for the needs of those on the margin. Using media as a tool for social change can foster a future where the traditionally disenfranchised and oppressed can have their voices heard, their needs met and the support they so desperately need. I chose social justice media because it is uniquely sensitive to the needs of marginalized communities, from which I come.
I love the realities of life that feed the soul. I dig refreshing perspectives on black urban social issues, women’s issues and issues facing the LGBTQQIA2S community – basically anything that doesn’t concern hetero-normative society.
Likes:
- Quaint bookstores
- hot fudge sundaes
- Liberally focused, intentional & unintentional political rallies
- Well rounded & full bodied pinot noir or a luscious, prunus sauvignon blanc
- funny commercials
- protests with a cause
- women’s basketball #Chicago
- healthy debate
- poetry readings
- early fall (around September)
- Venice Beach
- linguistics
I have a bachelors in Journalism from Louisiana State University in New and Online Media.
I joined the ranks of professional writers five years ago. After graduating from The Manship School of Mass Communications I began contributing to a number mediums probing issues that span from urban development & redistricting to LGBT & Civil rights in the U.S. I’ve written for Crème Magazine, Women’s eNews, The Women’s Media Center, SaidIt.org & The Daily Reveille. I identify as a Black feminist and have a vested interest in writing about issues affecting Black women’s health in America.
I’m a member of International Black Writers & Artists, National Association of Black Journalists & the Bay Area Black Journalists Association (BABJA). I am also on the editorial board of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and co-chair of the Black Women’s Birthing Justice Collective (BWBJ).
My deep-seated interest in social issues stems from a broad perspective of ventures, some good, some not so good but all lessons of the heart.
I currently work for Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice in Oakland.
All of the writing and commentary on my site is my own & in no way reflects the opinions and beliefs of any of my employers or affiliations
My deep-rooted passion for social medium has led me to pursue a career in journalism that exceeds traditional practices. I utilize meditation and yoga as a part of my mind/body work.
Namaste
