Category Archives: Obligations

85-year-old Memphis Sanitation Worker Can Perhaps Retire

After working 63 years for the city of Memphis, Elmore Nickleberry, 85, may finally reap the benefits of marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. The city intends to award Mr. Nickleberry, along with 13 other survivors of the 1968 sanitation strike, a $50K tax-free grant. I’m not sure how $50,000 is supposed toContinue reading “85-year-old Memphis Sanitation Worker Can Perhaps Retire”

Imperfect Pitch

Nicholas Kristof’s article and video, “The Worst Atrocity You Never Heard Of,” is troubling for many reasons. The genocide occurring in Nuba disturbs; Omar al-Bashir disturbs; the tone of Kristof’s interview with Dr. Tom Catena disturbs. Catena definitely deserves recognition for his bravery, commitment, integrity, and sacrifice. Dr. Catena obviously has an admirable understanding ofContinue reading “Imperfect Pitch”

Models Monday: Because that’s what he would have done

In Toni and Slade Morrison’s retelling of The Ant and the Grasshopper the reader is left with the dilemma of how you respond to the needs of those who have given you non-tangible gifts. The Grasshopper, Foxy G in their tale, is driven by his craft to create music. He doesn’t reject preparing for theContinue reading “Models Monday: Because that’s what he would have done”

Doing Something Hard Part II: Jay Z and Social Responsibility

I’m offended by that because first of all, and this is going to sound arrogant, but my presence is charity. Just who I am. Just like Obama’s is. Obama provides hope. Whether he does anything, the hope that he provides for a nation, and outside of America is enough. Just being who he is. You’reContinue reading “Doing Something Hard Part II: Jay Z and Social Responsibility”

Reading with my Father: Slim’s Table Interlude (on Penn State)

In light of former federal judge and director of the F.B.I. Louis J. Freeh’s investigation into the Penn State scandal and the release of the findings, I decided to re-post my thoughts on the matter. I’ll be curious to read your reaction to my piece given these findings. Maybe Mitch Duneier’s description of Bart’s death andContinue reading “Reading with my Father: Slim’s Table Interlude (on Penn State)”

Reading with my Father: Slim’s Table Interlude (on Penn State)

Maybe Mitch Duneier’s description of Bart’s death and its aftermath has influenced my current interest in the Beatles’ song “Eleanor Rigby.” Bart dies alone and stays in the morgue for three weeks. Duneier makes the point that Bart wasn’t completely removed from belonging to community because the men at Valois mourned him. In fact, theyContinue reading “Reading with my Father: Slim’s Table Interlude (on Penn State)”

Because that’s what he would have done

In Toni and Slade Morrison’s retelling of The Ant and the Grasshopper the reader is left with the dilemma of how you respond to the needs of those who have given you non-tangible gifts. The Grasshopper, Foxy G in their tale, is driven by his craft to create music. He doesn’t reject preparing for theContinue reading “Because that’s what he would have done”