Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 6/13/21

3 Up

1. Verda Tettah 40K Scholarship - This story is pretty cool. Tettah, a Harvard-bound senior donated the funds from her 40K scholarship to someone attending community college. Tettah, whose mother attended community college and was able to create a better life for their family through the process, stated she did not need the funds and wanted someone else to have the same opportunity that her mom did. Uhhhhh wow! Just remarkable - we soooo need more stories like this. 

2. Darnella Frazier Pulitzer Recognition - In the spectrum of young people doing courageous things, how about this story? The Pulitzer committee awarded Darnelle Frazier a special citation for her video capturing the murder of George Floyd. The video sparked an awakening and social unrest during the summer of 2020. I still can't imagine the burden she carries with her.

3. NCAA Softball and Baseball - It's a shame that college baseball and softball aren't as accepted in popular culture as their collegiate basketball and football counterparts. Both post-seasons were and have been absolutely amazing thus far, with Oklahoma winning the 2021 National Softball Championship and the College World Series set to begin shortly. Such amazing games, atmospheres, and competition. Really, it's just great to see student-athletes returning to competition. 

3 Down

1. Mass Shootings - Here we are for another week, and our country saw various cities and unfortunate killings from the evil that is a mass shooting scenario. Again - what is wrong with us?! 

2. Ethiopia Famine - The idea that our world still endures mass hunger really continues to be baffling. Yet, here we are. In what is the largest famine and food insecurity crisis in over a decade, the country of Ethiopia is dealing with a crisis that is now extending to 350,000+ people who are in dire need of nutrients. Just absolutely utterly sad. 

3. Critical Race Theory Misconception - Ah yes, the big controversial topic this week as Florida and other states now look to ban Critical Race Theory from schools. Some even going as far as wanting all-race-related topics to be removed from the curriculum and from being taught. 

Let's put aside the graduate-level course that is CRT and the obvious assertion that so many aren't aware of CRT and are using it as a political agenda rather than what it actually brings to the table - why are we so afraid of discussing our history? 

If there is one thing I realized this week, I will have to be very active in offering educational opportunities surrounding race with my son. The mere fact that CRT is being targeted ironically is the reason it exists. 

Go figure. 

Cover Photo

A Palestinian woman bathes her grandchildren in a bathtub in a building heavily damaged by Israeli attacks

Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Quick Ponder: Living for Your Kids

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.