"It is ridiculous for someone like me to aspire to do the things I aspired to do. I know it. I’ve always know it. It’s never stopped me." - Octavia Butler (Lauren Olamina)

I am BLESSED to finally be home with my son so we can both heal, physically and emotionally.

As reflected in the affirmation I kept by my bedside during labor, I entered pregnancy hoping to offer a counter-narrative to the negative stories about Black maternal and fetal health. I do have a testimony about the arrival of my son, but it isn’t the one I had envisioned.

It’s interesting when people say “these things just happen” in response to a negative outcome because “these things” always disproportionately affect folks who look like me.

Me trying to access mom/childcare groups in my local area:

These people are the reason Vanderbilt will always have a special place in my heart. I feel blessed to have a village that truly embodies what it means to #AnchorDown. ⚓️ #VandyGirls #VanderBesties #VanderBaby

I’m still deciding if I’ll admit this to my mom, but she was right. Now that I’m having my own child, I finally understand why she worries about me all the time. I get it. She can’t help it, and neither can I. I’ll do my best not to get on this child’s nerves. 😭

What an amazing #ASA2024 it’s been! So grateful that #TheCultureTrap received 5 awards in Race & Ethnicity, Education, Children & Youth—including ABS’s Best Book Award and being named @SSSP’s C. W. Mills Award Finalist! Major thanks to wonderful mentors, colleagues, & friends!

I don’t give much thought to whether people think I’m nice. However, it matters to me that my actions demonstrate kindness. That’s why this evaluation comment gave me everything I needed for the week. 🥹

Keeping it cute and mute has been the only way I’ve managed to process everything life’s thrown at me since May. The people who matter have either asked what’s up or chosen not to take it personally. Only spectators/lurkers are bothered by someone’s silence."

It’s not that people are doing mysterious girl or whatever….i genuinely believe adulting just stuns you into silence 😂😂

currently in singapore and i’ll have a lot more to say later but i’m really happy that my very first solo pub is online @socprobsjournal. one attempt to articulate the implications of a materialist, Fieldsian sociology in the study of race:

My cousin just sent me that bullshit on Instagram about Kamala stealing Nina Simone’s estate and I had to check her ass. She thanked me for providing her with the correct information. The most effective form of political engagement comes from people you know

U.S. professors - as you update your syllabi for fall, consider leaving November 5 open. Need to reduce as many barriers to voting as we can!

I’m so proud of the work my homegirl, @TequilaMJohnson, does for our home state through @EquityAlliance1.

Recommendations wanted: where can folks send donations to support grassroots organizing/mobilization efforts (particularly in swing states)? There are people who work their behinds off every year (not just during presidential elections) and I’d personally like to support them.