Earlier this month, President Trump selected Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, setting the stage for what will no doubt be a contentious nomination contest. To most, Kavanaugh’s selection as someone from the conservative Heritage Foundation’s shortlist is not surprising, but his vocal support for an Executive Branch with as few restrictions as possible makes him a more concerning decision than most.
Historically and presently, white America uses authority derived from the state to maintain control through policing of Black lives. Recent incidents throughout America, from the disruption of a family barbeque in Oakland, to the arrest of two Black men from a Starbucks in Philadelphia, demonstrate an unreconciled contradiction regarding race in our society.
Clara and her followers, mostly teenagers, were among the first set of organized and peaceful protesters in America, practicing sit-ins in Oklahoma for the purpose to integrate the state. Their actions, as nonviolent activist, were the catalyst for the sit-ins throughout the American south that ushered in the greatest era of inclusivity in America, which was integration. Clara Luper’s name in and of itself is now a symbol of American excellence and represents America’s desire for equality.
Tulsa is amid a renaissance that stands to elevate innovative ideas, cultures, perspectives and opportunities in ways that it hasn’t seen in decades.
After her brother’s death, Dr. Crutcher’s life, goals and priorities changed drastically.
The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony.
To be frank, it was the first reality check I received as student color, and the first time I’d be academically disfranchised. Moreover, for fear of being reprimanded and having my participation grade tampered, I dug deep; I seemingly tried burying my emotions, and so, I smiled. I pretended to be proud. I danced with cognitive dissonance. After all, I was still an American; right? But beneath my surface, bewilderment drowned my virgin spirit.
