John Krull, the director of Franklin College's Pulliam School of Journalism, reflects on the lessons his mother taught him about treating everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of their race or circumstances of birth. In an opinion piece for the Daily Journal, Krull shares how his mother's activism and intellectual capacities influenced his own inclination to stand up for the disenfranchised and fight against injustice. He acknowledges that his mother's passion for justice continued until her last breath. Krull's personal story serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness, respect, and activism in shaping a just society.
Emily Raboteau, author and CUNY professor, also explores the theme of motherhood and activism in her new essay collection 'Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against 'The Apocalypse'.' In an interview with WBUR News, Raboteau discusses how her book delves into the intersection of climate change with racial justice and economic inequality. She reflects on the urgent need for collective action to address these interconnected issues, emphasizing the role of mothers in advocating for a more just and sustainable future.
Both Krull and Raboteau's reflections highlight the enduring relevance of fairness, respect, and activism in the face of systemic challenges. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the lessons imparted by mothers and the importance of using our voices and actions to create positive change.
Rachelle, a parent, shares her personal experience of working with a foster mom in an opinion piece for the Salt Lake Tribune. Rachelle's child was placed with Heather, a foster parent, five months after birth. Initially, Rachelle felt angry and ashamed, but she eventually worked together with Heather for the best interest of the child. Heather supported and believed in Rachelle, making her a better person and mother. Rachelle remains close to Heather and considers her family. Heather still plays an active role in the child's life. Rachelle is grateful for Heather's support and recognizes the importance of foster care.
An Atlanta family's struggle with school enrollment, which involved poverty, bureaucracy, and a global pandemic, has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. The family, led by Tameka, faced challenges in getting their children enrolled in school due to communication hurdles and missing documents. After their story gained attention through an AP journalist, the school district contacted the state's child welfare department, giving Tameka an ultimatum to get her children back in school or risk losing custody. With the help of a federal child tax credit check, Tameka was able to navigate the complex paperwork and secure her children's re-enrollment. However, there are still challenges ahead, including completing a health evaluation for each child within 30 days. Despite the obstacles, the family's story is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Andrea Widburg, in an opinion piece for American Thinker, argues that progressives should celebrate, not denigrate, motherhood. She criticizes Democrats for turning motherhood into a complicated 'choice' instead of recognizing it as the single greatest creative act. Widburg asserts that motherhood is the creative process of raising a fully functional, morally decent, and happy adult. She believes that caring for another is not just work, but a form of creativity that exceeds Marxism's promises. Widburg shares her personal experience of how motherhood transformed her into a better person and emphasizes the transformative power of committing to motherhood beyond fulfilling basic physical needs.
Ruth Chan, author-illustrator, discusses her graphic narrative debut, 'Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family' and her experience of moving from Toronto to Hong Kong in 1993. Chan talks about the challenges of working in the graphic novel format compared to picture books, the decision to write a memoir, and the handling of multiple languages in her book. She also mentions her extended family in Hong Kong and her plans for a second graphic novel and a picture book sequel. Chan's parents were supportive of the book and she bonded with them during the process.
Judith Geer, in an opinion piece for the Buffalo News, reflects on her father's life and the lessons he taught. Her father grew up playing baseball and listening to Major League games on the radio. He was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan and admired Jackie Robinson. After serving in World War II, he became Holland's first garbage man and later delivered coal to families in need. He also got involved in small-town politics as a Democrat in a Republican town. Despite facing challenges, he won several elections. The author's father was known for standing up for those whose voices were often unheard. He was proud when Barack Obama was elected President and died three days after Obama's inauguration. Geer's reflection on her father's life emphasizes the transformative power of fatherhood and the importance of standing up for justice and equality.
Allison Green of the National Association of Counsel for Children joins the podcast 'Rule-a-Palooza! Family Legal Representation with Allison Green' on The Imprint to discuss the new rule on federal funding to support legal counsel for parents and children involved with the child welfare system. Green explains how this new rule goes beyond changes made during the Trump administration and discusses the potential impact on child welfare outcomes. The episode also covers other topics such as residential treatment centers for children, kinship licensing, and the Public Safety Performance Project. The podcast features interviews with various experts in the field, including Ana Beltran of Generations United and Ruth Rosenthal of Pew Charitable Trusts. The episode also highlights recent headlines related to child welfare, such as a Senate Finance Committee hearing on residential care and a new law in Minnesota called the African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. The podcast provides a comprehensive overview of key issues and developments in the field of child welfare.
Madeleine Cravens, a writer, discusses her experience of writing her first book, 'Pleasure Principle', and how she knew it was ready. She reflects on the questions she answered through the writing process and the collaborative nature of her work. Cravens also talks about the influence of different cities, Brooklyn and Oakland, on her writing and the balance between ambition and creativity. She shares her thoughts on self-doubt and the importance of patience in the creative process. Cravens explores the role of plot and character in poetry and the challenges of telling a story that doesn't adhere to traditional narrative structures. She also discusses her obsessions and how they have evolved over time.
Author Sarah Thankam Mathews discusses her debut novel 'All This Could Be Different' which explores the generational divide on job loyalty and the economic forces that shape careers. Mathews wanted to create a 'group portrait' of the millennial generation and their experiences. The novel follows the protagonist Sneha as she navigates the challenges of the Great Recession and the changing job market. Mathews emphasizes the emotional aspect of money and the shame and secrecy that can surround financial struggles. She also discusses her own experience with mutual aid work during the pandemic and the importance of community support. The book is set in Milwaukee, which Mathews chose for its history of immigrant organizing and socialist government. She aims to convey the messy and imperfect nature of communal living and the ongoing work required to create a more connected and supportive society. [b2655fdb]