Collected Young Minds

Ryan Herring: The Ghetto Monk Activating Justice — Part 2

First written March 3, 2015 by Zakiya Jackson

This is part 2 of Collected Young Mind’s interview with Ryan Herring for our #BlackMenRock series. Please enjoy Part 1 here, where Ryan talks about The Ghetto…

Unapologetically Liberated

First written March 1, 2015 by D. McInnis, Early Childhood Educator, Washington, D.C.

“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.” — Alice Walker

Lighthouse

First written February 28, 2015 by Nilo Thomas

Since I was in elementary school, community service has been a major part of my life. Whether it was feeding the homeless at church or raising backpacks and toiletries for homeless youth in high school and college, I have always had a…

Rejoice.

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott As 2015 continues on its merry little way, I have fou

[Insert Slow Twerk] Celebrating my 28th cycle around the sun

First written February 23, 2015 by Enchanta Jackson

It’s been a beautiful bizarre

masked with a bashful smirk

Ryan Herring: The Ghetto Monk Activating Justice — Part 1

First written February 19, 2015 by Zakiya Jackson

Sometimes I read something that makes me feel warm — as though the words have come, sat down next to me and wrapped a loved one’s arms around me in a…

Not In My Name: It’s Okay to Talk About It

First written February 16, 2015 by Nilo Thomas

As an advocate for justice, I have been asked many, many times the same question; “What is talking about racism or sexism or classism (insert form of oppression) going to do to solve…

A Substitute for Roses

First written February 14, 2015 by Daris McInnis, Early Childhood Educator, Washington, D.C.

May I ask you to take a moment…….think about the person you love the most? If you were to write a letter about why you love this person so dearly, what would you say…

Where we are: An indictment

First written February 14, 2015 by Kandin Unger

I spent a long time attempting to write an introduction that gradually and gently settles the reader onto the point. But I decided that there’s no point to that. We’ve already been lulled and gently settled…