Sibrina Speaks

The Impact of Helping Others

2011-12-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

During a recent church service, I was flipping through my bible and found the following passage:

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." (Tim 4:16)

I have read this passage several times since then, and I have reflected on what it means for my life. Not just professionally, but personally as well. As you know, I teach chemistry to undergraduate students and it is always a challenge to engage young people. As educators, we know that we cannot teach the way we were taught, so we have to find creative strategies to "reach" students in the classroom. I have adapted many teaching styles because there is no "one size fits all" model with learning. But, the passage above also helps me focus on the learning goals for class. What do I really want my students to know? That is the one question I try to keep in mind when I prepare a lesson plan.

Personally, this passage also reminds me of what we all should be doing--helping young people reach their full potential. One way we can do this is through mentoring and giving back. I am not talking about money, but giving some of your time to help others. My little sister is a mentor for a great organization called Girls Write Now (www.girlswritenow.org/gwn), which is the first organization that combines both mentoring and writing instruction to at-risk girls in New York. My sister is a wonderful freelance writer and has found a way to combine her passion for writing to help others. Imagine the impact if we all could spend a little time using our passions as a "vehicle" to help others. Honestly, I am still trying to figure out how I want to give back. But for the New Year, I do plan to find a way to give back to help my community.

In summary, I'm using the above passage to motivate myself to be more effective in the classroom. However, in addition to the bible, I often find motivation in the lyrics of some of my favorite songs. My take home message to you is to find ways to motivate yourself to help your community in 2012.

Peace,

Sibrina
"A grown woman making decisions and choices.." Jill Scott

The Help: Mixed Feelings

2011-08-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, this past weekend, a group of friends and I decided to see the movie “The Help” starring Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer working as maids in Jackson, MS during the Civil Rights Movement. The movie included other Hollywood heavyweights such as Cicely Tyson and Sissy Spacek. Do you remember watching the movies The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and Carrie? Awesome! I will not give away the plot of the movie because I do wish to encourage others to see it and make a decision for themselves. But, the goal for us as a group was to watch the movie and then sit down and “analyze it” over a bite to eat.

The consensus of the group is that the movie had some good moments, but there were scenes that were either unrealistic and/or troubling to watch. That’s Hollywood for you, right? Moreover, the handling of the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the assassination of the late Medgar Evers, was kind of a “back drop” to overall theme of the movie. Honestly, “The Help” was better than I thought it was going to be, but I do have mixed feelings about it.

First, I look at this from the perspective of the number of quality film roles for African American women in Hollywood. We know these roles are few and far between, so when we have the opportunities to get meaningful roles that can make an impact, we absolutely should take them. Second, I don’t have a problem with African American women playing the role of a maid in 2011. My grandmother has talked to me on numerous occasions about the lack of career opportunities for African American women during her time. Your options were limited to be a maid, seamstress, or maybe a teacher if you had the opportunity to pursue higher education. That’s about it. This is a part of our history. Remember the late Hattie McDaniel who won an Oscar for her role in Gone with the Wind? When McDaniel couldn’t find work in Hollywood, she often worked as a maid. She was also criticized for playing subservient roles, and was quoted as saying “Why should I complain about $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one.” Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen also played a maid alongside McDaniel in Gone with the Wind. McQueen would later earn an undergraduate degree in political science from the City College of New York.

But, I admit that I did have a problem with some of the dialogue in “The Help” and how the historical aspects of the Civil Rights Movement were depicted. However, I would recommend that others see the movie to formulate their own opinions. I believe that Viola Davis is an amazing actress and I hope that this movie leads to more meaningful roles for her career.

Summer Reflection: Science, Music and Fun!

2011-08-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it is only mid-August, but this means that the summer vacations are coming to an end real soon. Believe me, I know it has gone by much too quickly. It is not over yet, so you can still relax. But, it is time for a little reflection. What have I accomplished professionally this summer? Actually, I was in the laboratory for most of the summer working with a really good student. We didn't accomplish everything we wanted, but I am pleased with the research progress. In addition, I am proud of another milestone this summer--I submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support my research efforts. I believe the proposal is strong and competitive. And, I think we are doing some really good and fun research. In addition, classes start in a couple of weeks, and I am getting myself ready for another productive academic year. Keep me in your prayers!

I have also a spent a little time this summer working on brief articles focused on African American contributions to science. This topic has been a "passionate hobby" of mine for many years. I do enjoy learning about the backgrounds of the scientists and telling their stories in a responsible and respectful way. I have recently published profiles on the Blackpast.org website, specifically focusing on Edwin R. Russell, Jasper Brown Jeffries, and Dr. Harold Delaney. These scientists all worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII. (A friend of mine wondered if these scientists actually thought about the ethics of developing the atomic bomb, which I do think is an interesting point. Honestly, I don't know if they considered the ethics at the time.) In addition, I have published profiles on other scientists including Dr. Saint Elmo Brady and Dr. Percy L. Julian. Diversity in science does matter and should be reflective of everyone's contributions. Why? We have diverse problems and you need diverse perspectives to solve them.

Now, let's chat about the nonscience fun stuff for the summer! Ok, clearly the highlight of my summer was attending the Jill Scott Summer Block Party. I attended the concert with two of my cousins that I absolutely adore. Back in the day, we attended our first concert in 1979 in Detroit, Michigan. The R&B group LTD (featuring Jeffrey Osborne) opened for The Jacksons (featuring Michael Jackson). Believe me, we were three very happy little girls on that day. So, we decided it was time for us to see another concert together. We plan to make this a new tradition. Not only did we see the headliner, Jill Scott (who's new CD is absolutely WONDERFUL), but the group Mint Condition, R&B crooner Anthony Hamilton, and D.J. Jazzy Jeff on the turntables. When Jill and Anthony sang their duet "So in Love," everyone was up dancing and singing. It was really a great concert.

And yes, I did the usual fun stuff like shopping at DSW, outlet malls, and keeping up with the Young & the Restless and the Unsung series on TVOne. So, my summer has been filled with science, music, and fun!

What Are You Thankful For?

2011-05-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well, the end of the semester has finally arrived and I am truly thankful the academic year is now over. As usual, there have been many challenges along the way, but overall the experience has been rewarding. On the drive home today, I began to reflect on many other things that I am most thankful for as well. We often tend to reflect on these kinds of things during holidays, but there is no reason why we shouldn't recognize our blessings everyday. Here is my top ten list of things that I am thankful for (in reverse order):

10. I am thankful that the Young and the Restless is still on the air. (I am a fan of this show! Have you noticed how many soap operas are now gone??? Perhaps the television executives believe that reality shows are the new soap operas. I completely disagree.)
9. I am thankful for DSW and good outlet malls! (Enough said...)
8. I am thankful for good television shows such as Clean House and Hoarders. (This helps me keep my shopping in check.)
7. I am thankful for all of the life lessons so far to help make me a better and stronger person.
6. I am thankful for my friends that encourage and challenge me every step of the way. (Everyone needs a strong support system to remind you to stay true to yourself and pursue your passions.)
5. I am thankful for my family for their love and support. (The wisdom and humor of my grandmother is priceless.)
4. I am truly thankful for the countless mentors that continue to help me reach my full potential.
3. I am thankful that I am in the position to help mentor the next generation of chemists. (Believe me when I say that chemistry is a serious contributor to our economy. This is a $600 billion dollar industry.)
2. I am truly thankful for my health.
1. I am so thankful to be able to wake up in the morning and make a difference in this world. (Remember, everyone has a purpose.)

Now, what are you thankful for?

What's a Floppy Disk?

2011-02-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well, the spring semester is now in full swing, and I'm teaching an advanced course with 11 students. The students will be giving powerpoint presentations on various topics in the field of inorganic chemistry throughout the semester. In order to make things a little easier for the students, I suggested they bring their powerpoint presentations on a flash drive and load them onto my laptop on the days they are presenting their talks. (Believe me technology is only wonderful when it works!)

To my surprise, one of my students stated that "nobody uses portable flash drives to store their stuff." I replied that when I was in graduate school, I saved my dissertation on three or four floppy disks." A second student replied, "What's a floppy disk?" I found his response quite amusing and laughed and told him to shut up. All the students found this to be quite humorous.

However, at that moment, I realized I was OLD to these young people. Have a I turned into my parents already? Quite frankly, I'm old enough to remember an eight-track tape player, but I was too young to own one myself. I don't think of myself as being "old" but "old school." And, yes I have a turntable with several albums including the sound track to the movie "Purple Rain" with a pull out poster of Prince. Heck, I remember using a rotary-dial phone! (Ok, I am showing my age here.)

But, technology has really changed everything today. We didn't have computers, the internet, cell phones, or iPods when I was a kid, but young people today have essentially grown up with this kind of technology. I refuse to think of myself as being old. One of my good friends recently told me that I am a "throw back," which is a good way to describe myself. I enjoy listening to R&B music from the 1970s and 1980s, but I also like some of the R&B music today. Well, all I can say is that I am a proud member of Generation X.

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King

2011-01-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

On this day, we honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His impact on this country 43 years after his assassination is undeniable. This morning, as I drove to work, I really thought about how the countless and selfless sacrifices of so many made it possible for me to be here. I am truly thankful.

Growing up in my home town of Detroit, Michigan, I never dreamed of being a chemistry professor, but I am. Yes, it is very true that the numbers of African American chemistry professors is dismal, but I am still truly thankful. Why? I have the opportunity to impact the next generation of chemists. And no, this path has not been easy. But, I am still thankful. The point I wish to make is that because of our Civil Rights pioneers, my journey (and yours) has been a lot easier. Happy MLK Day.

Prof. Sibrina Collins (smile)

A Year in Review: 2010

2010-12-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2010 is almost over! I must admit it was an interesting year for me professionally and personally, and I am looking forward to 2011. With sadness we began this year with the loss of the late great Teddy Pendergrass in January. Who can forget the songs "Close the Door?" and "Turn out the Lights?!!!" In May, we lost another entertainment icon, Lena Horne. I loved her in "Stormy Weather" and "The Wiz." She was a true legend. Finally, we say goodbye to Teena Marie who passed away the day after Christmas. She was so far ahead of her time, and was loved dearly in the African American community. And yes, I have been playing her songs constantly including, "You Make Love Like Springtime," "I Need Your Lovin" and of course, "Square Biz." We will miss all of them, but their legacy will live on.

Personally, I had to deal with a milestone birthday this year. Yes, I turned 40-years-old. As a teenager, I really thought 30 was old! Needless to say, I certainly don't believe that anymore. (And 40 is not the new 30!) This is a great age, and I am at the point in my life where I am not living up to anyone's expectations, but my own. Moreover, I have made some New Years resolutions too! But, I hope to stick with them. First, I actually started taking Detroit-Style Ballroom dance classes in November and I plan to continue with my lessons in 2011. I will be dancing in high heels in 2011. That is an important goal for me. Secondly, I joined a gym to help me stay in shape. I am doing ok with my exercise bike, but I want to really get fit to stay healthy. Third, I will continue to attend church which is important to me as well. Prayer does make a difference. Professionally, I believe things are moving in the right direction, and I do like my progress as a chemistry professor. Life is pretty good.

Finally, I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Spend time with family and friends and enjoy. And, yes SibrinaSpeaks will continue in 2011. Stay tuned!

For Colored Girls

2010-11-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

Back in 1992, I was an undergraduate chemistry major at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), and I took a course entitled "Black Theatre: An Introduction." Honestly, I was trying to complete requirements for graduation, and I thought the course would be rather interesting. I couldn't have been more wrong!

I recall how much I enjoyed watching "Carmen Jones" and the excitement in class when we recognized a very young Pearl Bailey, Diane Carroll, and Harry Belafonte. We were equally excited to watch "A Raisin in the Sun" with Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier. But, what I remember most about the course were two poets, namely Amiri Baraka (The Dutchman + The Slave) and Ntozake Shange (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf).

This weekend, a group of friends from my book club got together and saw the movie "For Colored Girls." The movie was directed by Tyler Perry with top notch talent including, Kimberly Elise, Anika Noni Rose, Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Thandie Newton, Tessa Thompson, Janet Jackson and Phylicia Rashad. Honestly, I was nervous about seeing the movie, because I was not sure how Tyler was going to stay true to Shange's work. Let me just say, the movie was quite good, and it is Tyler's best movie yet. I highly recommend it. These women did an amazing job in this movie.

After the movie, we sat down and had dinner to discuss the film, and decide on the next book to read. (I will be hosting the next book club meeting.) As we were being seated, our waiter asked us if the movie was about "hating men," which we chuckled and replied it was not about hating men. In fact, there are lessons for everyone in this movie. What lessons did I learn from the movie? Quite honestly, I was just reminded of the fact that women are strong human beings. (And no, I didn't need a movie to remind me of this.)

The Impact of the Birth Control Pill

2010-10-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had an interesting discussion with my freshman students about the impact of the birth control pill on society. I had the students work in groups of 3-4 and focus on various aspects of this topic and write a concise paragraph supporting their argument. One group discussed if they believed 'the pill' was largely responsible for the women's liberation movement and the increase in percentage of women in the workplace. Here are some general comments:

"We believe 'the pill' did not create the women's liberation movement, but instead provided an avenue. It gave women an important issue to fight for. The pill did not increase the percentage of women in the workplace. This could be attributed to World War II. It may have freed women from the social norm of "baby makers" and allowed them to find work. However, we strongly believe that oral contraceptives were not the main cause. We do believe it led to the breakdown of the family. Before contraceptives were approved, the family structure consisted of a working father, stay at home mother, and around four to five children on the average. In the early 1900s, it was not unusual for a family to have 10 or more children. Today, many women are working, some dads stay at home with children, and families consist of one or two children."

A second group discussed how critics of the birth control pill emphasize that it was created by men to be taken by women. Here are some general remarks:

"The pill was developed by men, but it was not originally made to be a contraceptive. Women such as Margaret Sanger and Katherine McCormick were the ones who pushed to use the drug as a contraceptive. Women may feel more responsible to take 'the pill' because in the end, they are the ones carrying the baby."

Now, I must admit the latter question really sparked a huge debate. One female student asked, "why don't they have a birth control pill for men?' Without missing a beat, a male student responded "that girls wouldn't trust a guy to take a birth control pill." Ultimately, the class felt that the responsibility of birth control falls on the woman because she is the one carrying a child, and a man can simply walk away. Sadly, situations like that do occur. I must say, I found the entire decision thought-provoking and humorous. (A few male students even were giving each other high fives!) Quite honestly, I didn't know the students were going to respond so strongly. However, the battle lines were clearly drawn between the men and women.

HIV and AIDS: High Costs of Drugs and the Impact on Black Women

2010-09-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the semester is back in full swing, and yes I am teaching again. I am actually teaching a freshman course with the overall theme, "Drugs: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" with 17 college freshman. Since this is a discussion-based course, every class period, I have two students come up with creative questions to discuss in class based on the reading. These young people are passionate and have really strong opinions. It is certainly quite entertaining to listen to these students express themselves.

My primary goal for the discussion was to ask the question is it fair that the cost of HIV and AIDS drugs are so high that poor countries cannot afford them? I pointed out to the students that many people right here in the United States cannot afford the high cost of these drugs as well. I did a brief internet search on some of these drugs and was shocked at the cost. As a chemist, I do understand that a lot of hard work goes into the development of drugs and getting them to the market. But, sometimes I think we forget about the "human" side of these issues. Everybody is not Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who has the money and resources to get access to quality health care and treatment.

Many students expressed that we are not doing enough to fight HIV and AIDS and more needs to be done. Moreover, a few stated that churches, schools, and parents need to be more proactive and talking with their kids about being responsible. I must say that I was quite proud to listen to these young people talk about such an important issue that continues to impact our society.

All Chemists Are Not Good Cooks

2010-08-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I had a chance to visit with some wonderful friends and enjoy some really good food. Believe me, when I tell you the fried catfish was excellent. My good friend is a chemist like myself, but she is a fantastic cook. And I am truly jealous!

As I drove back from the gathering, I started asking myself what happened to me? Why am I so challenged in the kitchen? Don't get me wrong, I am not awful when it comes to cooking, but my skills are questionable. I have followed some of my dear friends around their kitchens trying to pick up some cooking tips, and I recall being yelled at for not "tasting my food" as I was cooking. That was a fun day! (smile)

People often remind me that I am a chemist, and that I should be able to cook. After all, when I am in the lab, I am following a "recipe" for my chemical reactions, so naturally I should be a good cook, right? All chemists are not good cooks!

However, for the rest of 2010, I am making a commitment to do better. Perhaps I have just gotten so lazy, that I would rather just microwave a Lean Cuisine or Stouffer's dinner than actually cook? (And yes, I do believe Stouffer's has the best frozen dinners.) Perhaps I should just follow a recipe and just try different things to get me started? If you have any tips for me, I would love to hear from you. Help this chemist become a better cook.

Encouraging the Next Generation

2010-06-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Later this week, I will have the privilege to talk with 12 undergraduate chemistry majors about my career. What is nice about this opportunity is that I don't have to "sale" these students on science, because they have already chosen chemistry as a major. However, what I do wish to emphasize to this group of students is how my graduate education opened many doors for my career.

One of my good friends pointed out to me previously that graduate school is not for everybody. She is absolutely correct about that. You have to want to be there and you have to figure out how to motivate yourself to stay. It is not easy, and there were many days that I wanted to give up, but through mentoring and support, I stayed and achieved my goal.

I decided to pursue chemistry as a major over 20 years ago, and I do not regret it. Would I do things a little differently with my career since I am a little older and wiser? I honestly don't know, but one thing is for sure science and technology is incredibility important to our society. Why is science so important? Well, the recent Gulf oil spill is a sad example of why good science and technology (and common sense) are so crucial.

Thanks for reading!

Brina

OMG: A Night with Jill Scott and Maxwell

2010-05-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

The lights finally went dark at Quicken Loans Arena (The Q) in Cleveland, Ohio and the audience started screaming. Jill Scott came to the stage wearing retro Gazelle glasses, a black top and pants with a belt buckle that simply reads "Jill." Her backup singers were three brothers known as "The Pipes" that were dressed in all black and wearing retro shell toe Adidas shoes and Gazelle glasses. The band started playing "Gimme" and Jill started singing. Jilly from Philly sang many of my favorites including "Cross My Mind" and ended her set with "Golden." Let me tell you--Jill puts on a show!

Now, Maxwell kept us waiting for about an hour. My friends and I were not too happy about that. But, all was completely forgiven when he hit the stage. Dressed in a vintage gray suit that the late Sam Cooke would certainly wear, he started singing "Sumthin, Sumthin." (He performed the slower version too.) Yes, all was forgiven. He finally sang "Bad Habits," which has to be one of my new favorites. Then he took us back with "Reunion" and ..."Til The Cops Come knockin." Let me tell you, when he sang "Don't Say Goodnight," by the Isley Brothers, I was truly speechless. It is not easy to sing an Isley Brother song, but he did it really well. Maxwell ended his show with "Pretty Wings," and I loved every minute of it. If you have a chance to see Jill and Maxwell in concert, I encourage you to check them out. If you love good R&B music as much as I do, you will enjoy this show.

Grandmothers: Wisdom, Courage, and Pride

2010-05-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

Recently, I gave a brief talk at my Alma Mater, Wayne State University(WSU). I was the featured speaker for the Honors Convocation in the Department of Chemistry. I was truly honored to be given an opportunity to discuss my career in the chemical sciences, but more importantly how my WSU education made an impact on my career path. My take home message for the students is that I just wanted them to realize that a degree in chemistry can open so many doors. Sadly, too many young people don't realize that a career in science can be very rewarding.

I have given presentations like this in the past, but I was more nervous because my grandmother and mother were in the audience. This was the first time I had ever given a presentation while they were in attendance. Well, the talk went very well, and many students and faculty told me they enjoyed the talk and they found it inspiring. One student wanted to take a picture with me! Anyway, after chatting with a few students, I went over to my grandmother and said, "I hope I didn't embarrass you too much." She replied, "Oh, no, that was really good." Then she whispered to me, "Do they pay you for this? They need to pay you." I chuckled and told her no, but she later joked that she would be willing to write a letter explaining that she was my grandmother and that I should be reimbursed for my gas mileage. I do adore my grandmother!

My grandmother is truly an amazing woman and continues to be a source of pride for me. I call her often to hear her words of wisdom and encouragement. I love to listen to her stories and strong opinions on current events. I am truly blessed that I can pick up the phone and talk with her as often as I want. She recently sent me a letter stating that she loves to hear my little voice when I call and that, "I sound like I have nothing else to do, but talk to her." I smiled when I read the letter. It is so important that we make time for family, no matter how many things we deal with on a daily basis.

So, I dedicate this blog entry to all the mothers and grandmothers. Have a wonderful Mother's Day. Realize that you are a source of wisdom, courage, and pride for your loved ones.

A Quick Review: Church Girl

2010-04-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying that I honestly feel like I have been in church ALL day today. My day began by attending church on Sunday morning with a really good sermon from my Pastor. His message today really focused on how we often try to live up to the expectations of others. Sadly, many of us do this, so it was a good message for me to hear.

After church, my good friend an I had a quick lunch and saw the stage play "Church Girl," which had some familiar faces including Robin Givens, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Demetria McKinney best known for her role as Janine Payne on Tyler Perry's House of Payne. McKinney stars as "Emily Franklin" a young woman that grows up in church, but begins to stray by engaging in some rather "questionable" behavior. (I will not give away the story here.) After many hurtful experiences, she eventually returns to her church and family. Although the plot was rather predictable, this musical stage play was quite entertaining. What surprised me most about McKinney is that she is actually a VERY good singer. I was impressed.

The singing was absolutely amazing in this play! Moreover, Karen Clark-Sheard brought the house down with her powerful singing, which I would expect nothing less from her because she is such a gifted singer. And Robin Givens was hilarious playing the role of essentially a "madam." I really did enjoy the play. In my opinion, the central message is that we all need to be careful with the choices we make in life.

However, I do have one minor complaint. Now, although the ticket prices were quite reasonable, I was not happy they were charging $10 dollars for a program. Shouldn't the program be free? I enjoy attending plays and reading the brief biographies of the actors listed in the program. Needless to say, I refused to purchase it out of protest. But, overall, this was a very good play. If you have a chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

What is Your Dream Job?

2010-03-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Recently, my mother came to visit me and I took her to DSW to buy her some comfortable shoes to wear to work. I decided to have some self control and not purchase a pair of new shoes for myself. However, there were a pair of beautiful high heels that I just had to try on for size. But, I resisted and did not buy the shoes.

While purchasing the shoes for my mother, I noticed an advertisement for a new DSW sales associate, which includes a nice discount on shoe purchases. I asked for an employment application, while my mother chuckled encouraging me to apply. I think being a sales associate at DSW would be my dream job!

Anyway, the next morning, I cooked my mother breakfast and helped her pack up her car to head back home. Needless to say, I could not stop thinking about the shoes I tried on, so I drove back to DSW to buy them. I parked my car and walked straight to the shoe rack and noticed the shoes were no longer there. My heart started pounding and I walked up and down the aisles, but I couldn't find the shoes! I finally explained my dilemma to a sales associate who laughed and told me the shoes were moved to another section of the store. I found the shoes and let out a sigh of relief! As I drove back home, I realized that I do not need to work at DSW. My friends totally agree with me. I was about to have a heart attack because I couldn't find some shoes that I wanted to buy. Although, I do think it would be fun to be a sales associate at DSW, I really don't need that kind of temptation at my finger tips.

Teaching Moments

2010-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it has been a little while since my last posting, but I do have an excuse---I have been a little busy teaching three classes this semester! (smile) Trust me, in the world of academia, there is just never enough time in a day. Life in academia can be fun and rewarding, but it takes up a lot of time.

Recently, I was lecturing on the topic of Chemical Equilibrium, an important concept that helps us understand chemical reactions. While discussing an example problem, we had to solve a quadratic equation. Immediately, the students started complaining, and to my surprise one student said, "Oh, God." Now, I have been teaching since the mid-1990s, and I have never had a student call on the Lord in class. I chuckled at their response, and told the class that now is a good time to review some algebra.

However, the responses from the students really have me concerned about why there is such a "fear" of mathematics. I am no math wiz. I remember being in the second grade trying to solve a math problem on the board, and I was absolutely terrified. The math just didn't make sense to me. In fact, while in high school, I avoided taking Calculus by simplying complaining to my high school counselor about it. I think she was so tired of me complaining, she simply transferred me to a statistics class. She never called my parents about this decision either. I regret that decision to this day. But, because of my own personal experiences, I do understand this "fear" from my students.

I finally took my first Calculus course as an undergraduate student, and yes I did struggle, but I worked hard and passed the class. I actually do like some aspects of mathematics, and it does connect to science. But, how do we help young people get over the fear of mathematics? How do we help them understand that being a "nerd" is a good thing? I previously told a group of students that nerds make money and that trying to "be cool" will only get you in trouble. (There were parents in the audience and they agreed with me.) We often push young people to do well in sports, but I honestly don't see the same effort to push them to do well in science and math. Now, I am not suggesting that everyone should major in science. What I am suggesting is that parents, teachers, and administrators all need to work effectively to push students to do their very best in all subjects--not just the subjects that they like or find easy. Thanks for reading.

What Do We Really Need?

2010-01-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

On the drive home this evening, I was listening to the Michael Baisden Radio Show, and his special guest was Mr. Dick Gregory. Many folks called to talk about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. One caller in particular believed that what we need now is another Dr. King. However, Dick Gregory believes that we don't need another Dr. King because there is "only one per customer." Now, I do agree with Mr. Gregory that don't need another Dr. King, but I started asking myself 'what do we really need?'

Things are certainly better and we have made progress regarding race relations in this country. However, the problems facing the African American community are enormous. From teen violence to the HIV and AIDS epidemic, we are facing serious challenges. But, what is our strategy moving forward?

We have elected the first African American President and some African Americans are leading fortune 500 companies. Moreover, some African Americans hold key positions in industry, government and academia. But, the real challenge is that although more African Americans are successful, there is a growing gap in our communities between those that have "made it" and those that have not been given an opportunity to "make it." I think the best way to honor Dr. King's legacy is to reach back to our communities and make a real difference. Celebrating his legacy for one day is wonderful, but what are you doing for the other 364 days of the year? BTW, Happy New Year.

Finding Another Beautician

2009-12-28T13:54:00.001-08:00

We all know that hair has always been a very big deal in the African American community. Finding the right beautician is just as important as finding the right shoes to match an outfit. It really does matter.

Today, I decided to try a new beautician near my home for a quick blow dry and curl. When I arrived at the salon--on time--the salon was closed. I decided to call the beautician on her cell and she informed me she was about 10 minutes away. She actually showed up about 20 minutes later, but I was trying to give her a "pass" because the weather was a little nasty outside. While waiting, another young lady was waiting to see a different beautician who was also late. She an I chatted for a minute and she told me that her appointment was at 10:00am, but it was pushed back to 11:00am. (It was about 11:20am at this point.)

My beautician finally arrived and apologized for being so late. She actually did a decent job, and I did accept her apology. She tried to convince me to get some color to cover up my gray hair, which I refused to do. She kept calling them "the Lord's highlights." I told her that I liked my gray hair, and I don't wish to color them just yet. While I was leaving, I noticed that the young lady that I chatted with earlier, was still waiting on her beautician. It was 12:30! I was angry for her. I don't know why some beauticians believe it is acceptable to treat their clients like that. It is completely unprofessional. I do hope in the New Year, this young woman will find another beautician that would be happy to have her for a client. See you all in 2010!

Reaching Our Youth

2009-12-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has been quite a while since my last blog entry! As you know, there has been a lot going on in the news. President Obama announced that 30,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan in the next 6 months, the debate about health care continues to be real challenge, Tiger Woods and his early morning car accident, and the return of the Soul Train Music Awards. (Honestly, the only reason I watched was because Chaka Khan was being recognized for her contributions to the field of music. However, after watching the show, the Soul Train Music Awards really should remain on hiatus.)

Now, instead of focusing on those topics, I wanted to share my thoughts about a recent visit I had with 300 ninth grade students. One of my passions is helping our students reach their full potential in the chemical sciences, so I am trying to attract young people to the chemical sciences drawing analogies between hip hop and chemistry. I have given a powerpoint presentation to students several times on this topic, and they seem to enjoy it!

During my presentation, I place the students in groups to try to solve a couple of problems, and I decided to play some music while they worked in groups. I asked the students, "How many of you know about Lauryn Hill?" Immediately, several students claimed to have absolutely no knowledge of Lauryn Hill, but several others did. One young lady said to me, "Lauryn Hill is old." I replied, "What do you consider old?" Without skipping a beat and smiling at me, she says, "Oh, 20 or 30." Don't you just LOVE teenagers!!!!?

At the end of my presentation, I try to educate the students about minority contributions to science, and I list the scientists in specific categories such as "the Kurtis Blow's of Chemistry" and the "Mary J. Blige's of the Chemical Sciences." I asked the students why is Mary so important to hip hop. Immediately, several replied how much they love Mary. Then another young lady says, "Because she understands our pain." Teenagers can really be SO dramatic! But, the point I was making to them is that Mary is one of the few artists that can sing over both R&B and hip hop tracks successfully. She does not fit into one category, just like there are some scientists that don't fit into one category because of their research efforts.

In a nutshell, I had a good time with the students, and I think I managed to teach them a little something along the way. They made me feel a little old, but I still connected with them. Honestly, if I reached just one student, my efforts were worth it. Thanks for reading!

I Want My Bottle Cap

2009-10-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this Halloween, I had the opportunity to attend an NBA game featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Bobcats with a good friend. The game was a bit slow at times, but I did enjoy seeing Lebron and Shaq lead their team to victory. I also enjoyed watching the Cavalier Scream teams' reenactment of Michael Jackson's Thriller video. My friend was cheering and dancing in her seat.

However, I do have one complaint about this evening. Before tip-off, I decided to get a little something to eat, specifically some pizza, milk duds, and a bottle of water. (Yes, I know this is NOT healthy and my teeth and gums are VERY uncomfortable at the moment, but this is not the point.) Anyway, when I received my bottle of water from the cashier, she told me that she had to remove the cap because "that is the law." First of all, this is not a law, but a rule put in place by the NBA. Secondly, I didn't like this at all because here she is handling dirty money, but it is ok for her to remove my bottle cap? That is unsanitary. I then asked for her to give me the bottle cap, and she refused! I questioned her further about this and she told me they don't want the fans to have bottle caps to throw at the opposing teams. Are you serious?? Here is my take on the issue--I spent my hard earned money on a ticket and food at this arena. The least they can do is give me my bottle cap. Now, I do understand the NBA putting rules in place to ensure that all fans will be respectful of opposing teams. Being a good sport is important. However, if there are fans being disrespectful, remove them from the arena. Security is there for this very reason--to protect the players and the fans. Quite frankly, refusing to give someone a bottle cap is just silly. Now, did I forget to mention that I paid $4 for this bottle of water? Thanks for reading.

Family Values and Cinnamon Toast Crunch

2009-10-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

Recently, I had a couple of days off from work and I decided to spend my break visiting some of my dear friends. The drive took over three hours, so I listened to several CDs including the new one by Maxwell. (I do love the song “Bad Habits.”) I finally arrived at my destination—thank goodness for GPS navigation—and rang the doorbell. My friend opened the door and she didn’t say hello! Instead, she pointed at me and said, “You were speeding!” All I could do was laugh. I do love my friends!

My friend and her husband have two adorable kids, ages 12 and 7 and they kept me entertained during my stay. While my friend was cooking dinner, some other friends stopped by and we helped the 7-year old with his math homework. The first part of the assignment focused on counting and learning the value of pennies, nickels, and quarters. However, the second part was actually a game where you throw out some dice and count out money. Subsequently, you would then need to figure out the money you can exchange—5 pennies for a nickel and etc. It is actually a neat way to teach kids how to count and understand the value of money. The first person to reach 25 cents is the winner. However, the adults in the room had to raise the stakes and decided that $1.00 was more appropriate. We also came up with a name for this game and decided to call it “Change Up” because we kept changing the darn rules as we went along! Yes, I will admit that I lost. But, it was really fun! It is amazing how adults can take something this simple and just have fun with it. After an amazing dinner with some REAL southern sweet tea and good conversation, I was exhausted and looked forward to a good nights rest.

The next morning as I was getting dressed, the kids were up and getting ready for school. I was hungry and they convinced me to have some Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for breakfast. “It is really good,” they told me. I sat down and had breakfast with them, and I admit it was rather tasty. However, I actually would have preferred some scrambled eggs with cheese, home fries, toast, and some VERY greasy bacon. (I think my blood pressure just went up.) But, the point I wish to make is that this weekend reminded me of the importance of friends and family and enjoying the simple things in life. We often get so caught up in work and other responsibilities, we don’t stop and “smell the roses.” Just be thankful for what you already have.

Celebrating African American Men

2009-10-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take the time with this blog entry to celebrate our Black men. I know we are facing enormous challenges in our communities, but our Black men are passing on knowledge and helping the next generation “be all that they can be.” I recently chatted with three professional Black men representing various fields such as architecture, academia and the military. I specifically wanted to know what they learned from their fathers, grandfathers, and other male role models on what it really means to be a responsible man. More importantly, I wanted to know what they are doing to help the next generation of young Black males. Brothers, this one is for you! Here are some comments from the conversation:

William (Military)
“Well, I must say that I never really knew my father. I met him once. Can you imagine the effect that had on me? My grandfather died before I was born. However, I did have uncles! Some taught me about the value of having money, and some played a disciplinary role in my life, while others did give me lectures on being a man. I am an uncle of at least 25 nieces and nephews. I give back by helping those that I can. I can’t support all of them, but I do help when I can. I also mentor one in particular, my eight-year old nephew. I mentor him on school, sports, his future, girls, and the importance of treating his mother with respect. I often talk to my cousins as well. Specifically, I use failures as an example of what not to do.”

David (College Professor)
“My father never specified Black manhood, but always expressed his thoughts on manhood. Probably the primary emphasis was ownership and accountability to family. I was blessed growing up to be surrounded by middle class Black families with fathers present. My main activities are through boy scouting with my three boys. I think the main issue for the Black community is presence. But we are so dispersed now, that it’s difficult to do. We battle media images every day.”

Kevin (Architect)
“Actually, it is an unwritten tradition in my family that as the young men grow up, the older men are obligated to show them the ropes of being a man in our family. Sadly, this sometimes includes good and bad habits. I am one of the few that have gone to college, started a career, and yet still returns home on a regular basis. I am the voice of reason in regards to going to college and the fun and pitfalls one will experience. The older guys always try to clown me about my so called "big city style and small town values.” I tell the younger men—and women—that that you can leave your roots and be successful as long as you do not forget that the elders do have jewels of knowledge to give you. They did not get to be "old" by accident!”

Back to School: Engaging Our Students

2009-09-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, classes are now back in session and of course my life is slowly becoming hectic once again! Every semester, I try to figure out the best strategy to engage my chemistry students. This is a real challenge for all educators, but I do try to use humor when appropriate.

Recently, I gave a lecture focusing on atomic orbitals and I informed my students that I really like to ‘think of orbitals merely as a place where electrons like to hang out, just as I like to hang out at DSW because I like shoes.’ Immediately after I say this, the students (especially the young ladies) in my class began smiling and giggling. Ok, with this analogy, we can think of DSW as an orbital and myself as an electron, but that is not the point. The goal was to get their attention, so they will focus on the important stuff.

Developing effective teaching strategies is not easy. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. You also must keep in mind that every class is different. What worked for one class may not necessarily work for another. Honestly, if you want to be more effective in the classroom, you need access to resources (e.g. websites, journal articles) and several mentors to help you achieve your goals. For example, if you are one of several instructors teaching a course, ask one of your colleagues if you can visit his or her classroom to gain some tips on teaching. This can be very helpful to you as you establish your own presence in the classroom. You can also attend workshops and seminars at conferences that focus on effective teaching strategies. Moreover, many educators are finding ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. Now, I admit, I am old school. Yes, I do love chalk and the blackboard! My point is to just find something that works for you!

Hair Care and Exercise

2009-08-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Let me be honest with you—I absolutely hate to exercise. But, I am truly proud to say that I have committed myself to exercising at least three times a week. I believe the only reason I am motivated to do this is because I listen to my iPod while riding my exercise bike. The 30 minutes seems to go by much faster when I listen to some really good music and I do work up a sweat. However, the sweating has now created some challenges for me to maintain my chemically treated hair.

I recently decided to do an internet search to find some tools and tips for maintaining my hair in between my visits to the salon. To my surprise, there were many links on this very subject. Last year, there was a survey conducted at Wake Forest Medical School that targeted over 100 African American women specifically asking about their exercise habits. Half the respondents considered changing their hairstyles so they could exercise, so hair care is a real factor.

Back in the 1990s, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health focused on similar efforts for African American women. As a result, an easy to read pamphlet was developed offering suggestions on hair care and exercise. Check out this valuable resource for yourself.

(www.hsph.harvard.edu/sisterstogether/move.html)

Personally, I believe that hair care is only one factor. One of the real challenges is that life just seems to get in the way. We are so busy with work, school, church activities, and taking care of our families, we don’t take out time for ourselves. African American women can wear so many different kinds of hairstyles from relaxed hair, natural hair, and braids. However, hair should not be a factor when it comes to your health. I have spoken to my beautician seeking advice on the right things I should be doing for me. And my sister is encouraging me to go natural. I am giving it some thought. But, right now, I am not interested in doing a “comb over” at this point in my life. Ladies, now I challenge you to develop a solid plan for yourself!

New York Summer Vacation

2009-08-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

My recent trip to New York City started off a little frustrating with one particular airline that shall remain nameless. Several travel delays along with a very uncomfortable landing was not a pleasant experience. Moreover, my taxi driver appeared to be very upset before I even got in the car, but I must admit I found it quite amusing when he gave an obscene gesture to a nearby taxi driver that jumped in front him. By the time I reached my sisters place, I was really tired but smiling. You just have to love NY!

I always enjoy spending time with my sister and brother-in-law in NY and as usual they both kept me laughing during my stay. But, one highlight of my trip was seeing the one and only Mr. Chico DeBarge perform at a local NY spot. Trust me, the brother still can sing.

The opening act was a new artist named Rachel Brown who is clearly a throw back to the 1990s. Remember Karen White or Meli'sa Morgan with the big hair? Well, that’s the sound of Rachel Brown. She wasn’t bad, but like everyone else in the house, we wanted to see Chico! While we waited for him, the DJ was spinning the real R&B songs from Teena Maria, Michael Jackson, and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. Eventually, Chico emerged on stage to screaming fans wearing a white shirt, black tie and matching pants. Yes, the brother is still quite handsome.

Chico started off by singing “I Like It” and we started jamming. He played the piano and sang many of his old hits such as “Long Time No See” and “Virgin.” Chico also said a few things to the ladies that made my mouth fall open! He even did his own cover of “Shake Your Body” as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. But, he brought the house down with “No Guarantee” and had fellow R&B crooner Joe on stage to perform with him. I loved absolutely every single minute of it.

In addition to seeing Chico DeBarge, my sister and I did a little shopping which I love to do when I come to NY. And yes, I did stop by DSW while I was there. But, honestly, what I enjoy most about NY is spending time with my family and trying desperately to get my sister to make her apple pie, which she refused to do. But, she did make my aunt’s macaroni and cheese. So, my trip to NY ended quite nicely.

Why Do I Love DSW?

2009-08-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, this blog entry is partly about my passion for buying shoes and why I seem to have a religious experience every single time I walk into my favorite DSW shoe store. Believe me, I feel like I am truly in heaven every time I go! Sometimes, when I find the right shoes, I feel like God himself made them just for me.

Ladies, do you notice how we will walk up and down every single aisle picking up as many shoes as possible? We closely examine a pair of shoes like it is a fine piece of art and only then will we try them on for size. We take a close look at the sole, stitching, color, and heel as if we made them ourselves. If we decide we don’t like them, we follow the same routine with the next pair of shoes. (Fellas, don’t feel left out here. You follow a similar routine when you purchase shoes.)

Now, what if we use the same strategy for buying shoes and apply it to the other aspects of our life. Think about that and the choices you have made in your career and personal life. Should I buy a house or continue to rent an apartment? Is this the right church home for me? Should I purchase a new car or just continue to drive the vehicle I already have? Am I really on the right career path? When will I learn to say no? We ask all of the right questions when buying shoes, but shouldn’t we ask the right questions when we are dealing with more important life changing decisions?

Yes, I may be comparing apples to oranges here, but the point I wish to make is that we need to really think about the choices we make. Now, making a well informed decision does not guarantee you true happiness. But, I think you will appreciate the blessings that you already have been given.

Why do I love DSW? Honestly, one of my friends recently told me that I seem to have developed a “shoe fetish,” which is precisely why I go more than I need too. But, I am not an impulsive shopper. I take my time before making a real “commitment” and purchase any pair of shoes. Your simple take home message—quite frankly, just think carefully before you act!

Will the Real Motor City Please Stand Up?

2009-08-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying that I love Detroit, Michigan. I truly do. There are many things about this place to love. You already know the history of Motown Records, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary this year. Everybody has a favorite Motown artist or song they love. And, yes Motown records created jobs for young people in the community. (I know that was 50 years ago, but I’m trying to make a point here.) Let’s not forget that the Big Three has kept the economy going and helped create the Black middle class. There are tons of auto factories all over the world, so if I hear another person say the federal government is bailing out Detroit, I will scream. Recognize that the Big Three are global, not local. Moreover, the stadiums for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers are top notch, and the Fox Theatre is doing big things showcasing today’s top artists.

Now, although I truly do love this city, honestly, I am embarrassed by some of the recent nonsense. This city has taken a national hit in the media over the last year dealing with political corruption and now the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) are facing challenges. In fact, the current U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan intends to focus his attention on DPS. Now, I do think some of the media attention Detroit has received lately has been over the top at times. But when there is a scandal, it will be reported. When Detroit suffers, the entire state of Michigan suffers. Trust me it is time for a serious makeover! Can you imagine a reality show similar to “What Not to Wear,” that focuses instead on political makeovers? There would be a waiting list of cities for that opportunity.

Today, the residents of this blue collar town are heading to the polls for their primary to determine the top candidates for the election in November. There are 168 candidates running for Detroit City Council, but only the top 18 will be placed on the ballot in November. Moreover, there are six candidates running for mayor. Most are predicting a low voter turnout, but I truly hope younger residents hurry up and run to the polls so their voices can be heard. I tagged along with my mother while she voted, and the turnout was indeed low. New leadership is desperately needed to help this city. Someone recently told me that Detroit was the “Black Mecca” back in the 1980s. Growing up here, I never thought of Detroit in that way. It was just my hometown. However, I think with the right leadership, my Motown can do big things once again.

Let's Chat Over a Glass of Beer

2009-07-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

I’m sure everyone has heard the news of Harvard Professor Henry Louis “Skip” Gates being arrested at his own home for disorderly conduct, which now brings the issue of racial profiling back to attention of the media. The 911 tapes have been released along with the police report of the arresting officer Sgt. James Crowley with the Cambridge Police Department. Now, there are always two sides to every story, and then there is the truth. As one of my friends recently said to me, “I think the truth is somewhere in the middle,” and I do agree with my friend.

Last week during his press conference focused on heath care reform, President Obama was asked to weigh in on the arrest of his friend Professor Gates. He admitted he didn’t know all of the facts and he is biased because of their friendship, but went on to say that the police “acted stupidly” in arresting his friend. Now, he also went on to say that cooler heads should have prevailed. Even Gen. Colin Powell gave his opinion last night during an interview with Larry King. Moreover, Gen. Powell discussed his own personal experiences with “racial profiling,” but essentially placed blame on both Professor Gates and the police involved. Again—cooler heads should have prevailed.

Now, do I think President Obama said too much? Yes, I do, but I agree with what he said. Let’s face it, the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color has NOT been good. If you don’t believe, please go look in a history book. There are tons of examples to support this. However, President Obama later admitted he used a poor choice of words and has invited both Professor Gates and Sgt. Crowley to the White House to discuss this matter over beer. Will talking about this over beer, really help? Should President Obama be this involved in this matter? I am really not sure, but this could serve as a “teaching moment” for all of us. But, there is one conclusion that I can make here—we do not live in a post-racial America.

Black in America 2: Lessons Learned

2009-07-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

As I sit here writing this blog entry, I am watching Black in America 2 hosted by CNN Reporter Soledad O’Brien. I watched the first CNN special last year and although I thought it was good, it primarily focused on the problems that plague our communities. However, the current special is focusing on solving problems.

The program begins with Malaak Compton-Rock and 30 kids from Brooklyn, New York traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa, through her program “Journey for Change,” with the goal for the kids to see the daily struggles of others. The point being is that when you see folks worse off than you, it can make a serious impact on you personally. They met young people dealing with HIV and AIDS, hunger, and the desire just to attend school. The impact was immediately felt by the kids. At the end of their two week trip one student said quite frankly, “I can’t complain with what I got.” However, when Soledad interviewed Malaak and she broke down crying saying that she only “can give the kids wings, but she can’t make them fly.” As an educator in the chemical sciences, this is something that I often struggle with. I have to remind myself that I am only there to give them the tools to succeed—I can’t do it for them.

However, I truly enjoyed the passion of one educator profiled tonight—Principal Steve Perry of Capital Prep School located in Hartford, Connecticut. The school was established by Perry four years ago, and 100% of all of their graduates go on to college. That is success. Perry’s own background fueled his passion to help others. If all of us could contribute to improving our communities in some way, things would certainly be much better. Perry did it by establishing his own school and Compton-Rock gave 30 kids an experience of a lifetime. Now, ask yourself what can you do?

The Health Care Fix--Who Are the Stake Holders?

2009-07-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

By now everyone is likely aware of the ongoing debate in Congress focusing on how to fix our heath care system, specifically how to reduce the rising costs. Health care reform is certainly a high priority for President Obama. His foot is on the accelerator to get something done, but I do wonder if speed is what we need to fix a very complex system. Don’t get me wrong, something has to be done, but there are a LOT of stake holders sitting at the table too. Yes, the American Medical Association (AMA) is “on board,” but there are 47 million Americans that do not have access to health care. It is time we do something.

But even if a solid piece of legislation is passed by Congress, all of us will have to sacrifice in order for every single person to have access to quality health care, which I do believe is a right not a privilege. However, we also have another responsibility as stake holders too—we all need to be proactive about finding the right information when we do seek medical advice. What I mean is that just because a doctor tells you something, that doesn’t necessarily mean that is the right choice or option for you. If you don’t agree with something, then get a second, third or fourth opinion if needed. I recently listened to the Michael Baisden Show while driving home from work and the discussion focused on fibroids and African American women. A hysterectomy should not be the first option! Do your research and get the right answers.

No, I wasn’t trained as an MD and I am not here to give medical advice, but I do think as stake holders of our own bodies, we need to be more proactive to make the right decisions for us. Congress may very well pass a health care reform bill, but we are the real stake holders in the health care fix.

African American History--365 Days a Year

2009-07-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

We all know that the month of February is designated for Black History Month, but we actually celebrate Black History Month everyday. One great online resource celebrating our contributions is Blackpast.org.

Blackpast is a website that is truly a one-stop shopping resource focusing on various aspects of African American history. Developed by Dr. Quintard Taylor, a history professor at the University of Washington (Seattle, WA), this website focuses on three main areas—African American History, African American History in the West, and Global African History. Blackpast has over 3,000 pages of information focusing on people, places, institutions, organizations and events, such as the March on Washington in 1963 and the Detroit Riots of 1943 and 1967.

In addition to being a fan of Blackpast, I had the opportunity to contribute a few descriptions of African American chemists, including Dr. Nathaniel Oglesby Calloway, Dr. Percy L. Julian, and Dr. Saint Elmo Brady, the first African American to earn a PhD in chemistry in 1916 (University of Illinois).

Although there are numerous books and other great resources celebrating our history, I believe that Blackpast.org is truly an excellent teaching tool for students, teachers and everyone that has an interest in African American history. Black history is American history. Check out Blackpast for yourself.

www.blackpast.org

What Michael Means to Me

2009-06-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Let me be the first to say that I used to love me some MJ! When his album “Off the Wall” dropped in 1979, my mother purchased it for me and I wore it out on my record player. That is one of my favorite albums of all time.

During that same year, I had a chance to see the Jackson’s perform live in concert along with my favorite cousins who loved MJ too. The opening act for the concert was the one and only Jeffery Osbourne and L.T.D. Trust me, Mr. Osbourne had a massive voice that seemed to “float” across the packed Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan. He really didn’t need a microphone. Eventually, the Jackson’s stepped out on stage with their bright silver suits and put on a show! I remember screaming at the top of my lungs hoping Michael would hear me. That was truly one of the best concerts I attended in my life.

Like many others, I was shocked about his untimely death at the age of 50. It really didn’t seem real. The media is going absolutely crazy about his passing, and we all know that his funeral is going to be a complete circus. But, regardless of your personal feelings about the “King of Pop,” his impact on the music industry is absolutely undeniable---his album “Thriller” sold 50 million copies! He has sold 750 million albums. Nobody has done that. Moreover, the video for “Thriller” set the standard for today’s countless artists.

There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the many aspects of his life, but at this time we should celebrate him. I am glad BET honored him and as a couple of friends stated to me, BET “deserves an A for effort” for celebrating him during the annual BET Awards this past weekend. Honestly, Michael’s musical legacy means different things to everyone. What does Michael mean to me? There isn’t just one particular thing. But, his music made me one happy kid dancing in my parent’s basement.

The Elephant in the Room

2009-06-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Last summer, I served as a chemistry instructor for a program specifically for high school kids entering the 12th grade. One of my students asked me to review an essay she was working on for an English class, and I gladly accepted this task. She was doing very well in my course, and I wanted to support my students as much as possible. As I recall, the essay focused on issues of race and politics and I thought it was reasonably good. During the next class period, I returned her essay with my comments and asked her if she was aware that the House of Representatives had passed a resolution apologizing for slavery, and that maybe she could mention this in her essay. Another student sitting close by politely asked me to repeat what I just said. I replied, “Well, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday apologizing for slavery.” The class became very quiet, and the student responded, “What is an apology going to do?”

Now, at that moment I admit I was a little uncomfortable. I was there to teach these students about chemistry, not having a discussion about race. After a few moments of gathering my thoughts, I replied, “Well, I do think an apology is a step in the right direction. This creates an opportunity to have a real dialogue about race.” It was completely naïve of me to think that would be the end of the conversation. My response prompted the students to discuss this further and for the next several minutes, I let them have an open dialogue about race in my chemistry class. And some of these students were very passionate during the discussion! Eventually, the class settled down and we focused on my chemistry lesson plan. The discussion reminded me that issues about race remains the “big elephant in the room.” However, the election of the first African American President of the United States has certainly created an opportunity to talk about these very issues.

On Sunday mornings, I sometimes watch the talk show “Meet the Press” on NBC. (Yes, you know you are getting old, when the highlight of your day focuses on watching programs that focus on politics and daily headlines.) Anyway, Tavis Smiley appeared on the show one morning as a panelist and was asked if Dr. King’s dream had been fulfilled with the election of President Obama. Mr. Smiley responded that the election of President Obama was a “significant down payment on Dr. King’s dream,” but he felt the dream has not been fulfilled yet. In a nutshell, Mr. Smiley stated that we are making progress.

One June 18, 2009—one day before Juneteenth—the U.S. Senate also passed a resolution apologizing for slavery, similar to the resolution passed by the House last year. An apology will certainly not fix the past, but again I do think it is a step in the right direction. The real solution is to have an open and honest dialogue about racism. That is the only way we will begin to make some real progress on these issues.

Can You Give Us a Donation?

2009-06-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, a friend and I decided to go to the movies and see “Pelham 123,” starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. After buying the movie tickets and paying a ‘grip’ for popcorn and candy, we walked into the theatre to find some seats. The theatre was only about half-full at the time, so we had an opportunity to really get comfortable while waiting for the movie to begin. Shortly after, one of the ushers walked to the front of the theatre to welcome everyone, which I thought was nice. But then, she begins to ask us for donations for some program. I don’t recall what exactly the donation was for because quite frankly, I was annoyed that she was asking for money. I was really shocked by this because I have never been asked to give a donation right before seeing a movie. She then tells us to shut up. Well, ok, she ‘politely’ tells us to turn off our cell phones and refrain from unnecessary talking or we would be escorted out of the theatre. Subsequently, the theatre lights were turned down and movie previews begin to play, while she proceeds to pass a bucket through the aisles like we are giving tithes at church.

Please don’t get me wrong. I think it is extremely important for everyone to give what they can to support programs regardless if they focus on tutoring our youth or helping to reduce crime in your neighborhood. However, there is a time and place to request donations.

After being completely annoyed with the donation request, the movie started and it was action packed from the very beginning. “Pelham 123” was really good and Mr. Travolta was an awesome bad guy. And, yes Mr. Washington gave his usual strong performance as well. I certainly think this is a movie you will enjoy. But, that’s why we go to the movies to enjoy them and forget about the challenges we deal with on a daily basis. When I go to the movies, I am trying to relax and enjoy the show. Please don’t try to ‘nickel and dime’ me at the movies.

The Big Three Blues

2009-06-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your first car? My first car was a burgundy-red 1979 Chevy Impala with a 350 engine. It was a big automobile and I literally had to sit on a pillow to see over the dashboard when I drove the car. My father purchased the car from a fire chief in Canton, Michigan for himself and later gave it to me when I was ready to drive. It was a little rusty and had faded yellow letters on the driver side door that read “Canton Michigan Fire Department.” Let me tell you, this car was a REAL “man magnet” for me because I received a lot of attention from some really cute young men as I drove around town. At that time, Seattle-based rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot had a hit song called “My Hooptie,” which was the appropriate song for that car! If I hit a bump, the entire car would vibrate because it badly needed a front-end alignment. Ah, yes I did love my hooptie.

But, the point is when everyone thinks about their first car, it is a great time in our lives to reflect on our youth and new found independence. Driving to the shopping mall for the first time without my parents—that was true independence. Now, fast forward to 2009 and everybody should be upset over what is currently going on with the Big Three.

Washington Post columnist, Eugene Robinson recently wrote an editorial entitled “Detroit Dissonance,” focusing on how the CEOs of the Big Three are being treated compared to the CEOs of Wall Street. Robinson writes, “The president is telling Detroit to shape up or die while at the same time politely asking Wall Street, whose recklessness and greed caused this economic crisis, if it would be so kind as to accept another heaping of taxpayer funds.”

Detroit News columnist, Daniel Howes’ editorial “Meddling with GM? Not us, feds say,” writes, “Don’t know what is more laughable: federal officials, including a president of the United States who say they don’t want to run General Motors Corp, but do. Or a GM CEO who denies altering business decisions under political duress but does.”

Personally, I agree with the comments of both Robinson and Howe, but I really don’t think the current administration had much choice. The auto workers on the assembly line are the heart and soul of the Big Three and are always the ones to be treated unfairly. Can you say concessions??? But, I do think there is another perspective on this matter. When you borrow money from somebody, there are always strings attached. My point is that shouldn’t ANY company that receives taxpayer bailout money be required to take “advice” or “words of wisdom” from those that provide that money?

It is absolutely troubling to see the auto industry struggling. However, I am convinced with the right leadership from the experts, it will come back stronger. I really think the Big Three should consider selling two types of vehicles—vintage cars and more fuel efficient cars. Do you realize how many people would flock to the dealership if they could purchase a brand new replica of their very first car? Trust me, right now I really do want to take another drive in my 1979 Impala. Hey, I may not need the pillow this time.

Basketball and Career Choices: Are You a Starting Point Guard?

2009-06-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well, now that the NBA Finals is currently in full swing, I am having a serious flash back! Remember the movie “Love and Basketball” starring Sanaa Latham and that absolutely handsome Omar Epps? Remember how you cheered when Sanaa finally got her man in the end? She never gave up and she kept on fighting for what she truly wanted—her true love and her desire to play professional basketball. The game of basketball is really about the trials and tribulations of everyday life dealing with friends, family, and yes our career. It doesn’t matter if you work in corporate America or a chemistry laboratory, if we want to win at anything—you have to play the game.

Ideally, you shouldn’t have to play the game to be successful. Why can’t you just be a good team player, work hard, and be rewarded for your efforts? Maybe you don’t wish to be a starting point guard. Maybe you just want to come off the bench and score a few points and help your team win! As African American professional women you already know that being on a team is never going to be enough for us. We have to show up to practice early because being on time is late. We have to stay late after practice and work on aspects of our game because being talented is not enough. Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.

The reality is the moment you throw up an airball, there is little to no forgiveness! You will go directly to the bench and unfortunately, maybe even off the team. Yes, you will have to deal with fans throwing beer and popcorn on you, and the referees making the wrong calls which allows your opponent to go to the free throw line more than you think is necessary. And what happens if you say something to the referee? You will get a technical foul—if you get two, you are out of the game. Eventually, you will be known as the player who is leading the league in technical fouls. Who in the world wants that label? Well, maybe Detroit Piston Forward Rasheed Wallace.

The take home message is if you come up with a solid defensive strategy, you should come out a winner. Defense is important as witnessed by the Denver Nuggets making it to the Western Conference Finals because they started playing defense thanks to the addition of veteran point guard Chauncey Billups. Defense is an attitude centered around collaboration. It takes all five players on a team to work together to get the job done. Keep in mind that in order for effective collaborations to work, practice is important. Remember Allen Iversion’s tirade during a news conference, “We are talking about practice!”

How can you develop a solid defensive strategy for your career?

1. Make connections with people that have achieved career goals similar to yours that you trust and ask them to be one of your mentors. You need more than one because your mentors are people who have a lot going on in their lives just like you, and if your one mentor is having a bad day, he/she is more likely to not be attentive to you and your needs. You also need more than one mentor because people have strengths in a variety of areas. One mentors opportunity area can be another mentors strengths.
2. Write out realistic short-term and long-term goals and stick to them. The process of writing your goals with a pen on paper makes you accountable to yourself. Then post those goals in a place that you are forced to look at them everyday.
3. Seek out opportunities for growth and professional development. Attending regional meetings or conferences are great opportunities to meet leading experts in your field. It increases your technical mastery and helps to establish your credibility in your field of interest which puts you on a path to be a leading expert in your field.
4. Learn to accept constructive criticism. None of us are perfect, and there are elements about us that need to be tweaked. If you have mentors that you trust, they will bring the message to you in a way that you can hear it, receive it, and create a strategic plan to address.

We have all heard the old adage, “work smarter, not harder”, now is the time to use it. We look forward to seeing you as you rise to the top. Remember to lift as you climb. There is enough room for all of us up there.