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SLAVERY NEVER ENDED: PRISON AS PUNISHMENT IN “13TH”

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The Netflix original documentary 13th, directed by Ava DuVernay (Selma), looks at the legacy of racism and slavery in the United States and how it led to mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex. The film opens with a voiceover of President Obama saying, “So, let’s look at the statistics: The United States is home to 5 percent of the world’s population, but 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Think about that.” The movie’s jolting statistics, compelling graphics, and rich interviews with nearly 50 scholars, activists, and politicians—including Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander, and Shaka Senghor—ensure that viewers will not only think about systemic oppression and but want to find ways to end it.

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What’s Not Being Said About “The Handmaid’s Tale”: Published by Ms. Mag

Check out my latest essay on Ms.: What’s N ot Being Said About The Handmaid’s Tale.

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New Article: “Take Back the Night: The Most Important Night of the Year”

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Take Back the Night is an annual event against sexual violence happening tonight at Cal State LA. This article was published yesterday in Cal State LA’s University Times: Take Back the Night: The Most Important Night of the Year.

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Wear Denim April 26: “When Fashion Makes a Statement” Published by Ms.

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Check out my new article “When Fashion Makes a Statement,” which is the top story today on Ms.

Women’s Empowerment Inside Out: Ending Sexism in Our Minds, Communities & Society

Today at the FLY Leadership Conference at Cal State LA, I presented on ending sexism. I’ve posted the link to the Prezi here as a resource for those who attended. All are welcome to check it out!

I’ve Been Nominated for a Pushcart Prize!

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My essay “After Your Great-Grandmother Tita” has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Exposition Review. The Pushcart is a prestigious literary award and I’m honored to be a amongst the 200K or so who have been nominated. Winners will be announced in the spring. While it’d be amazing to receive this recognition, what really matters — as I’ve heard multiple writers say over and over — is that I keep writing!

Does the “Collateral Beauty” of Fatherhood Come at the Expense of Mothers?

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The new film Collateral Beauty does interesting things with fatherhood. But what about the moms? Read my review published by Bitch to find out: Does the “Collateral Beauty” of Fatherhood Come at the Expense of Mothers?

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