When it comes to weight, we are a nation of extremes. Childhood obesity has doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Mississippi is the unhealthiest of them all, particularly impoverished African Americans in the state struggling to make ends meet and put dinner on the table. Unfortunately, poverty and healthy groceries do not go hand in hand. Yet...
Tag Archives: African Americans
Courtney Pearson, crowned Ole Miss’ first African-American homecoming queen. Although 33 years separate their time at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Rose Flenorl and Courtney Pearson share many similar experiences growing up in the southern United States. Their time at Ole Miss helps illustrate the racial changes that have been made over the past 50 years...
Two weeks ago at Union Unplugged, I saw two tweets that were both equally ignorant and insensitive. One said, “I love it when the Union gets all ghetto.” The other said, “ghettoTuesday is back!” The second tweeter was gracious enough to provide a picture of the NPHC Greeks strolling in front of the Union. What’s even more problematic about these tweets is that...
On Jan. 21, I rolled out of bed at 4 a.m. and was on the Metro headed to Capitol Hill by 5. Then began the hours of long lines, a handful of security checkpoints and, for some of us, a brief nap on the grass of the Capitol grounds. When President Barack Obama finally came to the podium, I expected his speech to be a routine, somewhat nauseating, politically-motivated plea...
Many students and faculty associate James Meredith’s arrival with the opening of the doors of opportunity to the black community. But to Ariel Blanco, president of the Latin American Student Association, the promotion of Meredith’s integration signifies something more. “Integration means a mix of cultures, ethnic, racial, religious and creed differences,”...
This week marks 50 years of integration at The University of Mississippi. It is important that we take time to reflect on the progress the university has made to transform its obstinate outlook during the civil rights movement to a more open and accepting place. Looking beyond the university, it is much more important to focus on the accomplishments of black alumni as...
The University of Mississippi and Oxford communities had the opportunity to hear U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder speak last night at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Holder, who spoke for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College fall convocation, discussed the progress integration has made and the journey still ahead. Chancellor Dan Jones also...
