It has been a painful week. America is here again.  The two-headed merciless monster of hatred and violence have appeared suddenly, terrorizing the nation and piercing the hearts of the innocent.  Now we are all attempting to recover and heal from the shock and the disaster, just trying to understand… Two mass shootings occurring in […]

“Time to turn the page and write the new chapter, and what does that look like?” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez It is a new day in America. Today, American is marching “forward.” Yet, many are threatened by the new day and all that it represents. In walks “The Squad”—new leadership for a new day. The self-proclaimed Squad […]

I returned home Monday on a natural high, having enjoyed a delightful family reunion and a wonderful Father’s Day with family in East St. Louis. As soon as I entered my house, I turned on the television to catch up on the news. I watched and listened in horror. A child who had been separated […]

“What happens to a dream deferred?” Langston Hughes This week the Trump Administration rescinded the DACA program, which provides temporary legal immigration status to individuals arriving in the US illegally as children. In a national press conference US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the termination of DACA, stating that no new applicants will be accepted […]

“We do not choose our history, but we choose what we honor and celebrate…” – Dr. Gregory Fenves, University of Texas President America and the world were in utter shock last weekend as we watched violence erupt in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the controversy to remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from one of the […]

My mother and I watch “Real Time with Bill Maher” together every week. It is one of the special mother-daughter moments we enjoy regularly. Every weekend we pull out our blankets and pour our wine or coffee and then watch the show. We particularly enjoy our post-show analysis, where we have an extended conversation about […]

It was two days following the election of the first African American President of the United States of America. I was in Austin for a meeting with The University of Texas Department of History Visiting Committee. I woke up to check my email and opened a photo attachment… In total shock and disbelief I could […]

Today is election day 2016, and it is finally time to cast your vote. This historical moment is of immense importance; and considering all that is at stake, there is absolutely no reason why any American citizen, who truly loves this country, should refrain from voting. Your vote will determine not only the direction of […]

Last month I participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Convention in Washington, DC. As stated in my previous blog, the CBC ALC is always my favorite convention of the year! This year Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) requested me to moderate his session “Blacks and Latinos: Our Quest for Civil Rights.” Of course, it […]

The Democratic National Committee hosted a spectacular convention this year. Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Democratic National Convention occurred July 25-28, 2016. Similar to my experience with the Republican National Convention, although for different reasons, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the DNC proceedings. The entire program appealed to me, especially its captivating keynote speakers. There were […]

The Republican National Committee wrapped up its biggest event last week, having convened in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18-21, 2016. As I had imaged as well as predicted in my previous post, the Republican National Convention was “unlike any other that I have ever seen…unpredictable and full of unanticipated surprises.” Interestingly, there exists no one word […]

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!! Cleveland, the circus is coming to town! “The Trump Vanity Circus” has finally made it to Cleveland, and it promises to be well worth the wait! The show is going to be full of delightful entertainment with its highly anticipated attractions along with the unpredictable surprises that always appear […]

It is abundantly clear. The Republican Party has created a monster. They have “trumped up” a real life monster, one more terrifying and menacing than any that has appeared in frightening horror films or our wildest childhood imaginations: Trumpenstein! Who and what is Trumpenstein? Trumpenstein is a man-made creation, invented by shameful segments of the […]

There are so many careers that individuals with a Ph.D. in history can pursue. We possess a myriad of valuable skills and abilities needed in every sector of our society. Recently, I published an article in Perspective on History, The Newsmagazine of the American Historical Association, arguing this point. In this essay I highlight the […]

Interview with Scholar Studio, April 2016 I recently conducted an interview with Scholar Studio to discuss the importance of graduate students attending professional meetings and conferences. As an educator who teaches students strategies for college success, I have always promoted the value of students participating in organizations and conferences in their respective disciplines and areas […]

 “People don’t dance no mo.” – Goodie Mob Super Bowl 50 weekend is here! The game promises to be a memorable one—the Denver Broncos vs. the Carolina Panthers, the “Sheriff” vs. “Superman.” Yet, despite all of the excitement, this historical moment has been unnecessarily tarnished due to the criticism directed at Carolina’s quarterback Cam Newton. Specifically, sports […]

Unlike the previous two Republican presidential debates, last night’s Democratic presidential debate was actually a civilized and informative political discourse.  Instead of personally attacking each other and discussing a lot of irrelevant topics, the Democratic candidates actually discussed the numerous challenges facing our country and world.  In fact, the candidates covered the gamut:  the economy, […]

On Saturday, April 21, Georgia Democrats held elections throughout the state to determine our district-level candidates to the Democratic National Convention to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in September.  Because I believe in being and have always been civically and politically engaged, because I support the guiding principles and platform of the Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG), and because I […]

The Latin American Association (LAA) in Atlanta, Georgia, is doing incredible work with our youth!  On April 14, 2012, I attended the LAA’s 3rd Annual Spring College Access Conference at Kennesaw State University.  The goal of the conference is to increase the educational attainment of Latino students so that they can and will pursue higher […]

The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute held its Southeast Regional Conference in partnership with Georgia State University’s 4th Annual Latino College Leadership Summit in Atlanta last month.  Hosted on the campus of GSU, March 23-24, the conference seeks to develop the skills of Georgia-area students in order to foster leadership development within the community.  Over […]

The Atlanta community was absolutely elated that President Barack Obama was coming to Atlanta!  He was visiting the city to raise money for his 2012 Presidential bid.  In addition to a host of fundraising activities on March, 16, 2012, the Obama for America campaign held its national meeting of the African American Leadership Council.  During […]

Again, it was another spectacular United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Annual Conference.  This year the organization celebrated its 30th anniversary!  Congratulations!!!  Based in Chicago, USHLI seeks to empower Latinos and other disenfranchised groups with leadership development training and encourage civic awareness and participation in the electoral process. 

Every year when the Oscars roll around there is always a public discussion and criticism of the lack of African American and Latino nominees and awardees.  This year that discussion continues.  A revealing article in the Los Angeles Times by John Horn, Nicole Sperling and Doug Smith provides some explanation. Oscar voters are overwhelmingly white […]

How shocking it was to hear about the apparent suicidal death of Don Cornelius on the first day of Black History Month.  A television icon, Don Cornelius transformed the American  cultural landscape through his infamous show “Soul Train.”  Every week for thirty-five years America could take a trip on the hippest train in show business, […]

Are any of you shocked, bewildered and/or incensed by Governor Jan Brewer’s disrespect of President Barack Obama during his first official visit to her state of Arizona?  Does the photo of her “greeting” the President affect you in any way?  Can anyone recall at any point in American history where there has been such a […]

Introduction to the Tips for College Success Blog   Do you, your child or someone you know have plans to attend college?  Are you overwhelmed by the application and preparation process?  Are you already in college and just need some guidance on how to make the most out of your college experience?  Then this weekly […]

Inspired by Chris Brogan   We are quickly approaching the last few days of January, and, hopefully, you have not abandoned those New Year’s resolutions that you made just a few weeks ago.  Of course, like everyone else, I set my resolutions, which were comprised of numerous personal and professional goals.  In the midst of […]

The Reid Project at Clark Atlanta University   This month I participated in a panel discussion at Clark Atlanta University coordinated by alumna Jacque Reid about the importance of internships.  The Media Arts Studies class, where James McJunkins serves as its professor, seeks to prepare students to participate in The Reid Project, an eight-week summer […]

Inspired by the life of Steve Jobs   Inspirational Blog Background I never knew much about Steve Jobs.  My introduction and only knowledge of him was through my husband who showed me a video on the Internet of Jobs introducing the iPhone to the world.  Terreon was absolutely elated!  This new phone had all the […]

I had an absolutely magnificent time Monday at Tuskegee University (TU) commemorating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and the Tuskegee Airmen!  Celebrating the release of “Red Tails,” Tuskegee University hosted a weekend of activities honoring the civil rights leader and America’s first African American military pilots.   What a glorious occasion to be involved […]

I was devastated last year when I learned about the drowning of six children in Louisiana, all family members, who lost their lives trying to save each other because they did not know how to swim.  I was even more shocked to discover that adult family members watched in horror as each child drowned, because […]

Convention Theme: “The Power of Now: Claiming Your Destiny” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 3-7, 2011   During the summer I participated in the National Association of Black Journalists  (NABJ) Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 3-7, 2011.  Founded in 1975 and consisting of journalist, students and media-related professionals, NABJ provides programs and services to and advocates on […]

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.  During the summer the Omegas commemorated the founding of their organization during their annual convention, which was held in Washington, DC, July 28-31, 2011.  Over 10,000 Omegas from various parts of the nation and world participated in the event, including a large contingent […]

Washington, DC September 23-26, 2011   The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) held its annual conference in Washington, DC, July 23-26, 2011.  As always, NCLR hosted another great conference!  Founded in 1968, NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States that seeks to improve opportunities for Latino […]

Conference Theme:  “Leading for a Stronger America” San Antonio, Texas June 23-25, 2011   My parents, Cecil and Loretta Houston, and I attended the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) 28th Annual Conference, June 23-25, 2011.  NALEO is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the political process, […]

May 22, 2011   On May 22, 2011, I was inducted into the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Northwest Georgia Chapter.  It is such an honor to become a member of such a distinguished group of African American women!  The National Coalition of 100 Black Women prides itself on providing leadership to and fostering […]

May 21, 2011   Terreon and I attended the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala on May 21, 2011.  Tisha Tallman serves as its President and CEO.  We had a great time!  We celebrated the achievements of the distinguished honorees and danced salsa all night!  What a wonderful evening!

May 20, 2011   The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO) annual Power Breakfast was an outstanding event again this year!  GALEO is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization providing a voice for the growing Latino population in Georgia and a framework for collaborative and proactive legislative initiatives for Georgia’s Hispanic community.  GALEO’s mission is to […]

May 13, 2011 Despite the efforts of numerous civic and community organizations, the influential business community, concerned citizens throughout Georgia and former Georgia State Senator Sam Zamarripa’s compelling letter to the governor, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed the controversial immigration bill (HB87) into law on May 13, 2011.  Like Arizona’s immigration legislation, Georgia’s Illegal Immigration […]

May 4, 2011 My parents, Cecil and Loretta Houston, and I were absolutely delighted when we  received the invitation from Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., to attend a reception at the Embassy of Mexico in DC honoring him with the Ohtli Award!  Also a native of our home town Brownwood, Texas, Dr. Andrade is a close […]

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I received the news that one of the Twin Towers had been hit by an airplane.  My boyfriend Terreon Gully, who is now my husband, was visiting me in Atlanta.  He was preparing to leave on a late morning flight to return to […]

Chicago, Illinois, February 17-20, 2011 Recently, I attended the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute National Conference in Chicago, Illinois.  Headed by Dr. Juan Andrade, USHLI seeks to empower Latinos and other disenfranchised groups with leadership development training and encourage civic awareness and participation in the electoral process.  Dr. Andrade is passionate about service and making an […]

The Movement to End Childhood Obesity in America’s Children Last week First Lady Michelle Obama came to Atlanta to celebrate the first anniversary of Let’s Move!.  Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity in a generation so that children will grow up healthier […]

February is Black History Month!  Founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and beginning as Black History Week, Black History Month seeks to recognize and honor the significant achievements of African Americans.  The Association for the Study of African American Life and History leads this effort by promoting, preserving and researching the history and culture […]

I was quite disturbed to learn of the tragedy in Tuscon, Arizona, that left six dead and fourteen wounded on Saturday, January 8.  Among the victims were Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and a 9-year old girl Christina Greene, who was born on September 11, 2001.  The gunman was 22-year old Jared Loughner, who some observed suffered […]

I am so excited about the new year!  I have made it my mission to make 2011 my best year ever!  There is so much that I want and expect to accomplish this year.  It all starts with a plan.  As you know, the only way to achieve any goal is to have a plan, […]

I am a big advocate and supporter of President Barack Obama and his Administration.  The Obama Administration has done tremendous work in various areas and on multiple levels for our nation.  With numerous political factions trying to demean his every move, distort as well as  misrepresent the facts, and discredit the character of the President, […]

Midterm Elections 2010 For the past few months I have observed and been somewhat disturbed by the media’s portrayal that Republicans are the only party energized for this upcoming midterm election.  The media has been reporting that motivated Republican voters will ensure that their representatives will win the majority of the Congressional seats that are […]

Atlanta, Georgia, October 23, 2010 On Saturday, I participated in the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute’s Regional Conference in Atlanta. Led by Dr. Juan Andrade, USHLI provides leadership development programs across the United States, culminating in an annual conference hosted in Chicago in February or March each year.  This year USHLI partnered with the Georgia State […]

Washington, DC, September 12-14, 2010 Last week I attended the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC, September 12-14, 2010. It was an extremely exciting week for me because of the luck (maybe is was fate) of having three conferences within my interest in the same city at the same time. […]

The 2010 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference Washington, DC, September 12-14, 2010 On September 10, 2010, President Barack Obama proclaimed September 12-18, 2010, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week. During the week the White House Initiative on HBCUs along with the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs hosted the […]

Last week my husband Terreon Gully and I attended a lecture by Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library. A Bangladeshi banker, economist and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. Yunus discussed the concepts of his newly released book Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing […]

I recently read Tanya Kateri Hernandezʼs article “Black-on-Mexican Violence in Staten Island, NY: The Untold Tale of Turf Defense”. A guest commentary in the National Institute for Latino Policy e-newsletter, Hernandez discusses the rise of racial violence in Staten Island involving African Americans committing violent assaults against Mexicans. Hernandez provides a great commentary on the […]

The National Urban League (NUL) celebrated its Centennial Anniversary in Washington, DC two weeks ago. Of course, as a civil rights historian and social activist this is an event that I did not want to miss! Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization […]

Fun at White Water Exposes Black and Brown Fear and Color-blind Facts Last week I was so excited about the surprise of my sister Rhonda, husband Terreon and me taking my six nieces and nephews–ages nine, eight, seven, six, four and three years–to White Water. I absolutely love the water and eagerly anticipate our annual […]

Over the weekend Senate Majority leader Harry Reid has been criticized for making insensitive racial remarks about President Barack Obama during the Presidential campaign. In their book “Game Change,” Time magazine’s Mark Halperin and New York magazine’s John Heilemann quote Reid meeting with Obama and being impressed by the junior senator. Speaking about his ability […]