Take a look at our most recent writings
#BlackGirlMagic: On the Necessity of Resilience and Righteous Indignation
What do Vice-President Kamala Harris, voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and viral immunologist leading the fight against COVID-19 Kizzmekia Corbett have in common? They’re all Black women with magnificent accomplishments—things most people do not achieve, let alone those staring down racism and sexism. As a Black woman, they inspire me, but… Continue reading #BlackGirlMagic: On the Necessity of Resilience and Righteous Indignation
a word on Mental Health for my Black and Brown friends
The attack occurred on February 22, 2020. One year ago this week. They were only slightly older, but I did not know the three women in their early thirties—these Strangers— who jumped me. Leaving a bar in Fells Point with my partner and two other friends, the women came out of nowhere and threw me… Continue reading a word on Mental Health for my Black and Brown friends
Bearing Good Fruit in 2021—and Beyond
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it remain in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me (John 15:4 KJV) Our journey on Earth requires pushing through darkness and reaching for light. So much surrounding us signals death, decay, and suffering—whether it’s… Continue reading Bearing Good Fruit in 2021—and Beyond
When Human Evil Goes Unchecked
In September 2020 I wrote of the presence of human evil in the White House, defining its characteristics and practices from the vantage point of psychology. On December 26, 2020, illustrating from Biblical history, I wrote of the frightening prospects inherent within the final 25 days of Trump’s presidency. “It’s going to get worse,” I… Continue reading When Human Evil Goes Unchecked
What we’re reading and watching this BHM…
Especially for Black History Month, this list from the Gathering will no doubt include works that have not yet made it to your bookshelf. Here you’ll discover film, non-fiction and fiction (even sci-fi) gems to enjoy far beyond February! When Affirmative Action was White, by Ira Katznelson – “For Black History Month, I’m recommending a… Continue reading What we’re reading and watching this BHM…
everyday evil: trading safety for conspiracy…
This morning I received an email from a reader, soliciting advice from this community about a family matter deeply entwined with current events. I have permission to share it, and invite your replies. Your personal experiences, thoughts and advice are welcome… ******************* Dear Gathering, I learned last night that my cousin, a dear childhood friend,… Continue reading everyday evil: trading safety for conspiracy…
A Seismic Initiative We Can All Get Behind Right Now
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…” (Mark 9:37) The single most valuable initiative currently under consideration in Congress concerns historic and sustainable relief for American children living in poverty. Why is almost no one talking about it? Here’s how you can get up to speed quickly… Does bipartisanship matter… Continue reading A Seismic Initiative We Can All Get Behind Right Now
Black History Month: this February—and All Year
In 1926, revered historian Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) initiated “Negro History Week,” which became Black History Month in 1976. Dr. Woodson chose February because it contains President Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays. Dr. Woodson’s efforts countered the prevailing White dominant narrative that African Americans’ contributions were a “negligible factor” in American history (among his… Continue reading Black History Month: this February—and All Year
You Choose: the next best political candidates
Today we begin our sixth month, and within the vast American schism, you’re invited to share a political chat in a safe space. Since our first post describing the rationale for gathering in such a forum, we’ve loved the emerging community that brings curiosity and engagement to our ongoing conversations. So we’re wondering how you… Continue reading You Choose: the next best political candidates
Keep in Step with the Spirit
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25, NIV). The Holy Ghost is ushering in a new season. Are we poised to embrace it? Signs and wonders are everywhere—but not in the way we expect. Take Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight, alongside other Georgia grassroots organizations, such… Continue reading Keep in Step with the Spirit
Ongoing Lies and Collateral Damage in the GOP
They were plotting to kill Lazarus. Yes, the same Lazarus whom Jesus had recently raised from the dead. John has been signaling in his gospel since Chapter 7 that the religious leaders had murderous thoughts about Jesus. Now in chapter 12 he reports that many Jews, after learning where Jesus was, wanted to come see… Continue reading Ongoing Lies and Collateral Damage in the GOP
When Religion Sins: Evangelical Zeal and the False Gospel of Christian Nationalism
Recently, an African American friend and I were talking. She complimented me on a comment I made based on months of reading about the profound historical legacy of racial exploitation in the U.S. She remarked, “Of course we knew that, but it’s still nice to hear a white person say it.” I laughed and replied,… Continue reading When Religion Sins: Evangelical Zeal and the False Gospel of Christian Nationalism
Common Consents in a Divided Age?
Let’s risk a dialogue. By no means a new challenge, but rather a new season…so let’s risk. These days we hear how Americans have grown so divided we cannot possibly work together toward shared goals. Evidence for disunity appears by the hour, while efforts to create common ground apparently lose ground at the same rate.… Continue reading Common Consents in a Divided Age?
Happy Birthday Dr. King—Rest in Justice
He would be 92 today. Just imagine. In my childhood, I appreciated the King holiday for the long weekend it created, allowing me a break as I readjusted to my school routine following Christmas break. I relished singing along to Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday, written to honor King: “Happy Birthday to ya, happy birthday to… Continue reading Happy Birthday Dr. King—Rest in Justice
Franklin Graham, Take the Stand
I grew up going to Billy Graham crusades. They never failed to move me. Along with my loving family and the Evangelical church community in which I was raised, these events fostered a deep faith in me. But like many Christians, I have watched in horror as Evangelicals first embraced Trump and Trumpism, and then… Continue reading Franklin Graham, Take the Stand
73 Trees
Today I took down my Christmas tree – a bit earlier than usual, but it was getting a bit prickly and I thought it was best to spare it the indignity of acute decline. The ritual of dismantling the Christmas tree endures as a sacred celebration of reverence for the continuous thread of life winding through… Continue reading 73 Trees
#2020Gratitude—Top 5!
My mom told me my posts are “depressing.” I gather she means I could share more about what I’m thankful for. And I believe she’s right! While racialized capitalism and other weighty topics are important to highlight, so too are the blessings I receive and the joy I feel (and joy is the very thing… Continue reading #2020Gratitude—Top 5!
A Herod of Our Own: the slaughter of innocence in the White House
In the afterdays of the first Christmas, brutal septuagenarian King Herod was eroding as he grew seriously ill with a number of painful diseases. His polarized legacy included credit for vast building projects alongside the murder of his favorite wife (of ten) and two sons who were judged insufficiently loyal. Ethnically Arab, culturally Greek, religiously… Continue reading A Herod of Our Own: the slaughter of innocence in the White House
And Unto You This Day, I Prescribe…Joy
I have a confession: When I was a kid, I listened to country music. I loved it. This was not a (stereo)typical preference among my Black peers in Dayton, Ohio—despite the fact that Black Americans were instrumental in the development of country music. As a preteen during the early 90s, there were even fewer mainstream… Continue reading And Unto You This Day, I Prescribe…Joy
Light and Salvation in 2020 Darkness
“Professor Simms, how can you keep studying racism and not get overwhelmed?” Several students have asked some version of this question during my office hours since I began teaching in the fall of 2019 at Barnard College. As a scholar and policy professional who studies and teaches about how racialized capitalism leads to vast disparities… Continue reading Light and Salvation in 2020 Darkness
