Recently, an article ran about the award I received from the Freedom From Religion Foundation in the Clarion Ledger and was later reprinted by the Hattiesburg American. I received the first ever Yip Harburg Youth Activist award for an article I wrote about cruel responses to the complaint the City of Collins received for their … More Condescension Isn’t Kindness
I wonder how many people have to die before people realize words have power. How many mothers, fathers, unarmed civilians have to die before people understand that some rhetoric isn’t just inflammatory, it’s lethal? I’m convinced that as long as domestic terrorists are sad white men using guns, the GOP won’t be too worried about … More “No More Baby Parts”
That SNL skit isn’t wrong; I wish Adele could fix my Thanksgiving angst. Madalyn Murray O’Hair came up. For those not in the know, she’s a dead atheist activist who won a Supreme Court case that banned school sponsored Bible readings, Murray V. Curlett. She was the founder and president of American Atheists. She, along with … More My Mother, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, and Me
Reprinted from the Daily Mississippian On Thursday, Oct. 29, the city of Collins received a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation in regards to Christian statues in a publicly maintained and operated park. I spent the first 12 years of my life living in Collins, and the vast majority of my maternal … More The Misrepresentation of Church and state
When I heard about the attacks in Paris, my first thoughts were: “Please don’t let them be Muslim.” But they were. In these types of attacks, they almost always are. In the United States, I’m sympathetic to Muslims. Many times, they are unfairly criticized and targeted, accused of being hidden terrorists. But then things like … More When People Die for ISIS
It’s almost mid-November so the annual war on Christmas is in full force. This year’s first crusader against joy and light? Starbucks. Joshua Feuerstein, former pastor and current pop-producer of “edgy” viral videos, went to Starbucks and saw their sleek, minimalist winter cups. This year, no snowflakes, or reindeer, or a single solitary evergreen grace … More The Latest War on Christmas, the Saga of Joshua Feuerstein
Last night was another tragic election night in Mississippi. I voted with optimism, but the same thing happened that almost always happens. We elected a governor who pretends to care about our state, while doing everything in his power to create a failing bastion of conservatism. We voted against an amendment that would guarantee our … More Election Night in the Deep South
Pageant smiles are a Southern export. Before I learned to form full sentences, I have been learning to smile perfectly. Upper lip pulled up, squint the eyes slightly if you want it to look genuine, upper teeth situated softly on bottom lip. I can give you a pageant smile any day of the week. This … More Miss America Somehow Defies Southern Stereotype
As mass shootings have increased over the past several years, the media has been quick to jump on the mental illness bandwagon. Mental illness care has never been what it ought to be in this country, and, while I appreciate increased attention on the issue, mental illness can’t be blamed for every single mass shooter. … More Mental Illness Didn’t Pull the Trigger
The roller coaster of emotions regarding my faith has been an adventure, to say the least. My mother and I have had a few conversations, and have maintained a quiet peace over the past few weeks. I head back to Mississippi on August 1st, and I’ll be going to Jackson to see my parents a … More My Mother’s Revival During My Exit From Faith
