“Imagine the Angels of Bread”

“Imagine the Angels of Bread”

ByMartin Espada

* “Martín Espada’s “Imagine the Angels of Bread” is a fascinating combination of the vengeful and the visionary, of anger and compassion, and of reality and dream.
The speaker imagines a worldwide release from oppression, depicting an escape, among other injustices, from inhumane work conditions, tenant evictions, and politically motivated murders.
The poem proceeds by way of a series of near-apocalyptic revolutionary reversals, by inverting long-standing injustices as Espada, on the one hand, imagines those in power themselves suffering for the first time –”squatters evict landlords” –or, conversely, dreams of liberating the poor and the victims of discrimination.”
* Heather Zadra – Book Review Modern American Poetry Society
Imagine the Angels of Bread (Published, Norton, 1996)

Engaging in the “White on White Conversation” on Racism and Hate ~ The Choice ~ The Willingness ~ The Readiness ~ The Work

Engaging in the “White on White Conversation” on Racism and Hate ~ The Choice ~ The Willingness ~ The Readiness ~ The Work

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

Why the hesitation by white people to engage with white people in difficult and uncomfortable discourse on racism and hate?
Some would argue that the reasons are due to the “teflon effect”, “cognitive dissonance”, “white fragility”, “fear” and a lack of knowledge.
“White on White” conversations can become contentious, uncomfortable and question social-cultural loyalties.
But we are in the 21st century and “White on White” conversations are taking place by choice, with emotional intelligence and moral courage.
Inclusive generational alliances are in motion and a reality.

Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model ~ Do We Dare to Look Through the Lens?

Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model ~ Do We Dare to Look Through the Lens?

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

Conversations about Diversity can be uncomfortable and exasperating.
It is easier to not engage, frustrated by what we don’t know that we don’t know about Diversity.
Unfortunately, ‘Diversity’ has been politicized and weaponized leading to fear, confusion and reluctance to civilly and openly discuss Diversity and its threads.
The Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model provides language, knowledge-bases, and context that can provide opportunities for discourse through introspection, personal growth and change.

Discourse with Mutual Respect, Dignity and Integrity ~ Humanizing Norms When Discussing Diversity

Discourse with Mutual Respect, Dignity and Integrity ~ Humanizing Norms When Discussing Diversity

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

“When you want wisdom and insight as badly as you want to breathe, it is then you shall have it. There is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse. To express oneself badly is not only faulty as far as the language goes but does some harm to the soul.”
Attributed to Socratic Philosophy

Never Too Early ~ Producing a Globally Sensitive Generation

Never Too Early ~ Producing a Globally Sensitive Generation

ByGloria Lopata - Prosperi

Increasingly, one of the challenges of a homogenous teacher population teaching an exponentially growing heterogenous student body from diverse families and backgrounds requires rethinking what teaching and learning means in the 21st Century.
It becomes the responsibility of teachers to challenge social -isms and phobias so as to create safe cultural school environments that accept, affirm and build on the identities of all students with respect, dignity and integrity.

The Truth is the Truth ~ All Else Is an Option ~ History Tells Us So

The Truth is the Truth ~ All Else Is an Option ~ History Tells Us So

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

Why has it been so hard for human beings historically to admit the TRUTH?
Is it our social-cultural-political-religious ego, our propensity to believe that “right is right and we are always right?”
Is it that the TRUTH reflects and reveals our constructed flawed identities?
Seriously, what is it about us that draws us to deviate from veracity with options, even when the TRUTH is staring back?

Ethnographic Citizenry ~ Able to Observe Diversity and Embrace It

Ethnographic Citizenry ~ Able to Observe Diversity and Embrace It

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

The Zulu greeting of “Sawubona” means “I see you.”
These are more than words of politeness.
Sawubona carries the importance of recognizing the worth and dignity of each person.
It says, “I see the whole of you—your experiences, your passions, your pain, your strengths and weaknesses, and your future. You are valuable to me.”
Sawubona is also infused with the belief that when others “see” me, then I exist.
The common response is “Shiboka”, which means “I exist for you”.
These are more than greetings.
Awareness and observation go far beyond looking and seeing – a matter of validating presence.

The Ugly American in New Duds ~ But Same Stench and Out of Step

The Ugly American in New Duds ~ But Same Stench and Out of Step

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

There are some commonalities among Americans.
Some say that taxes and death are two.
My dad provided another that has kept me humble.
He simply said, “Just remember that your ‘mierda’ (poop) stinks just as much as anyone else’s.”
By the way, yours does too.
But please, don’t make a pie out of it!

Diversity and Athletics as Fans and Citizens

Diversity and Athletics as Fans and Citizens

ByJorge D. H. Prosperi

Athletics and sports are part of our social-cultural matrix. They are our communal national passion. We love our sports and marvel at human athleticism.
Can we, connect our fanaticism with athletics to our responsibilities to our Democracy as citizens?
Can we turn March Madness to a daily passion to enhance the quality of life, inclusivity and equity for each fan and citizen?
History beckons us to do so.