Diversity is Me
What's in a name? According to Shakespeare, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So it is with people of mixed race. But labeling us black or Hispanic or white does not change the mixture in the blood, or eradicate the essence of the rose.
A label is a word. Sticks and stones may break bones, but words will never hurt; at least not physically. No, words can do lots worse; they can break the spirit, if we let them.
People of mixed race have historically been the "invisible" race, being snatched or assigned to whichever major group they most resembled, or worse, labeled according to the racist One Drop Rule. Proponents of this rule declare if a person has even one drop of black blood, she is black. I reject this generalization and refuse to allow them or anyone else to define who I am.
My experience and education have led me to the realization that to get to the heart of this matter, is to study diversity. My doctoral study on diversity and leadership yielded themes inherent in the concept: self-esteem, identity, stereotyping, perception, and oppression. Lessons were learned from each theme and are tailored accordingly in the books that I have written and continue to write. You are invited to take that journey with me!
A label is a word. Sticks and stones may break bones, but words will never hurt; at least not physically. No, words can do lots worse; they can break the spirit, if we let them.
People of mixed race have historically been the "invisible" race, being snatched or assigned to whichever major group they most resembled, or worse, labeled according to the racist One Drop Rule. Proponents of this rule declare if a person has even one drop of black blood, she is black. I reject this generalization and refuse to allow them or anyone else to define who I am.
My experience and education have led me to the realization that to get to the heart of this matter, is to study diversity. My doctoral study on diversity and leadership yielded themes inherent in the concept: self-esteem, identity, stereotyping, perception, and oppression. Lessons were learned from each theme and are tailored accordingly in the books that I have written and continue to write. You are invited to take that journey with me!
Publications on diversity:
- Multiethnic perspectives on leadership and diversity in organizations
- Diversity is U & Me (high school survival guide)
- Diversity University (survival guide for college/higher ed students)
- Diversity is Me (survival guide for mixed race people)
- Diversity Teacher (survival guide for teaching in a diverse classroom)
I value and am passionate about efficiency, excellence, conscientiousness, responsibility and accountability. In every position that I have held I established a reputation for getting things done. To this end, services that I offer include:
- Teacher Mentor
- Consultant (education departments, schools, districts)
- Workshops/staff development/presentations (continuing education credit)