N’sheema Kali Ralph is a 13-year-old student ready to begin her freshman year at The Met High School downtown. Her peanut butter brown skin, thick curly hair and infectious smile captured my heart the moment I laid eyes on her. The kindness in her spirit reflects a sense of innocence and honesty that most of […]
Freedom from the shell
She wakes each day at 5:22 a.m. to the sounds of automated chirping birds. Slowly getting out of bed, she knows her daily grind by heart. She stumbles from her bedroom, eager for morning coffee. This morning as described is pretty typical for an American woman. So let’s focus on how this woman stands apart […]
My superwoman
One day in college, my professor asked the class to write about our “hero,” our “role model,” or an “inspirational figure.” Someone we looked up to. I was stuck. I had no idea who or what to write about. Growing up, these words had no meaning in my life. I wasn’t raised with nursery rhymes […]
Why families love youth football
Click to see why a single mom and other families turn to youth football for life lessons. An exclusive Sacramento Voices video. Why families love youth football
Youth football wins big for reluctant Mom
I will admit it: I cringed at the idea of my son playing junior league football. I cringed at the violence, on the field and off, and the behavior of some players who should know better: the men who play in the NFL. And I cringed at the danger of injury, temporary and permanent, faced […]
Corporal punishment isn’t abuse
Should kids be taught right from wrong by corporal punishment? Our series BarberShop and Salon Talk tackles this controversial topic.