Publications

I always knew that I was black; the problem in my case was how black I seemed. I never considered myself to be light skinned, but to my peers they considered otherwise. In middle school whenever the topic of slavery was brought up, I would become a part of the conversation prompted or unprompted. “She would be working in the house” would be followed by laughter and points in my direction. Feeling uncomfortable I would try to approach this as the best way I knew as a middle sc

As I purse my lips around the cup and the aroma of cardamom and honey fill the air, I feel the happiest. A cup of Persian tea will always make my day. In Persian culture, drinking black tea, also called chai (چای), is a common tradition. During every event or celebration I can remember, chai is always served with an abundance of saffron-infused sugar cubes and other sweets. When I reflect upon memories with my family, gathered over cups of tea, I think of the most joyful memo