Posts by Ashley Thornton
On Art, Culture, and Social Justice
By Jenuine Poetess Recently I was asked a series of questions all circling around this central notion of, Why poetry? Why art? What purpose does it serve society? Below I share my reflections as I have experienced them. As art is a universal experience with each person giving and receiving into that experience from their…
Read MoreWonder
By Alexis Christensen Do you feel that? The teetering over the edge, the earth-itself-is-shaking feeling? During the past few weeks, you may have felt many emotions—some crushed under the weight of tragedy, others overcome by confusion, anger and maybe hate; still others may have felt unmoved. The cries of our brothers and sisters in Ferguson,…
Read MoreAdopting Anti-Racism: Part 2 of 2
by Kyle Massey In last week’s post, I challenged white readers to acknowledge their privilege, their whiteness, and indeed their racism. I have found when we are challenged for our whiteness, the tendency for most white people is to fall back on our sense of fairness, sensitivity, and democratic inclusiveness. Responses like “How can you…
Read MoreThat Damn Starfish Story!
by Ashley Bean Thornton “While wandering a deserted beach at dawn, stagnant in my work, I saw a man in the distance bending and throwing as he walked the endless stretch toward me. As he came near, I could see that he was throwing starfish, abandoned on the sand by the tide, back into the…
Read MoreTalking about poverty with high school students… and thinking about it after
by Ashley Bean Thornton A couple of months ago Kari Tingle at the non-profit organization V.O.I.C.E. (Viable Options in Community Endeavors) asked if I would speak about poverty and community service for the “Pathways to Success” group. Pathways is a program she helps facilitate for high school students. “We cover a variety of topics,” she…
Read MoreI’m White and I’m Racist…and Antiracist – Part 1
By Kyle Massey I am aware that the title of this article may have alarmed you. In our society, people don’t usually go around proclaiming to be racist. Therefore, it probably catches your attention when I say “I’m white, and I’m racist”. Well, it’s true, I don’t deny my racism. This may seem provocative, but…
Read MoreBrave Young Voices ~ Empowering Youth through Art
by Jenuine Poetess In June of this year, I was met with an opportunity to submit a proposal to present at the 10th Annual Strengthening Youth and Families Conference in San Marcos, Texas. I eagerly perused the prompts for possible workshops and break-out sessions and began to formulate an outline. Within several weeks I submitted…
Read MoreOpen Enrollment has started: Get informed about the Affordable Care Act Insurance Marketplace in McLennan County
by Kelly McDonald The second Affordable Health Care Act Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period kicked off on November 15. Get Covered America along with the Family Health Center, Providence Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center, and Planned Parenthood are hosting health insurance enrollment events and encouraging…
Read MorePanhandling: Sometimes the best gift is not giving…
by Phil York Believe it or not, only 35 business days remain until Christmas Day. This headline would intimidate most, but not this seasoned last minute shopper. I consider it a countdown to when I will surely shine the brightest. For many of us holiday traditions offer community, love, hope and the promise of a…
Read MoreFeed your addiction…to books!
by Kenneth Moerbe As you satisfy your book addiction at the upcoming 52nd Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, I want you to realize that in this case, satisfying an addiction, is also doing something very supportive of the Waco-McLennan Libraries. Yes, your uncontrollable craving for the latest book by Jodi Picoult or John Grisham,…
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