Posts by Ashley Thornton
Entrepreneurs of Waco: Nrd Feed
By Amanda Walker Besides the title of “entrepreneur,” CEO, and programmer, Zach Krizan proudly bears the title of “nerd.” Since the age of 10, Zach could be found playing Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, or Magic: The Gathering at The Game Closet in Waco. It was in that card store that Zach found both a community and an…
Read MoreMore than Physical Health
by Jasmine Wise Last Thursday I was invited to a Pilates class at the Baylor Stadium by one of my dear friends in Waco. Neither she nor I had any idea what to expect. Even as we pulled up I questioned her on things like, shoes or no shoes; does it cost or not; where…
Read MoreThe Cycle of Violence, Black Lives Matter, & Criminal Justice Reform
By Dr. Peaches Henry We are broken-hearted about the attacks on the Dallas Police and DART Officers. We are broken-hearted about the deaths at the hands of police of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. As John Donne wrote, the death of any man diminishes us all. The Waco NAACP has a good relationship with the…
Read MoreThere is a conversation to be had here. One that requires honesty and vulnerability.
By Robert Callahan I don’t talk seriously about race much because our culture is burned out on it. Somehow we’ve departed from “I have a dream” to “I don’t wanna’ hear it”. So I’m judicious in my discussions of race. I use it sparingly so that when I do, it will count. Now I feel…
Read MoreEkphrasis – a symphony of words and images!
By Jenuine Poetess In 2015 Central Texas Artist Collective (CTAC) brought the community together with an exhibit centered around Birds imagery and themes. Over 45 artists across diverse mediums entered, some for the first time ever. This year, CTAC is once again bringing a fresh, dynamic, and collaborative art exhibit to Waco. Ekphrasis! is a…
Read MorePersistence and Community paying off at West Elementary
by Alexis Christensen I have the privilege to work with three elementary schools within Waco ISD. They each have their unique strengths and challenges. Today though, I’m highlighting one campus in particular, West Avenue Elementary, located in the heart of North Waco on 15th Street. Waco Community Development began partnering with West Avenue in 2007.…
Read MoreEntrepreneurs of Waco: Co-Town Crepes
(Note: This post is part of a series called “Entrepreneurs of Waco.” The series is collaboration between the McLennan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Professional Writing program at Baylor University, and Act Locally Waco. The McLennan Small Business Development Center offers technical assistance, business mentoring, training, and resources for all stages of small business.…
Read MoreHow Different our World Might Be…
by Ashley Bean Thornton “I tried to see a friendly face somewhere in the mob – somebody who maybe would help. I looked into the face of an old woman, but when I looked at her again, she spat on me.” — Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine In September of 1957, nine…
Read MoreA snapshot of white privilege: a day in the life of a “nice white lady” in Texas
by Angela Ceccato 1) While mowing a friend’s lawn, I noticed that there were some small overhanging limbs. There was a yard crew next door. I boldly approached two gentlemen of color and asked to borrow their loppers. They agreed and apologized that the loppers were dull. Would either of them have felt comfortable approaching…
Read MoreReflection on a vigil
By Craig Nash Early Thursday a friend posted that the Black Poet’s Society of Waco was hosting a Black Lives Matter vigil Friday in downtown Waco, and I decided to go. In these moments I often don’t know what to do or say, but I’m pretty good at showing up. Then right before going to…
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