March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Bri Boland
Linda Crawford, author of “God, Destiny, and a Glass of Wine,” shares her love of books and change-inducing stories in the Waco community and beyond.
After coming to Waco in 1989 from Georgia Southern University, Crawford began a career as an English professor and coordinator for the Integrated Reading and Writing Department at McLennan Community College.
Crawford explained how she hopes her writing will impact the lives of her readers.
“I want [the readers] to understand when they finish reading the book that you don’t just walk into that destiny that you want. You have to be specific. You have to do it on purpose,” Crawford said. “When they close that book… I want them to graduate.”
Crawford explained how writing changes the life of the author and the audience.
“It made me remember some things that I have always known. It has made me more aware,” Crawford said. “It is one thing to write about it, but it is another thing to live it. And I try to live it.”
Crawford noted her favorite piece of advice in her published piece.
“When you run into a negative person, keep running. That’s my favorite in the book and outside of the book,” Crawford said.
This same sentiment is evident in her goal as the founder of The Anchor News, a local newspaper which began publishing in 2002.
“The mission of the paper is to bring you just the good stuff…stories that build people up,” Crawford said.
Crawford highlighted that books are vessels of knowledge and change.
“Books… I just think they are universal,” Crawford said. “If you want someone to change, give them a book that you know they will enjoy. I think one way to make a change, or one way to cause a change, is to give them a book.”
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Saphiana Zamora
In a society engulfed by data and statistics that determine worth, Marilyn Harren turns to The Tyranny of Metrics written by Jerry Muller to guide her through the journey of assisting others.
Harren graduated from Baylor University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. She then continued her education at the University of Texas at Arlington through McLennan Community College where she received her certificate in special education.
Harren has work experience in special education, healthcare, pre-k through high school education and higher education, where she experienced first hand, the loss of original values due to the idea of perfect statistics.
Her background led her to relate to and admire The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Muller and to turn to the book for advice that could guide her work.
“The book connected different worlds for me,” Harren said. “I think I’ve read this book at least three times in the past month. I just can’t get enough.”
The Tyranny of Metrics explores the idea of metric fixation, where systems like education are fixated on the numbers of their job rather than their original mission.
“Everyone’s doing something to meet the measurement,” Harren said. “It’s upsetting to see children lost in education and doctors unwilling to help patients simply because of data and statistics.”
As the President of AHEAD in Texas, Harren works to ensure aid for the organizations that help disabled students in higher education. Harren’s current job at Texas State Technical College requires her to utilize her skills in AHEAD and in healthcare as well.
“The book called me to be aware of my setting both in the workplace and in AHEAD,” Harren said. “I love what I do and how I help students. This book helped me become aware of what I was doing wrong in the system by focusing too much on the numbers. It’s definitely important for everyone to find a book like this that opens their eyes.”
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Mary Watson Vergnolle
“If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others,” wrote Michelle Obama in her memoir, Becoming.
Since the number one bestseller was released, America hasn’t been able to put down Obama’s Becoming. Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, department chair at Baylor University, said she loves how honestly and truthfully the former First Lady of the United States delivers her message about empowerment and overcoming obstacles to the public.
Moody-Ramirez has been with Baylor University for 19 years. She previously worked as a graduate program director for six years before becoming Head of the Department of Journalism, New Media, and Public Relations.
Moody-Ramirez said she has always looked up to Obama as an inspiration and role model for women.
“She was able to overcome many obstacles in her life and still was able to grow up very confidently,” Moody-Ramirez said.
Becoming is told in three parts: Becoming Me, Becoming Us and Becoming More. Moody-Ramirez draws inspiration from the way Obama carried herself as a woman in the public eye.
“I think that we are all becoming in a way,” Moody-Ramirez said. “We tend to be hard on ourselves.”
She said she believes people should always strive to do something important, but also remember that life is a journey. Moody-Ramirez says Obama’s story inspired her because as a woman involved in the political atmosphere, Obama always remained true to herself, despite criticism and intense scrutiny in the public eye.
Moody-Ramirez has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. She believes literacy is important in the community because it has been shown to equalize educational pursuits for all students. Moody-Ramirez encourages all people to read more often in order to know, understand and respect other cultures and ways of life.
“There is a whole world out there beyond television and social media,” Moody-Ramirez said. “Reading fosters an imagination and increases the desire to understand other experiences.”
Moody-Ramirez said throughout the book Obama’s grace was evident as she described her life growing up. Moody-Ramirez hopes readers will see Obama’s words as an inspiration to all, especially women, that anything is possible.
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Emily Cousins
Lane Murphy researches African American history in Waco to keep the spirit and legacy of St. James Methodist Church alive.
Murphy, a writer at Baylor Magazine, bought the a former African American church, St. James Methodist. Now known as “2nd and Clay,” Murphy said they plan to turn the basement into a restaurant and use the upstairs for community gatherings, music and events.
Murphy said their goal is to continue the legacy of the building and to help bring into focus African American history in Waco that has been overlooked in the past.
African American Heritage in Waco, Texas: Life Stories of Those Who Believed They Could Overcome Impediments by Dr. Gary H. Radford, Sr. is currently Murphy’s favorite book because he is actively trying to learn more about the history of the church and the community that was once there.
“I think it all kind of ties in to some of the things the people had to overcome to make this building to bring it into existence. Also just to learn more about the struggles of African American people in Waco has been interesting and inspiring to me,” Murphy said.
He said Radford’s goal for the book is to inspire young African American people to pursue their dreams. Murphy wants this building to indirectly educate anyone who visits the restaurant or an event.
“It seems odd for me to be talking about African American history in Waco,” Murphy said. “I’m far from an expert. I’m certainly a novice in it. I have had the chance to meet a few people who contributed to this book who are still alive and others interested in African American history, and those people have inspired me to keep looking and keep searching in this book and other places and see how I can help contribute in any form or fashion to their goals.”
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Bethany Kula
Jessica Emmett, community services supervisor for the Waco-McLennan County Library, has a type when it comes to books—those written by strong independent women.
Emmett said her favorite book is Bossypants written by Tina Fey.
“In Tina’s book, she talks about growing up, how she got into comedy and writing, and then talks a little bit about how she became the boss and what exactly that means,” Emmett said.
Bossypants is an autobiography, and according to Emmett, it’s more of an entertainment biography because it is humorous.
“I really like her style, and the tone of it is very funny,” Emmett said. “She’s super honest about where she came from. She didn’t have a troubled childhood, whereas a lot of authors do overcome things, but she did have self esteem issues and other things that were a challenge for her. It was just nice to see a story of somebody who does cool things and has a cool job.”
Emmett has worked at the library for four years and worked as a teacher and a librarian for three years before joining the Waco library. She said being a librarian has opened up the world of books for her and has led her to read many fantastic books along the way.
Emmett said she recommends this book to anyone, but women could relate to it more since it has a perspective men would not be able to see.
“I think for women, especially young women who are trying to figure out their lives, the book is a lot about the dynamics of how Tina has seen things change throughout the course of her life,” Emmett said. “It’s nice to have somebody lay a roadmap for us women to follow.”
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Amanda Wunder
City Councilman Hector Sabido realizes the crucial role of books in our society and the impact even one book can have on someone’s life or career.
“I’ve always had an interest in politics,” Sabido said. “It’s always intrigued me to see how the political process has played out throughout our country.”
Sabido wonders if perhaps his interest in politics stemmed from his favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird, which he first read in his ninth grade English class.
“From the very moment that I read this book, I fell in love with it,” Sabido said.
He discussed the obvious social injustice in Harper Lee’s book but also praised the fact that good triumphs.
“I want to live in a community, in a society, where we see that good in people…We know that even though we might make decisions or stand up for things that might not be popular today, but we do it because we know it’s the right thing to do,” Sabido said.
According to Sabido, the universal message of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is that there should be justice and equality for all.
“Just when I think we live in a society where we think we might have racism under control, something happens that reminds me we have some growth to do,” Sabido said. “And reading this book, and reading through the end, it gives me some type of hope that eventually we’re going to get there…It’s all about what’s inside of us, what makes us human.”
Sabido emphasized the importance of inspiring a love of reading in children, calling it “the basic foundation of an education.” He suggested exposing babies to reading, even at the infant stage.
“I think we need to bring back the culture where it’s OK to enjoy reading,” Sabido said.
He recommended Wacoans start with reading the newspaper, encouraging library memberships and pushing literacy not only with children but also with adults.
“Our world is full of books,” Sabido said. “It’s finding something you enjoy reading. I think that’s the key.”
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Matthew Soderberg
“Cheerful in all weathers. Never shirked a task. Splendid behavior.” Those are the values Waco City Councilman Jim Holmes strives to live by — he’s even instructed his family to place the mantra on his gravestone.
The quote comes from Larry McMurtry’s novel Lonesome Dove, a Western story about a couple of ex-Texas Rangers on a cattle drive. The 62 year old said the book encompassed such a sense of adventure he just couldn’t help but relate.
“There can be adventure at any time in your life,” Holmes said. “That’s the first thing I picked up.”
The senior VP of First National Bank of Central Texas is a Nebraska farm boy at heart, and he said he began reading the sports page with his dad at the early age of six because that was all there was to do. He recalls reading comic books and baseball cards in his youth. He advises young readers to just follow their passions and let that lead them into other worlds.
“The more you read, the more you find out about things, regardless of where you read them,” Holmes said. “Read something that interests you. Start with … something that captures your interest and your creativity and your thought process.”
Now, the city councilman finds adventure jet skiing up the Mississippi River, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and running with the bulls in Spain. All the while, he still makes sure to keep a paperback with him wherever he may go.
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Jake Pittman
Grant Teaff was the head football coach at Baylor University for 21 years, but early in his career Teaff looked to a book to help him become a more well-rounded coach.
In 1957, Teaff had just graduated college and knew that he wanted to be a head football coach in the Southwest Conference, but he had to get started somewhere. Teaff first got the job as the offensive and defensive line coach for his alma mater McMurry College in Abilene, Texas. But when he showed up for his first day on the job there was an unexpected turn.
“The next thing that happens to me while I’m the assistant football coach, the athletic director calls me and said, ‘Oh by the way,’ you are also going to be the head track coach,” Teaff said. “Now the only thing I knew about track was that you turn left and hurry back.”
McMurry had very few track scholarships and didn’t have a lot of money to fund the program. So, Teaff had to find something to help him turn the program around, while having no experience in the sport and also trying to keep climbing his way up as a football coach.
“I didn’t know much of anything about track, so I contacted the track coach at Baylor, Coach [Jack] Patterson, which gave me my first connection at Baylor. [He] later hired me as the head football coach there,” Teaff said. “And while I was talking to Coach, I was introduced to a book called Championship Track and Field.”
Championship Track and Field was written by 12 track and field coaches who all excelled at a certain event. Teaff said he studied this book intently and implemented the teachings into his own coaching.
“Many of these coaches I had interviewed personally, while others I had been introduced to by this book,” Teaff said.
Teaff said that the teachings in this book helped him excel to become the Hall of Fame football coach that he worked to be.
“I taught my football players how to run and how to jump correctly using the teachings of this book, and it always proved successful,” Teaff said. “I truly believe that it is one of the reasons we were able to become so successful, so quickly at Baylor.”
Teaff said he has talked a lot about the books and people who have influenced his life and philosophy including Tom Landry, Darrell Royal and R. C. Slocum, but this book is special to him because of the tools that it gave him when he needed them most.
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Maggie Alexander
After being an educator in Waco Independent School District for 34 years, Francene Haliburton-Francis became an author. Her book, 728 Lenox Avenue Haliburton Home Squared, has been the most impactful book in her life.
728 Lenox Avenue Haliburton Home Squared is a combination of stories and poetic expressions about faith, family and race relations. It allows people a glimpse into the life of Haliburton-Francis, seeing a new perspective.
“I want people in the Waco community to take a peek into an African American perspective of growing up in Waco in the ‘60s, and what the integration process was like on the other side of the river,” Haliburton-Francis said.
Haliburton-Francis found inspiration after reading Barack Obama’s book, Dreams from My Father. In the book Obama writes of his native home land in Nairobi, Kenya.
“He refers to his heritage home as home squared because it is home twice over,” Haliburton-Francis said. “It was so significant to me, I decided to write about my childhood home ‘Haliburton, home squared.’”
728 Lenox Avenue Haliburton Home Squared allowed Haliburton-Francis to reflect on her past and tell her story.
“Whenever you write about your own personal experiences, it gives you a chance to reflect on meaningful events in your life, whether they are negative or positive,” Haliburton-Francis said. “When you think back on your life, you are going to have moments that make you laugh again, cry again and moments that when they happened you were angry, but now you are free.”
Haliburton-Francis brought her love of teaching and writing into one with the book. While teaching in WISD, Francis saw kids who didn’t have a safe home. She often had children in her class who didn’t have somewhere secure to go after school. She was inspired as a teacher to have her classroom be a protected space, physically and emotionally, for all her students.
“The point is how home is a place where we process our experiences in life, whatever emotions we had as children. Home should be a safe place to process those emotions,” Haliburton-Francis said. “There are some children who don’t have a safe place to process what they are experiencing, and they are the ones who need to process it the most.”
March is National Reading Month, a whole month designated to encouraging Americans – and by extension Wacoans – to read! The Act Locally Waco blog is beating the drum for National Reading Month by hosting a blog series throughout the month of March, called “Books Matter.” Every day throughout March we will be sharing a post about a Waco resident and a book that matters to him/her. Thank you to students from the Baylor Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media and professor Amber Adamson for help with this fun project. To read all the blog posts so far, click here.
By Drake Toll
Baylor softball coach Glenn Moore has over 850 career wins, four appearances in the College Softball World Series and is Baylor Athletics’ active all-time wins leader across all sports. But aside from winning, one thing across his illustrious career has remained a constant: reading.
“When I do start reading, I have trouble putting a book down,” Moore said as he motioned to the books that line the top of his desk. “I just love reading.”
Moore’s all-time favorite read is a story for all ages, The Twelve Mighty Orphans: The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football by Jim Dent.
In the nonfiction story of unbelievable determination, hard-nosed football coach Rusty Russell marches into a Masonic Home outside of Fort Worth to lead a group of 12 orphans onto the gridiron in the middle of the Great Depression. The misfit bunch, known as the “Mighty Mites,” competed in the high-stakes world of Texas high school football, but that was hard to do without even having a ball.
“You have this team of 12 that goes against [a major school] for their very first game and they didn’t have a football,” Moore explained. “So [Russell] met with the opponent’s coach and asked him, if they won, could they have the football? And he kind of chuckled at him, and they ended up winning. So, they got to carry their first football back to their campus.”
That first win would be followed by many more as the Mighty Mites cemented their success story.
“[Rusty] built a program that became almost like a rallying cry during a difficult time in the history of the country — during the Depression era — where they became very, very popular,” Moore said.
The book has a special place in Moore’s heart, as it has parallels to his own family.
“What has drawn me so close to that book is the fact that we have three foster kids ourselves,” Moore said. “Knowing the difficulty those orphaned kids and kids that are in these foster situations have, there’s a connection there … it’s close to my heart knowing what our kids have had to go through.”
Moore’s advice for all ages is to “Read!”
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