As "Inside the NBA" faces an uncertain future, it's important for voices like Gil's to recognize the show's immense impact. This beloved program set the standard for sports media, paving the way for candid basketball commentary and entertaining millions of fans. Its potential loss could lead to a significant dip in viewership, as many tune in religiously for its unique blend of humor and insight.
Teacher Feature – Asia Ali: Inspiring Excellence and Diversity in Education
Asia Ali, a third-grade teacher. Is driven by a family legacy in education. Her achievements include students mastering multiplication facts and her advocacy for more diversity among teachers. Using innovative methods like TalkingPoints, she ensures consistent family involvement. Asia's work exemplifies the impact of dedication and understanding in education.
Teacher Feature – Grace Kim: Championing Inclusive Education
Grace Kim, an early childhood educator at Lea Hill Elementary, champions inclusive education for preschoolers. Inspired by a deep-rooted desire to advocate for those without a voice, she has significantly impacted her students' lives through innovative teaching and a commitment to community engagement. Celebrate Grace's dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
The Unparalleled Legacy of Tim Duncan
The debate over Jokić versus Duncan spotlights Duncan's unmatched legacy, with 5 championships and 3 Finals MVPs, underlining his historical impact without dismissing Jokić's talent. Duncan's era-defining consistency and leadership underscore his enduring greatness in the NBA's history.
Teacher Feature: Celebrating Khadijah Putney-Blanton: A Beacon of Light in Special Education
"I was blessed to be able to see ALL sides of teaching, even coming in on weekends to my mama’s school to help her prep for the week. Of course, I saw the challenges too but to see the joy that you can put on a child’s face made it all meaningful."
Spotlight on Excellence – Celebrating Ibijoke Idowu-Holiday’s Impactful Journey in Education
Ibijoke Idowu-Holiday's journey from a young tutor to a special education teacher in Seattle Public Schools showcases her unwavering dedication to equitable education. Her innovative use of assistive technology and commitment to family and community involvement highlight her approach to inclusive learning. Ibijoke's advocacy for high expectations and equitable opportunities for all students, especially those marginalized, underlines the transformative power of education. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, urging us to support and celebrate the profound impact of dedicated educators.
The Enduring Legacy of Carl Weathers: More Than Just an Action Hero
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the impact Carl Weathers had on our lives and on the culture. For many of us born in the early '80s and beyond, he was a figure of Black manhood that defied stereotypes and expectations. In a world where we were searching for heroes who looked like us, Carl Weathers stood tall, a true champion both on and off the screen. His legacy will continue to inspire, reminding us of the strength, dignity, and excellence that define us.
Celebrating Educational Excellence with Darius Page
In this week's spotlight, we delve into the inspiring journey of Darius Page, a middle-level math teacher from the Tukwila School District, whose dedication to education transcends the conventional classroom boundaries. Darius's story is not just about teaching math; it's about igniting change, fostering financial literacy, and building a brighter future for students in low-income communities.
Deion Sanders’ Masterclass in Accountability, Not Humility
Humiliation leaves a scar, blocking the path to greatness. Accountability, in contrast, offers a route to redemption and improvement. It's the crucial difference between stifling potential and unlocking it.
Entrepreneurship Lessons from Cam’ron and Ma$e’s “It Is What It Is”
Cam'ron and Ma$e's success with 'It Is What It Is' is not just a tale of fame and fortune; it's an entrepreneurship masterclass. From rebuilding a once-broken bond to betting on themselves with an unwavering belief in their vision, their journey offers rich lessons in self-belief, resilience, strategic alignment, and community engagement. It's a reminder to all aspiring entrepreneurs that with the right blend of courage, vision, and effort, success is not just possible but achievable. Whether you're starting or scaling a business, let their journey inspire you to bet on yourself, understand your audience, and never lose sight of your vision.
Affirmative Action, Academic Performance, and Understanding Potential: A Personal Journey
Academic performance, often measured by grades and test scores, may not truly encapsulate an individual's potential. My personal journey from athletic admission to graduate school, navigating racial representation and affirmative action, proves this. Despite initial low grades, my later achievement of the Dean's list shows that dedication, non-academic skills, and addressing socioeconomic factors can transform academic success. As the only Black person in my cohort, I recognized affirmative action's role in combating institutional racism, while also highlighting individual merit. Conversations around academic ability must extend beyond race and acknowledge the multifaceted nature of potential.
Comedy’s Evolutionary Arc: The Interconnected Legacies of Five Titans
Eddie Murphy, buoyed by the trail blazed by Pryor, redefined comedy in his own right. Through his dynamic performances on "Saturday Night Live," his innovative stand-up specials, and his successful transition to film, Murphy exemplified the transformative power of comedy. Murphy's recognition and support of emerging talents, such as Martin Lawrence in "Boomerang," underscored the communal ethos inherent in the comedic industry.
Redefining the Impact of White Individuals on Social Constructs
In the vast tapestry of our world, the influence of social constructs and their impact on society looms large. Throughout history, certain social constructs have been erected and dismantled, often with white individuals at the forefront. This blog aims to delve deep into this intricate realm, shedding light on the instances where white individuals have wielded significant influence in shaping social constructs. It is an exploration of the intersection where gender and race converge, unraveling the intricate dynamics of power, privilege, racism, and equality. One cannot deny the indelible mark left by white individuals on social constructs. Take Carl Linnaeus, the renowned Swedish botanist, for example. His meticulous classification of humanity into racial groups birthed the abhorrent concept of scientific racism, perpetuating racial hierarchies and providing a foundation for discriminatory practices. Similarly, the eugenics movement, though not exclusive to white individuals, found acceptance in Western societies, resulting in forced sterilizations and systemic discrimination against marginalized communities. History tells tales of white figures who exploited their positions of power to perpetuate and justify racial oppression. These instances expose the troubling truth that social constructs can be wielded as weapons, enforcing inequality and sowing suffering. Such realities prompt us to examine the complex relationship between race and gender, where intersecting identities shape experiences, opportunities, and privileges. However, there is a pressing concern to be addressed—an impregnable shield created by gender that deflects conversations about racism and equality. Power dynamics and privilege influence perspectives, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the lived realities of marginalized racial groups. By unmasking this veil and scrutinizing these dynamics without hesitation, we can reveal the trials faced by diverse communities, paving the way toward a more inclusive society. The path to progress lies in embracing intersectionality—the convergence of gender and race. By confronting the distinct struggles experienced by different communities, we can dismantle oppressive social constructs. This endeavor requires the active engagement of individuals of all races, as unity is the key to forging a future steeped in equity and justice. In conclusion, the influence of white individuals on social constructs throughout history cannot be overlooked. Understanding this impact and its intersections with gender and race is crucial in dismantling oppressive systems and striving for a more inclusive and just society. By examining our past, addressing present issues, and actively working toward a better future, we redefine the role of white individuals in shaping social constructs, ultimately paving the way for a more equitable world.
Unveiling the Dark Past: Forced Sterilization and Castration – A Haunting Chapter in History
In the shadows of our history lie stories so chilling, so grotesque, that they haunt our collective memory. Forced sterilization and castration, once hidden from the public eye, emerge as macabre chapters in the annals of power and control. These atrocities, driven by deeply ingrained prejudices and fueled by white supremacist ideologies, left indelible scars on the lives of marginalized communities. Imagine a world where individuals, solely based on their race or perceived undesirability, were robbed of their ability to bear children. The very essence of reproductive autonomy torn asunder, generations of Indigenous and melanated women were subjected to this grave violation. Their bodies, once a symbol of life and resilience, were subjected to the whims of those who sought to manipulate the genetic fabric of society. And the cries of injustice, muted by a complicit system, echoed through the corridors of time. But it was not only women who bore the brunt of this abomination. Black men, their bodies already burdened by the weight of oppression, faced an even more insidious fate. Castration, an act of unspeakable violence, sought to emasculate them, stripping away their agency and reducing them to objects of domination. This calculated assault on their humanity was designed to reinforce a social order built on the subjugation of black bodies. As we grapple with the horrors of this past, we are confronted with difficult questions. Why have these atrocities been shrouded in silence? Why has the truth been relegated to the fringes of our historical narrative? The answers lie in a systemic erasure, a deliberate act to conceal the sins of the past and perpetuate a distorted reality. To confront this dark chapter head-on is to unveil the truth, no matter how painful it may be. It is an act of remembrance, a solemn commitment to honor the victims and acknowledge the depths of human depravity. By bringing these stories to light, we reclaim their voices and ensure that the atrocities they endured will not be forgotten. In the face of this haunting history, we must bear witness and seek justice. We must learn from the past to forge a future where such atrocities are never repeated. The journey towards healing and reconciliation begins with acknowledging the darkness within our own narratives and working tirelessly to dismantle the structures that allowed these horrors to unfold. May the echoes of the past guide us towards a more just and compassionate society, where the dignity and autonomy of every individual are upheld, and the shadows of forced sterilization and castration are forever banished from our collective consciousness.
Don Lemon and Tucker Carlson: A Podcast Dream Team Waiting to Happen After Their Recent Departures
With both Don Lemon and Tucker Carlson recently let go from their respective networks, the time is ripe for them to embark on a new and exciting career chapter. The podcast format is an ideal platform for them to break free from the constraints of traditional news networks. With the freedom to dive deep into topics and engage in open, honest conversations, they would have the chance to present the full spectrum of political viewpoints. Furthermore, their undeniable charisma and passion for their respective stances would create a compelling and entertaining listening experience.
Empowering Melanated Organizations: Breaking the Cycle of Paternalism in Grant Funding
If your organization doesn't have the necessary team, consider allowing Melanated organizations that do access 100k grants rather than offering them a 20k contract with your organization.
A New Precedent for Equitable Education: Reflecting on the Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools Case and the Importance of Inclusive Education
As an educator committed to fostering equitable and inclusive education, I encourage parents, community members, and fellow educators to use this new precedent to push for meaningful change. Together, we can work towards dismantling the barriers that prevent our students with disabilities from reaching their full potential and enjoying equal opportunities in education and beyond.
The Forgotten Champions: Remembering the 1982 Cheyney University Lady Wolves
As we celebrate Women's History Month, remember the historic accomplishments of the 1982 Cheyney University Lady Wolves basketball team. Let's recognize and celebrate the legacy of C. Vivian Stringer and the talented athletes who chose to attend an HBCU. And let's work towards a more equitable and just sports culture for all, where the accomplishments of all athletes, regardless of their background or identity, are recognized and celebrated.
Black History Lesson Plan Workshop at the Burke Museum: Promoting Black History Education
The Black History Lesson Plan Workshop held at the Burke Museum on February 25th, 2023, brought educators, administrators, and community members together to explore the importance of Black history education and share resources and strategies for incorporating Black history into teaching and learning.
Burke Museum to Host Black History Lesson Plan Workshop: Distinguished Speakers to Share Strategies for Incorporating Black History and Social Emotional Learning in Education
Seattle, WA - The Burke Museum on the University of Washington campus will be hosting a dynamic and engaging Black History Lesson Plan Workshop on February 25th, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. The event, organized by Thoughts Cost LLC CEO Anthony Washington, aims to bring together educators, administrators, and community members to explore … Continue reading Burke Museum to Host Black History Lesson Plan Workshop: Distinguished Speakers to Share Strategies for Incorporating Black History and Social Emotional Learning in Education
The Disconnect between the BLM Movement and Black Male Students in Education
It is important to acknowledge the lives of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner. These men and their families have made an impact on the world and it is important to remember their lives and the struggles they faced. Their deaths brought attention to the ongoing issue of systemic racism and police brutality against Black individuals and helped to galvanize the Black Lives Matter movement. By remembering their lives, we can honor their legacy and continue to fight for racial justice in their memory.
The Power of Athlete Activism: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lebron James’ Legacy Beyond the Scoreboard
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lebron James are more than just basketball players. They are advocates, activists, and leaders using their platforms to create a better world. The all-time scoring record is a significant accomplishment, but it is only a tiny part of their legacy. They will be remembered as two of the greatest basketball players of all time, and as two of the greatest advocates for justice and equality, the sports world has ever seen.
Breaking the Chains of Outdated Invoicing: A Call to Action for Small Business Equity
The current invoicing system is simply not designed to support small businesses like mine. The practice of paying small businesses, especially minority-owned businesses, a month or more after the work has been completed is unjust and unfair. This outdated system causes immense harm to small business owners and their day-to-day operations and needs to be changed.
Preparing Our Students for the Future: Rethinking Education for a Rapidly Changing World
In today's world, businesses and services are not limited to a single community. Companies that once focused solely on making a profit are now recognizing the need to contribute to the betterment of society. It is essential that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create businesses and services that positively impact their communities.
If it was just a job, say that!
I have no doubt that the lack of resources created enormous obstacles that he will not have to deal with during his time in Colorado, but Prime was more powerful at JSU than he will be at Colorado in the eyes of the NCAA. Sure, he will flip recruits, revive the Pac-10 and win, but his impact at JSU was much more critical to the Black community and College Football. While he was at Jackson State, he was on the verge of changing the landscape of college sports and, to a lesser degree, professional Football as well! How long, I don't know. Not my place to say. In a lot of ways, I am being selfish. The impact of desegregation on all industries, including Education and Sports, is fully evident, as Black Players, who make up the large majority in Football and Basketball, would rather play in leagues owned almost exclusively by white men.
What should we think about Jerry Jones?
"Jones admitted last week that he was pictured among the crowd but said he had only joined in the confrontation because he was curious about what was happening as civil rights clashes spread throughout the south — and not because he was harboring any racist feelings." Jerry Jones admitted he was one of the young … Continue reading What should we think about Jerry Jones?
Social-Emotional Gems found in tv shows
Pay attention to what your kids watch. A supporting question or a story related to a topic covered on the show can turn a good entertaining episode into a lesson your child can use for life.
Student-Athletes and Mental Health
While there are resources for student-athletes, knowing when student-athletes need them can be challenging, so making these services available may not be enough. Whether it's individualizing and finding a way to add mental health checks to the yearly health check. Or just emphasizing mental health more and possibly creating a class or workshops for student-athletes to talk, learn, and reflect. It will help them off the court, and addressing mental health in athletes will also help them perform better in their respective fields of play.
Ordinary Pain 2.0
Just amazing, Songs in the Keys of Life comes to mind. One song on Oklama's new album is "We Cry Together," When I listen to it, I hear Stevie Wonder's song on Songs of the Keys of Life, "Ordinary Pain."
Are Black Immigrants guests to Black American Culture?
Black Immigrants are not guests of Black American Culture. Instead, they may be new, but they definitely contribute to Black American Culture.
Basketball is gradually turning into baseball
Still, no one addressed that he is saying you don't have to look in the United States for players anymore. Of course, most players are still African-American, but who knows what that will look like in another 50 years. Look at draft picks over the last 20 years, search where the NBA invests in scouting, and follow the money.
Think about how many industries Black people were prevalent in at one point, and remember what happened when those jobs started being outsourced overseas.
GOATS for the wrong reasons
Drake is great, dont get me wrong. I got Drake songs that will remain in rotation, but his music isn't as great as some make it to be. His singing voice is average, and his bars may or may not be his. I put him in the same category as Britney Spears, Madonna, Beyonce, and Michael Jackson. Some may take offense, but it is not supposed to be a knock. I refuse to put him in the same category as Jay-Z, Biggie, and Nas.
Greatest Career Stat Line the NBA has ever seen
Lebron James will have the most impressive career stat line because he will have 30k points, 10k rebounds, and 10k assists!
We need the Lox vs. Dipset energy in our classrooms for our Black Boys
The energy that we witnessed on and off stage at the latest versuz that took place on August 3rd was amazing to watch. The more I thought about the performance and the things that made it so dope. The more I realized that the very energy we saw on display in Madison Square Garden is exactly what is needed in the classroom for our Black boys. Unfortunately, these elements are also what get Black boys in trouble in classrooms all over the US, including here in my city of Seattle, WA.
Price of being Young, Black, and Gifted
There are many more examples, like Bob Gibson in baseball, Tiger Woods at Augusta, or Shaq in the modern-day NBA, to name a few more. This is not new, but her reaction to that adversity is compared to other great Black players I mentioned. Simone Biles, continue to be the fantastic athlete you are and do not allow them to determine or derail your greatness!
Is the term the “Mecca of some activity” disrespectful to Islam?
Thoughts Processed: Special Education – Social & Emotional Learning
Discussing Special Education and the need to change how we approach Social & Emotional Learning.
We are wasting time trying to convince white people that Black Lives Matters!
Why do we care so much about getting White people to acknowledge that our lives matter? Even if it is possible to convince them, do we think that society would magically change in our favor?
Leverage Isn’t The Problem, Entitlement Is
College basketball has always been a business, the difference now is the players finally have leverage. That part is overdue. Still, the money can’t be an excuse to erase the principles the game is built on: compete, earn it, be coachable, be accountable. When the first questions in recruiting are about guarantees instead of development, it signals a shift that’s bigger than NIL, it’s a culture problem. Pay the players, absolutely. Then demand the same thing the sport has always demanded, effort, discipline, and the willingness to be coached.
Equity Without Cash Flow Is a Lie: Why Reimbursement-Only Funding Breaks Community Organizations
Reimbursement-only grants force community organizations to front public service costs for 45 to 120 days, shifting risk downward and filtering out the groups closest to the work. This is a structural equity failure, not an administrative hiccup. Here’s what better funding looks like, and what policymakers can do now.
Why IEP Data Transfers Keep Failing and How to Fix Them Without Buying Another Platform
IEP data transfers rarely fail because the “API broke.” They fail because identity breaks first. When a transferring student lands in the receiving district’s systems, the question is simple, is this the same student or a different one? If the answer is uncertain, the database does what databases do, it creates a new record. That single moment creates a chain reaction, duplicated minutes, missing accommodations, transportation errors, Medicaid billing rejections, and compliance timelines built on incomplete context. The solution is not another platform. The solution is deciding what your source of truth is, usually the SIS, then implementing a crosswalk that maps the canonical StudentID to every other system’s identifier. Pair that with matching rules that prioritize stable identifiers, automation for high confidence matches, and a review queue for uncertainty. Clean identity is not paperwork, it is protection.
Why IDEA Must Stay in the U.S. Department of Education, and Why 850+ Organizations Just Drew the Line
More than 850 organizations across the United States have issued a unified call to keep IDEA oversight within the U.S. Department of Education. Their message is clear: moving IDEA to another agency risks eroding protections, weakening accountability, and disrupting services for millions of students with disabilities. IDEA is a federal civil rights law, not a discretionary program, and it requires consistent, centralized oversight to ensure equity, guard against fragmentation, and stop the continued funneling of marginalized students into under resourced special education systems.
Liquid Cooling, AI, And The Quiet Battle Over Who Owns Tomorrow
Liquid cooling for AI data centers is not just an engineering upgrade. It is a turning point in how power, technology, and opportunity are distributed. In this piece, I break down how AI infrastructure connects to education, Special Education, and the long fight to make sure our communities do not get left out of the future once again.
From “Wait To Fail” To “Teach First”: Why Washington’s SLD Shift Matters For Our Kids
Washington is finally moving away from a model that labeled children off a test score gap and toward one that asks a simple question first: how were they taught. For students who were pushed into Special Education because of discipline, bias, or adult frustration, this shift is a chance to stop hiding harm inside an SLD label and start telling the truth with instructional data. Thoughts Cost has been calling for this since Covid, when it became obvious that you cannot call it a disability if a student never had a real shot at learning.
Extending Special Education To 22: Time, Dignity, And The Work We Choose To Do With Both
Washington extended special education eligibility so students can now receive services through the end of the school year in which they turn 22. That extra year is not a formality. It is a second chance to get transition right. If we treat it like storage, nothing changes. If we treat it like launch, we can use this time to build real adult lives, with real community connections, for students who have been surviving school instead of benefiting from it.
When The Ground Shifts Under Our Classrooms
The federal government just moved billions of dollars in education programs out of the Department of Education, framing it as a step toward “returning power to the states.” Behind that language sits a harsher reality. Special education offices have been gutted, key grants are being scattered across unfamiliar agencies, and families are being left to navigate a system that no longer has a clear front door. This moment demands more than outrage. It demands local organizing, documentation, and community based accountability to protect students who have always lived on the margins of the system.
Turning Stories Into Proof: How To Make Narrative Count As Data In Schools
Narrative is not the soft side of education. It is evidence. It is the living pulse inside the data we claim to honor. When a student finally asks a peer for help, when a family sees independence taking root at home, when a young person takes a step forward that no scoreboard will ever measure, those moments are the data. The job is not to shrink stories to fit spreadsheets. The job is to structure the story so clearly, so precisely, so truthfully, that no one can deny its weight. Story becomes measurement. Observation becomes evidence. Growth becomes visible.
Fixed For Who
An email exchange revealing concerns about a potentially manipulated Request for Proposal (RFP) process in Rhode Island's education sector. Gatekeeping, "Statewide" Work, and Black Kids in Washington Somebody in Rhode Island hit send on an email that most people in education politics only say out loud behind closed doors. "It's a fixed RFP, but luckily … Continue reading Fixed For Who





































