I have found that the most traumatic experiences we endure generally must see the light of day, or we are bound by them and to them one way or another. This principle applies to families, but also to cultures. Healthy relationships cannot happen without healthy communication. As individuals and groups of people, we should be […]

The following came from my book, Better Than Them, the Unmaking of an Alabama Racist, published by New South Books. I edited the article copy referenced below for purposes of this one as indicated in parenthesis. Looking back at my most impressionable years, I consider the examples and impressions left by such icons as Sheriff Andy […]

Roy Williams, on behalf of the Birmingham Public Library, interviewed me recently about my book — “Better Than Them, The Unmaking of an Alabama Racist.” He also asked me some important questions about the George Floyd incident and implications going forward. Copied below is that part of the Q&A plus my answer to a final […]

I am not a Black Lives Matter guy, but I am a black lives matter guy. Here’s what I mean: Regardless of any merits, the formal organization Black Lives Matter is clearly in favor of defunding the police as stated in this quote from their website: “We call for a national defunding of police.” That […]

As a conservative agreeing with President Trump on many issues, I am not automatically a racist. I don’t have to be defensive. My life speaks for itself, and those casting racist aspersions toward folks like me do not know me and my life or yours. It is blind condemnation similar to the type that forms […]

In regards to the disturbance caused by Kanye West’s comments on slavery, West provided clarification that I believe is much less inflammatory than the original statement. That statement seemed to mean that he believes slavery was voluntary—an ignorant, insulting comment without the clarification that followed. I found that the media at times did not include […]