Never Too Far

The Carolina Way: Play Hard. Play Smart. Play Together. Coach Dean Smith coined this simple phrase to help his talented basketball players stay focused as they competed on Tobacco Road and beyond.

I admit that being a senior citizen can be a drag. Not that I am absent of energy and sharp mind or things to do but rather my OG mentality can dim the light on the more youthful cultural ways of being.

As a relatively new expatriate to the amazing country of Costa Rica, I am beyond elated to have been divinely directed to this beautiful land.

Have you ever been hurt or dismissed and later come to realize that there was a blessing for you that surpassed the harm? How often are we reminded to see the “big picture” as we navigate life’s twists and turns?

In the spirit of unity and during times of racial strife, it is important to hear the voices of the disadvantaged and voiceless, the least of these and those who are locked out.

My head. My heart. Both filled with the relentless pounding of acts and statements of division, exclusion, and hate. So unnecessary and so real. And yet, my head and heart tell me better days are ahead.

It’s not that I spend a lot of time thinking about the supporters of former president Donald Trump. It’s generally when I take off my racial equity lens, which is rare, that I find it strange, cultish, and dangerous how much power MAGA friendlies have garnered in a short period of time.

I have seen and heard a lot from key relationships, experiences, and observations of a growing discontent of former women’s basketball players. They want to be involved and recognized by their alma mater’s program and are disappointed with the response, if any, by current coaches and staff.

As most Americans know, one must be really careful when discussing politics and religion with strangers. Well, I have put that notion on the back burner over the past several months primarily because of the importance of this upcoming fall balloting.

Columnist Deborah Stroman writes about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and comments on Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent declaration.