Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘February 16 event’ Category

Ms. Heidi Durrow is a phenomenal woman.

On Tuesday evening she humbly downplayed her brilliance by referring her successes in life to hard work, and serendipitous events.

Certainly, Heidi has worked hard. Graduating from Stanford University with Honors is a large achievement by anyones standard. When she graduated, she only owed $4000.00. She attributed this to the multitude of scholarships and grants she applied for, implying that the same opportunities apply to everyone. I do not think this is the case.

One must exhibit a brilliance that transcends the scholarship application document. The scholarship reader must perceive the beneficial use of limited educational funds, and accurately place them where they will benefit mankind the most. There must be a return on investment. Obviously, Heidis brilliance transcended through the application to the scholarship reader.

She applied to Columbia School of Law and exhibited her work ethic again. Graduating, and joining a highly regarded law firm. In her second year at the firm, they recognized her talents, and assigned her the daunting task of taking depositions. During one of those depositions, the man she was questioning, threatened her. She handled him firmly as any competent seasoned professional would. Later, she thankfully found out the man was not carrying a gun the day she questioned him. This exhibits her resourceful use of her extraordinary natural abilities to deal effectively with the man.

When she was hired to teach professional athletes how to deal with difficult situations with women, she reported that she was hired on the spot because she knew nothing about watching sports. Again, this is an erroneous remark. I am sure that she exhibited the same brilliance in the interview to train athletes as she exhibited on Tuesday, March 6th during her lecture. She cannot hide the radiance that shines from her bright blue eyes and warm, friendly smile.

She is not simply a pretty face. Her masterful writing created an artifact that will stand the test of critical close reading. She gracefully intertwined Nella Larsens classic “Passing”  seamlessly. One must truly connect with Nella Larsens writing to appreciate Heidis true mastery of the english language.

Heidi Durrow is intellectually brilliant and humbly wants to invest her success in encouraging others.

Her consistent message is that every obstacle can be overcome to live a full and enriching life.

“Live a life you love.” Heidi Durrow

Sincerely reported by Marty Botts

Read Full Post »

Tuesdays evening panel and discussion was facilitated by Kevin Thomas, Ethan Johnson, and Maude Hines. Many facets and personal experiences of growing up bi-racial were discussed by each panel member. The panel then opened up the conversation with individuals in the community. 

From each panel member to each community member that shared, every contribution added to the rich flavor of the diverse city in which we live. One of the common themes expressed was, “I don’t think bi-racial. I am simply me.”  A common human struggle emerges when one attempts to reconcile ones personal view with an identity imposed on us by how the world treats us.

Some of the statements from that process are, “do you have to know my race to know how to treat me?” and “When someone asks what I am, Bi-racial is not an acceptable answer.” “There was no history of how to be bi-racial. It was illegal for a black person to marry a white person.”

The relief of tension in the room was poignant as each person shared their intimate circumstances and struggles.

Several times the emphasis was affirmed that more conversation and dialog with each member in the community is wanted and needed. Everyone has a unique, important story to tell.

Please share your experiences with how you view yourself, (I am simply me), and work at solving the difference between what the world thinks you should be (the expectations implied by how we are treated).

Read Full Post »

Growing Up Biracial

Join a panel of biracial adults from the Portland State University community as they talk about childhood experiences. With PSU Assistant Professor Ethan Johnson (Black Studies), graduate student Adrienne Croskey and student Kevin Thomas.

Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m.

Read Full Post »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.