Today is Halloween. It’s scary to imagine the ghosts that have surrounded us since birth. I’m not referencing zombies, flying spirits, or the vampires responsible for childhood nightmares. The ghosts of white supremacy, patriarchy, and religious hypocrisy are real. Emile Suotonye DeWeaver’s book, Ghost in the Criminal Justice System: Reform, White Supremacy, and an Abolitionist Future , is a game-changer. Each chapter challenges common perceptions of structural oppression and

Fireworks, barbecues, and parades filled my childhood’s Independence Days. I looked forward to the holiday and its promises of time with family and friends. As I grew older and developed a deeper understanding of the meaning behind July 4th, something within me changed. Awareness is the foundation for transformation. During today’s red, white, and blue celebrations, the struggle for freedom continues. The enslavement of children and adults and other incidents of involuntary l