Category: Perspectives

  • Voice: A method for the soul

    Voice: A method for the soul

    Voice: a method for the soul An essential method in my dissertation research was the simple practice of talking out loud. Vocalizing my thoughts, attitudes, and opinions: either to myself, or in the company of others. Instead of being so reliant on the literature, on peer review, or my committee’s opinion, I leaned into the…

  • PhD Graduation Livestream: Join Me Online

    PhD Graduation Livestream: Join Me Online

    I’m excited to share that my graduation ceremony will be livestreamed starting at 7 PM EST on December 15th and open to anyone who would like to tune in. This moment marks the culmination of years of study, research, and community work, and it means a great deal to be able to share it with…

  • In defense of gender affirming care

    In defense of gender affirming care

    When I speak with new friends about their perception of me, I often hear this feeling of assuredness, control, and purpose.  I had a laugh with a colleague of mine recently, who was in disbelief when I disclosed my astrological sign, Cancer. When I asked how I read, they said, Leo. You’re someone who naturally,…

  • My Interview with  ProFellow

    My Interview with ProFellow

    The full interview is also available on the ProFellow website! Tell us about your background. What brought you to advocate for community wellness through research, advocacy, and public policy? “I’m from a small rural part of Alabama where I grew up seeing vast health disparities that were fueled by classist and racist state policies. I…

  • My Afrofuturist Introduction of Devin Barrington-Ward to the GSU Sociology Department

    My Afrofuturist Introduction of Devin Barrington-Ward to the GSU Sociology Department

    So we’re here to talk about the future. What a terrifying and exciting place to be. And I am so humbled to introduce my friend, comrade, and mentor, Devin Barrington Ward. But first, of course, I must talk about my love for afrofuturism. One of the greatest poetries of Black people. A critique levied against…

  • My Op-Ed in The Atlanta Journal Constitution: A Closer Look at Police Violence and Its Public Health Implications

    After a year-long fellowship with the Southern Center for Human Rights, I’m thrilled to announce the publication of my op-ed in The Atlanta Journal Constitution. The piece, titled “Reducing Police Violence Will Make Georgia Safer, Healthier,” explores the deep-seated issue of police violence and its far-reaching implications on public health. In the op-ed, I discuss:…