Category Archives: Transforming

Projects that are making a difference, improving lives, and building communities.

Authors R-Z, Holocaust/antisemitism, Politics

A Survivor’s Story of Neo-Nazis: Part 1 – by Kathleen Sullivan

neo-Nazis I have been very concerned about the increasing lack of awareness and basic knowledge and education about the Holocaust, here in the US. And about the events and actions and societal trends in Germany that led up to it. 

Starting at age 3, I was unfortunately raised by a very cruel man who was German/Welsh-American. He had very poor self-esteem and was often ridiculed and bullied by his peers. His family was very poor and his father was the town drunk. All of that changed in college when he was mentored by German professors and was introduced to an eventual cluster of Nazi war criminals who had been relocated to the US by our government and given new names, identities and plum positions in governmental agencies. Specifically, to continue doing various kinds of research here, that they had previously done in Germany. Continue reading A Survivor’s Story of Neo-Nazis: Part 1 – by Kathleen Sullivan →

Advisors, Authors A-H, Politics

What to do if your candidate wins or loses – by Terry Howard, Elwood Watson

An email I received from a fellow named “Pedro” led to this co-authored piece, an exchange between Elwood Watson, PhD and yours truly. 

“Pedro”  wrote: “I read, reread – and will read again – your piece, “ Bad boys. Bad boys. Whatcha gonna do when they (Project 2025) come for you?,” the context of which if Trump returns to office. Hard as I tried, I just couldn’t shake the thought of the project’s plan to cut Social Security benefits given that my retired parents depend on their Social Security checks as their sole source of income. My hope is that you’ll consider publishing something on what actions folks can take if their preferred candidate loses the election.”

Continue reading What to do if your candidate wins or loses – by Terry Howard, Elwood Watson →

Authors A-H, Politics

The Jamaican Connection – by Terry Howard

This column is about Jamaica, a nation slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut. And at a contextual level, it’s about the prominent role native or U.S. born Jamaicans have played in history past and present. 

Now to bring it into today’s news cycles, it’s about the powerful roles being played by Vice President Kamala Harris and Tanya Chutkan, the presiding judge over the criminal trial of former U.S. president Trump over his alleged attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election, including the events leading up to the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Continue reading The Jamaican Connection – by Terry Howard →

Advisors, Healthcare

Renewing Diversity #2: Teaching Health Equity – by Carlos Cortés, Adwoa Osei

In July, 2020, the two of us became the inaugural co-directors of the University of California, Riverside, School of Medicine’s new Health Equity, Social Justice, and Anti-Racism (HESJAR) curricular initiative.   Since then the teaching of health equity to medical students has been a journey of continuous renewal.   

Publications about health equity emerge nearly every day.  Each year’s student cohort provides new pedagogical challenges.  Every module we teach raises new issues regarding learning and assessment.  We can’t stand still. 

Continue reading Renewing Diversity #2: Teaching Health Equity – by Carlos Cortés, Adwoa Osei →

International Podcasts, Ukraine

Ukrainian Podcast: Mayor Yuriy Bova

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Mayor Yuriy Bova Yuriy Bova is Mayor of Trostyanets, a Ukrainian city just 20 miles from the Russian border that endured occupation for a month. Badly damaged in fighting with Russian forces almost two years ago, Trostyanets is one of six settlements being rebuilt in a pilot program to develop the skills and experience needed for a far broader reconstruction drive.

Trostyanets is now in partnership with the City of Chattanooga whose Mayor Tim Kelly formalized a cooperative agreement with the war-torn Ukrainian city. I met Mayor Bova at  a  recent reception celebrating the collaboration with many city leaders and organizations like Sister Cities. 

Hear Mayor Bova discuss through his translator:

  • The history and significance of Trostyanets and the remaining historical monuments
  • Trostyanets’ response to Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022 and what the Russians did in the city 
  • The process of rebuilding: how it began and its current status
  • The city’s development strategy including sports and tourism industries and attracting new investors to the community

Takeaways:

  • What are current threats from Russia?
  • What are the most important problems requiring solutions now?
  • What will be the benefits of this partnership with Chattanooga and how does your visit benefit your people?

CLICK for podcast interview

Politics

National Daughters Day and the Election – by Terry Howard

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In sort of a nonchalant yawner – at least for me – September 25th, National Daughter’s Day came and went with nary a thought; understandable I guess if one isn’t blessed with having a daughter. 

But suddenly, like swift kick in the groin, this coming November 5th, Election Day, a relevant September 25th piece by John Pavlovitz, and a piece I wrote a dozen years ago led to a dot-connecting, “oh wow,” pause by me.  

Continue reading National Daughters Day and the Election – by Terry Howard →

Advisors, Politics, Social Issues

Debunking 4 Major Myths of Assault Weapons Ban – by David Grinberg

During the first week of September, the latest mass shooting tragedy occurred at a high school in Winder, Georgia. This has thrust the issue of gun safety reform squarely into the 2024 presidential campaign.

Thus far, there have been more mass shootings than days in the year (385 according to the Gun Violence Archive). Here are a few other shocking statistics to consider:

Advisors, Social Issues

One 9/11 Victim’s Positive Impact Posthumously  – by David B. Grinberg

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As another annual 9/11 observance has come and gone, I want to pay tribute to those lost, including a close childhood friend who was working in the Twin Towers as a financial trader on that tragic day.

President Roosevelt (FDR) called the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II: “A date that will live in infamy.” The same can be said of 9/11. 

Even though it’s been 23 years, we must be mindful year-round of all the families, friends and relatives who lost loved ones. The memories and pain of loved ones lost never goes away.

Continue reading One 9/11 Victim’s Positive Impact Posthumously  – by David B. Grinberg →