A political path to inner peace

Four years ago I moved home to be a part of a growing movement for civil rights and social justice in the South. I have learned many, many lessons and found great clarity along the way.  In these four years, I have confirmed that the Southern Powers That Be are— surprise —still quite conservative. Not only in political persuasion, but perhaps more consequentially in tolerance of risk, of trying new things, of investing in people and ideas that have moved the needle towards justice and equality.  In these four years, I have also confirmed my long-held belief that— surprise again —the South is not universally conservative. Courageous Southerners (native and adopted!) are working on reversing all manner of injustices incurred in this generation and those long past—from public education to women’s rights to justice reform and beyond. Many are my friends. All of them are my heroes.  And after four years of Life-As-A-Progressive-Southerner-Living-In-The-South, I ha...

Just over three years ago, I was honored to join the SC Future Minds team in a critical mission for the state of South Carolina: to connect private resources to public education, and to strengthen our school system as a driver of economic and social progress. Our work is anchored in the needs of communities and companies, the experience of teachers, and the best future for our students; and I am grateful to each of you for your support along the way. As I transition from SCFM CEO to SCFM Donor, I am thrilled that the Board of Directors has named Debbie Jones as Interim Executive Director. Debbie helped start SCFM ten years ago and has served as Program Director for the past three years. Her vision and tenacity have fueled SCFM’s growth, and I know great things are ahead under her leadership. The last three years have been filled to the brim with lessons for me—an education in public education, if you will. While it would probably take another three years to write them all down, I wante...