Meet Kristen “Some Selective Fucks” Chapman Gibbons.

There once was a girl who gave WAY too many fucks. Fucks about everything and everyone. Fucks about situations a world away. Fucks about the amount of fucks given, and fucks about those withheld. Over time, the girl grew lopsided. Her limbs heavy with all the fucks she insisted on carrying around. Her mind and […]

My Plea to My White Friends and Family in South Carolina

If you are friends with me IRL or online, my political leanings are not in anyway hidden or tamped down. They rarely have been. I’ve been opinionated and passionate about politics for almost forty years (true story). There are many of you who do not agree with me politically about very much. Typically, we just […]

I Remember How I Became A More Compassionate Activist

Last night, Tenx9 Nashville hosted nine storytellers in Nashville, sharing around the topic: I Remember. This is my contribution. *I consulted the Oracle (Google)and discovered that Gloria Steinem isn’t the origin of the phrase “the personal is political.” I did say I was late to feminism.

Jeannie Alexander – A Bee’s Dream

Originally posted on Tenx9 Nashville Storytelling:
At Tenx9’s “I Remember” night, Jeannie Alexander spun a masterful narrative about remembering her grandfather–his grace, words, and beekeeping.  I remember my grandfather’s smell. It is my first memory. My second memory is of being carried by my grandfather through his backyard. So carefully we considered the apple trees,…

Stories From the Streets of Nashville

A 5 year-old kid wandered in our office today. By himself. Saying he was hungry. We fed him from all the things we had brought for our own lunches. Our office is in the projects off Lafayette and yesterday I took a woman grocery shopping. She had fifteen dollars to spend for the next 7 […]

Tweet of the Week: Vaccinate Your Damn Kids Edition

Our thoughts are also with the measles-ravaged country America. I hope we are screening them before they come to Africa. — Elnathan John (@elnathan) February 1, 2015

Creating a Space Where There Was None

Tenx9 Nashville hosts monthly storytelling events in Nashville and around the world. I am deeply honored to be a part of this community of people. Our motto is an Irish saying, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” The joy, insight and beauty of true stories leaves my heart larger […]

The War on Drugs has got to end: Ethan Nadelmann speaks at TEDGlobal 2014

Originally posted on TED Blog:
Ethan Nadelmann speaking at TEDGlobal 2014. Photo: James Duncan Davidson/TED “What has the War on Drugs done in the world?” asks Ethan Nadelmann, the founder of the Drug Policy Alliance. He namechecks just a few of its results: cartel violence in Central America, a ballooning global black market, packed prisons throughout the…

October is EVERYTHING

Why yes, it is my birthday month. And the Nashville AIDS walk, the Nashville Zombie Walk, Halloween (!!!!!) — complete with pumpkin spiced anything and everything. It is also Artober. I am a fan of all of these things. The weather is perfect. PERFECT. Here are some handy dandy guides to help you maximize THE […]

Why Giving Jes “The Militant” Baker $2 Is So Worth Your Time

Originally posted on amanda trusty says:
If you are reading this right now, you are probably aware of my stance on body love, on emotional eating awareness, on stripping away negative labels – you know, all the THINGS. And if you know how strongly I feel about these things, I want you to take that…