#138: A Betrayal

Hi Loyal Subscribers! Today’s issue is my favorite so far this year. It’s big and serious. It’s about betrayal and redemption. It’s about how our past is our present. And it’s about how our beliefs limit us. All told, there are 2 ¼ hours of deep reading, listening, and watching. (You might have to take today off. 😀)

A Betrayal

Henry is a 17-year-old student at Brentwood High School on Long Island. Two years ago, he escaped MS-13 in El Salvador and entered the United States legally via asylum, only to face intense pressure to rejoin the gang, because membership in MS-13 is for life. Henry wants out for life. He faces a decision. Does he snitch on his peers to gain FBI protection in return? Listen to this excerpt by loyal subscriber Shyanna, then dive into the article to find out what happens next. (33 min)

For the Arlee Warriors, Basketball Is About Much More Than Winning

This is a big-hearted article about the Arlee Warriors, who live on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation and dominate their opponents on the court. For star player Phillip Malatare and his teammates, basketball offers their community a two-hour respite from alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, and the intergenerational trauma resulting from colonization. (37 min)

The Legacy of Lynching

White people lynched more than 4,400 Black people in our country from 1877 to 1950. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which opens April 26 in Montgomery, is dedicated to those Black lives and to the legacy of racial terror. In this disturbing video, Oprah Winfrey interviews Bryan Stevenson (#54), founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, about the memorial. (14 min)

Why Stephon Clark Needs a Statue

“Accountability is nearly always a stranger to cops who kill,” writes Jamil Smith. “We need more permanent reminders of victims like Stephon Clark that last longer than a news cycle.” Mr. Smith contends that police killings are modern lynchings. The rate of police killings — more than 300 people have been killed by police so far this year — is staggering. (10 min)

The Last Frontier For Gay Rights

Taylorsville is a quaint Southern town in the foothills of North Carolina. It’s the home of 2,100 Baptists and a major furniture company, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, whose founders are gay. The 660 workers at MGBW love their wages and perks, and “think the world of” their bosses as businesspeople. But they don’t approve of their “homosexual lifestyle” and do not want it “pushed down” their throats. It doesn’t help that Mr. Gold’s Faith in America fights against religious bigotry and that the local high school has a new gay-straight alliance. The residents of Taylorsville are frustrated and feeling righteous — but not enough to take a stand and quit their job at the factory. (31 min)

Anne-otations: Does Listening to Podcasts Help Students Read and Learn? | MindShift Podcast

Do you remember binging on Serial? Does the mention of the podcast cue the music in your head? Yep, me too. A California teacher replaces books with transcripts of Serial and student interest soars. But does that count as reading? Want to hear more about reading education? Check out our podcast or my Instagram this month! (15 min)

Why do you subscribe to The Highlighter? I’d love to hear from you. What makes you open this email week after week? Reply to this email, call me at (415) 886-7475, or tell me in person tonight at HHH #5!

That’s all for this week! Did you read every article, listen to every podcast, and watch every video? Hope so. Please tell me if you did — and what you thought about today’s issue. Feel free to use the thumbs below, too. Let’s welcome new subscribers Alice, Craig, Gary, and Molly. Hope you like The Highlighter! Keep getting the word out, and I’ll see you back here next Thursday at 9:10 am. Have a great week.

#137: The Death Row Book Club

Welcome, loyal subscribers! Today’s issue of The Highlighter includes all my favorite topics: reading (of course — and also this month’s focus on the podcast), affirmative action, school resegregation, and voting rights. For good measure, you get repeat performances of Nikole Hannah-Jones, Alvin Chang, and Ari Berman (plus a hint of Bryan Stevenson). Please enjoy!

Also: I have two great events to invite you to. The first is Highlighter Happy Hour #5 next Thursday at Room 389 in Oakland. Get your free tickets here. The second is A Path to School Desegregation, a community roundtable in Oakland that loyal subscriber Ron Towns is leading on April 19. If you’re in the Bay Area, I hope to see you at both events!

The Death Row Book Club

Anthony Ray Hinton spent 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. While on death row, Mr. Hinton led a book club for his fellow inmates. They began with Go Tell It On The Mountain, by James Baldwin. When discussing books, Mr. Hinton writes, “we weren’t the scum of the earth, the forgotten and abandoned men who were sitting in a dark corner of hell waiting for their turn to walk to the electric chair. We were transported.” I recommend this piece especially to teachers interested in deepening text-based discussions. It’s great for the “why” and the “how.” ⏳

Giving Up Desegregation in Seattle

The reason schools are resegregating is that white people do not care. Last week, Nikole Hannah-Jones (#46, #109) told a largely white audience at Yale Law School, “Just admit it. You don’t believe in equality.” This article by a white teacher tells the story of Seattle’s path to resegregation. It may not have been as violent as the Boston busing crisis, but the effects have been just the same. ⏳⏳

Creating Readers in a High School English Class

This I believe: All teachers should be reading teachers, and all English teachers should unabashedly support their students to become joyful, independent readers who aggressively follow their interests. Whenever I get discouraged, I re-read this brilliant article by teacher Joan Kernan Cone. Ms. Cone, who taught English at El Cerrito High and is now retired, tells the truth through and through. Her successes and struggles are all on the page, and her students, vibrant and authentic, remind me of mine. ⏳⏳⏳

Anne-otations: The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read | Strangers Podcast

John Corcoran didn’t learn to read until he was 48. By that point, he was a college graduate teaching in a high school. How did he pull that off? And why did he never seek help? This month on The Highlighter Podcast, Mark and I will be discussing reading with loyal subscribers, students, and even Mr. Corcoran about why some people become passionate readers and others never do. ⏳⏳

Hidden Figures: Rigging the Census

Now that states and the Supreme Court have begun to push back against voter suppression, the new method to disenfranchise swaths of the American public is the U.S. Census. Ari Berman (#63, #116) explains how changes in the 2020 Census will lead to a massive undercount of the Latino population, thereby shifting political power and Congressional seats over the next decade. ⏳⏳

How Asians Are Being Used To Fight Against Affirmative Action (Again)

College was pretty much impossible to get into this year (see UCLA, Harvard). With rejections up, a common response is to cast blame on others and to question affirmative action. Alvin Chang (#125, #126) explains how Edward Blum and other affirmative action detractors are using Asian students as “racial mascots” in their hopes “to return to a colorblind society.” ⏳

That’s it for this week! Thank you for reading The Highlighter. Let me know your thoughts by clicking on one of the thumbs below. Also, please welcome new subscribers Nick, Mindy, Eng, and Molly! The Highlighter is growing because you’re sharing the newsletter with your friends and family — so thank you! If this digest is not a great fit for you, or if you prefer to receive it via social media, please unsubscribe. Have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#136: The Privilege Predicament

Hi Loyal Subscribers! The Highlighter #128 featured an article that questioned whether acknowledging white privilege decreases racism in schools. This week’s lead article continues that train of thought. What’s the point of calling someone else out on their privilege, particularly if doing so leads either to silence or insincere confessions? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Does the author have a point, or is he simply a racist, out-of-it professor?

Also, I have some good news: Highlighter Happy Hour #5 is around the corner! Get your (free) tickets before they sell out. Meet new people, offer your perspective, and listen with empathy — whether you chat about the articles or not! Here are a few photos from last time to pique your interest.

The Privilege Predicament

Unearned privilege exists and always has. What’s new is how we talk about it, argues Robert Boyers. A college professor, Dr. Boyers suggests that blaming others for their privilege does nothing to make society more equal. Similarly, apologizing for one’s own privilege does nothing to promote justice. Privilege is merely inequality; it is not shameful or immoral. Dr. Boyers writes: “Privilege is increasingly hauled in as a weapon, though wielded, in the main, by persons attached still to the conviction that, whatever their own bristling incivility and the punishing quietus they clearly intend to deliver, they remain in full possession of their virtue.” This article will challenge you, no matter your politics. If you try it, let me know what you think! ⏳⏳⏳

Teaching’s Diversity Problem

It’s common knowledge that Black students do better when they have Black teachers. It’s also clear that students of all races prefer teachers of color. Still, 82 percent of American teachers are white. This article profiles the work of Travis J. Bristol to retain male teachers of color. Some outgrowths of Dr. Bristol’s work include NYC Men Teach and Oakland’s Black Teacher Project. Big thanks to loyal subscriber Elizabeth for submitting this article. ⏳⏳

Being Frugal Is For The Rich

Don’t worry, Millennials. You’re not screwed, as The Highlighter #124 suggested. Just be like the Frugalwoods: Scrimp and save. Retirement is right around the corner! Of course, it pays to have an income property that collects $4,400 in rent. And be sure not to spend more than $75 a month on your baby. This smart article explains why penny-pinching is not a reality for most Millennials. ⏳

The Tragedy of the Commons

Want to live in the city without the pesky annoyances of urban life? Do you care about living in community, as long as everyone is pretty much the same as you? Welcome to Common (“Coliving is city living made better”)! For just $2,600 a month, you can extend your college years and not worry about the working-class people you’re displacing. (There’s unlimited coffee.) Wait: Isn’t this what many people do already, at least in San Francisco? ⏳

This Week’s Podcast: Listen to The Highlighter Podcast #32 to hear Anne and my reflections on this month’s deep dive on college. What began as a general focus on college ended up centering on the experiences of first-generation college graduates — who make up one-third of all college students today. Why aren’t their voices more represented? If you like what you hear, please subscribe!

Sadly, all that is good must come to an end. Thank you for reading this week’s issue! Let me know your thoughts by clicking on one of the thumbs below. Also, please welcome new subscriber Jillian! Tell your friends and family about The Highlighter by forwarding them this issue, sending them this link to subscribe, or encouraging them to check out the website. If this digest is not a great fit for you, please unsubscribe. Have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#135: Race & Economic Mobility in America

Loyal subscribers, thank you very much for opening today’s issue of The Highlighter. This week, there’s a diverse collection of articles, research studies, infographics, and podcast episodes from a variety of publications. I encourage everyone to take a close look at the lead article on race and economic mobility — and if possible, to sit down with someone and have a discussion. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, too. Please enjoy!

Race and Economic Mobility in America

An infographic in The New York Times this week explained in stark terms how our country produces grossly inequitable economic outcomes for Black men. This Vox piece adds context to the infographic, adding nuance and providing the experiences of American Indian men and Black women. Whereas the Times’ report highlights the downward mobility of Black boys born into wealthy families, Vox emphasizes that there’s almost no chance, if you’re a Black boy, to rise from rags to riches. (To go all in, read the research study in full.) ⏳

What Happens to Your Used Clothes After You Donate Them to Goodwill

If you’re a typical American, you throw away or donate 82 pounds of clothes each year. Good job: Marie Kondo (#51, #65, #101) is proud of you! In this article, Eileen Guo follows your donated clothes on their long and complex journey across the border, where they’re sold in Mexico. You’ll learn a lot. ⏳⏳

Dying Online: Chronically Sick Women Document Their Illness on YouTube

When 14-year-old Mary Dalton was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, she didn’t know what to do. So she turned to YouTube. “Working on my videos gave me a routine. It was therapeutic.” This profile explores why many young women with terminal illness choose to share their stories. ⏳

Meme Culture: The Cat Industrial Complex and the Story of the Internet

It’s the 10th anniversary of Know Your Meme, the encyclopedia of Internet culture, and editor Brad Kim waxes philosophical. Meme culture “isn’t malevolent so much as it is amoral,” he says, because the Internet “increasingly does not care about the truth, and cares only about the narrative.” The scary part is that memes shape public opinion with no accountability. That’s why Mr. Kim says we have a “meme president.” ⏳⏳

Anne-otations: Head First: First Gen College Students | StoryCorps

Roughly one third of all undergraduates are the first in their family to go to college. This week, let’s focus on the individual stories behind that data. Listen to The Highlighter Podcast, where I interview my former students to hear where we helped them and failed them in high school. Then head over to StoryCorps (yes, the same Morning Edition program that used to have you crying on the way to work every Friday) for more stories. ⏳

That’s it for this week! Thank you very much for reading The Highlighter. Use the thumbs below and let me know what you thought of today’s issue. If you liked it, consider sharing this issue with a friend and encouraging them to subscribe. Speaking of new subscribers, there were 15 this week! Let’s welcome Oana, Michelle, Jo, Nicole, Christine, Chelsea, Mindy, Ryan, Leena, Karim, Ellen, Len, Lita, Alex, and Brittany. Have a great week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#134: Ball Breakers

Take the morning off and dive into The Highlighter! I have 2 ½ hours of quality material for you on a range of topics, including billiards, for-profit colleges, online free speech, informed self-care, and pills that make you smart. Please enjoy!

Also, this month on the podcast, Anne and I are focusing on who goes to college and how they get there. We’ll end the month with stories from students and subscribers. Want to be on the show? Listen to Episodes #29 and #30, then leave a message at (415) 886-7475 to share your thoughts on college.

Ball Breakers

Renée Mata plays nine-ball on the West Coast Women’s Tour and has dreams of making it to the American Poolplayers Association Championships. Right now she competes against 30 women at Billiard Palacade, a pool hall one block from my house in the Crocker Amazon. This is an article about billiards and women of color and trans women and what it takes to succeed in a male-dominated sport. The photos and videos are maybe even better than the words. ⏳⏳

What I Learned From A For-Profit Education

There are many paths to earn a college degree, but attending a for-profit college should not be one of them. This classic article details the horrors of the University of Phoenix. For-profit colleges exploit low-income students and students of color, many of whom end up not graduating, taking on debt, and getting bad jobs. But this piece also asks broader questions, like whether college is for everyone, and whether for-profit colleges are merely the scapegoat for a broken public school system. ⏳⏳

The Struggle to Detoxify the Internet

Is it possible to facilitate a space for open dialogue without also facilitating hoaxes, harassment, and threats of violence? In this profile of Reddit, our country’s fourth most popular website (who knew?), Andrew Marantz (#115) explores this question and realizes that the people in charge of keeping the Internet safe are sitting around a conference table eating cheese sticks. ⏳⏳

Getting Your News, Print Only

Want to feel more calm and sane in our crazy times? Read your news in print, says Farhad Manjoo, who skipped online news and phone notifications for two months. You’ll stay informed without corresponding spikes in cortisol. (You’ll also pay $81 a month for a subscription to the New York Times.) Want an extra level of challenge? Go no news, cold turkey, like this ignorant man. ⏳

Anne-otations: Can Science Make Us Smarter? | On Point

Mark and I have been reporting on what college students are up against these days. So how do they cope? Many self-medicate. A third take study drugs. Plus, there is still marijuana and alcohol to let off some steam. (If your students or children have asked which is worse for you, click here.) Take a listen to On Point (fast forward through the first 5 minutes) to hear if “smart pills” help or hurt those who try them. ⏳⏳

That’s it for this week! Thank you very much for reading The Highlighter #134. Use the thumbs below and let me know what you thought of today’s issue. My goal is to provide a weekly email newsletter that you’re excited to open. Also, let’s welcome Matthew, Stephen, Matt, Christine, Ranna, Anna, and Lauren! Have a great week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#133: The Lottery Hackers

Hello and welcome to The Highlighter #133! This week’s issue includes great pieces on lottery hackers, first-generation college students, weighted blankets, Alaskan women, and Chinese millennials. Please enjoy!

Also: This month, we’re taking an in-depth look at college. Every issue will include at least one article or podcast episode about college. If you missed last week’s issue, I encourage you to go back and check out “Who Gets To Graduate?” and “Three Miles.” After you do all that, join Anne and me over at the podcast, where we want to hear from you.

The Lottery Hackers

Jerry and Marge Selbee are delightful retirees from down-home Michigan who have worked hard every day their whole lives to put their six kids through college. Now they’re ready to game the lottery and win millions of dollars. If you’ve ever dreamed up money-making schemes, or if you like mathematical thrillers pitting grandparents against MIT students, this one’s for you. This is my favorite article so far this year. Big thanks to loyal subscriber Jessica for recommending it. (If you find a great article that you’d like to nominate for publication, please do!) ⏳⏳⏳

I'm First: Stories and Videos From First-Generation College Students

This collection of firsthand accounts by first-generation college students is an excellent resource for educators who care about promoting a college-going culture. After all, stories matter; they help change the narrative; they tell the real truth. Thank you to loyal subscriber Gia for this submission. ⏳

The Seductive Confinement of a Weighted Blanket in an Anxious Time

Here’s another nugget of greatness by Jia Tolentino (#73, #89), whose stress and insomnia drive her to test out the Gravity Blanket, which claims its “deep touch pressure stimulation” increases serotonin and melatonin, promoting calm and relaxation. After her initial skepticism, Ms. Tolentino quickly falls under the blanket’s spell. (As an owner of the 15-lb. version—thank you, Peter!—I can attest that she’s not alone.) ⏳

Courage Before the Thaw: Six Alaskan Women Facing Climate Change

In this collection of short profiles of six Alaskan women, author Miranda Weiss writes, “Most Americans think that global warming will harm other people but not themselves. In Alaska, the consequences are already personal.” Ms. Weiss writes plainly, allowing the women’s experiences to emerge front and center. ⏳⏳

Anne-otations: China's “Restless Generation” | KQED Forum

Here at The Highlighter, we’ve talked about adult-delaying millennials quite a bit (#114, #124). We’ve even touched on generation iGen, known for their screen addictions. It’s time we learn about the Strawberry Generation (Chinese people born after 1990) and how they are flipping what it means to be Chinese on its head. Will the Chinese proverb to “eat bitter,” which has been passed down for generations, be replaced? ⏳⏳

That’s it for this week! Please let me know what you think of today’s issue (thumbs are below)! If you’re feeling moved, send this issue to a friend and encourage them to sign up.

Also, let’s welcome our 10 new subscribers: Lauren, Adam, Antonia, Elisa, Monique, Shipley, Sehreenna, Mary, Steve, and Kim. Welcome to The Highlighter community, and I hope you find that the newsletter makes your Thursdays a little bit better. Have a great week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#132: March Is College Month 🎓

Hi Loyal Subscribers! I’m happy to announce that March is College Month at The Highlighter. Each issue, I’ll include at least one piece relating to college. We’ll tackle questions like: As tuition skyrockets and student debt soars, how should educators advise young people to weigh their options? What factors determine whether a college student will graduate? And what are the economic and social consequences of not graduating? I invite you to share your thoughts! Reply to this email, listen to next Monday’s podcast, or leave a voicemail at (415) 886-7475. Please enjoy!

Who Gets to Graduate?

Vanessa Brewer was a top student at her high school in Texas. But her first semester at the University of Texas at Austin was rocky. A first-generation college student, Vanessa got nervous. “Am I supposed to be here? Am I good enough?” she asked. This classic article by Paul Tough (#43) outlines the struggles that many college students face, particularly when coming from poor or working-class families. It also explores the ways that colleges are addressing those struggles — by focusing on students’ mindsets. ⏳⏳

Anne-otations: Three Miles | This American Life

The college degree is a crucial part of the American dream. In this classic episode of “This American Life,” listen to the stories of three students from a public school in the Bronx who see firsthand why their shot at this dream is rigged. What does it take to get a college degree in America? Grit? Intelligence? Money? Share your experience at (415) 886-7475 and hear your voice on The Highlighter Podcast later this month. ⏳⏳

Checking White Guilt, Denial, and Defensiveness

I’m reading So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo (#89, #97, #128), which I recommend to white people. Here’s a companion piece that identifies 28 common attitudes and behaviors that correlate with white guilt, denial, and defensiveness. Author Debra Leigh includes examples of these behaviors, noting that they often detour anti-racist conversations and therefore safeguard white supremacy. ⏳⏳

How Technology Hijacks Our Minds

Is this the year we finally put away our phones and live a less-distracted life? If this happens, Tristan Harris is one person to thank. He’s the guy behind the Time Well Spent Movement. Even Mark Zuckerberg is listening. To learn more, read this essay, watch his TED Talk, or check out Moment or Feedless. ⏳⏳

How Do You Respond When Your Son Is A Neo-Nazi?

It’s one thing to read articles about young white men who harbor racist beliefs and belong to neo-Nazi groups. It’s another to be their mother. This is a story of Kam Musser, who is 21, doesn’t have a job, lives with his mother in Ohio, and joined the Traditionalist Worker Party after the 2016 election. This is also a story of his mother, Kirsten, who disagrees with Kam’s views but does not know how to intervene. ⏳⏳

Let’s welcome our 11 new subscribers: Ryan, Matthew, Kathleen, Robb, Thai, Jamil, Alcine, Sherry, Matt, Phillip, and Geoff. These are great people — please say hello!

Also, let me know what you thought of today’s issue using the thumbs below. (There were 15 thumbs-up last week!) For extra credit, send this link to one person who might like The Highlighter. Have a great week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#131: The Recipe for Life

Our country is broken if it thinks that arming teachers is the right way to protect kids in schools. It is broken if people call mass shootings conspiracies and survivors crisis actors. It is broken if the 2nd Amendment protects a right to bear assault rifles.

In Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson writes, “We are all broken by something. We have all hurt someone and have been hurt. But our brokenness is also the source of our common humanity, the basis for our shared search for comfort, meaning, and healing.”

I have hope that Emma González and her generation will lead us through our brokenness and help us reclaim our common humanity.

The Recipe for Life

In my favorite article of 2016, Michael Chabon (#61) wrote lovingly about his son Abe. In that essay, Mr. Chabon explored their relationship and his son’s superpower. In this essay, Mr. Chabon writes about his father, his special gift, of knowing everything, and how their relationship led him to discover his own special gift, imagination, which might allow his father to live forever. The recipe for life, it seems, is to find your superpower and to spend time doing everyday things with the people you love. ⏳

The Loving Generation, 1965-1985: Four Short Films on Race and Identity

In Loving v. Virginia (1967), the Supreme Court struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage. This collection documents the experiences of people born after the decision. Watch how Melissa Harris-Perry, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Adam Serwer, and others make meaning of their identity, their families, and their coming of age. ⏳⏳

The Warm Demander Stance For White Teachers

A ton of people responded to the critique in The Highlighter #128 of Peggy McIntosh’s “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” Here’s another academic article on race and education, this time adding nuance to the popular aspiration that teachers should be “warm demanders” of their students. The authors suggest this approach looks different based on the race of the teacher. Thank you to loyal subscribers Jonathan and Dave for suggesting this article. ⏳⏳

The Cartier Kings of Detroit

If you’re the judgmental type, leave your judgment at the door as you read this article about the popularity of Cartier sunglasses ($2,400) in Detroit. Author Zach Goldbaum writes, “Nobody wants to be considered poor, and like Cazals and Jordans before them, Cartiers have the uncanny power to make you feel like you’re not.” ⏳

Anne-otations: Left, Right & Center | Another School Shooting

The news last week out of Florida, my home state, makes me so angry, but I found that many political podcasts’ angry reactions didn’t help. Instead I turned to Left, Right, & Center to hear what people from different sides of the aisle are saying. ⏳⏳

Thank you for reading The Highlighter #131! Did you enjoy the articles? Hope so. Please let me know by clicking on one of the thumbs below. Let’s also welcome new subscribers Nyere, Talya, Erika, and Sarah! If you don’t love the newsletter, I invite you to unsubscribe, no hard feelings. Have a great week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#130: The Joy of Black Brunch

It’s your lucky day! The Highlighter #130 includes a wide range of articles, including pieces on the joy of black brunch, the right to conjugal visits, the definition of death, the deforestation of the Amazon, and the nuances of Japanese culture. Please enjoy!

But before you do, revel that we’ve reached 400 readers! Our community is growing and getting stronger, thanks to you. Let’s welcome this week’s new subscribers: Jessica, Victoria, Angelic, Mark, Stephanie, Ryan, Marlee, Stefanie, Ben, and David. The Highlighter relies on word of mouth, so please keep getting the good word out!

The Joy of Black Brunch

Audre Lorde wrote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” For Stacy-Ann Ellis and many African American women, black brunch has become a place for kinship and a means of self-care. Ms. Ellis writes, “When I’m in need of a mental or spiritual break, it’s the presence of unfiltered blackness, our culture bursting from the seams with its quirks and nuances, the oasis of black brunch that allows me to eat, dance, sing, and laugh the grim away.” ⏳

The Conjugal Visit

California pioneered conjugal visits for prisoners in 1968 “to offset prison homosexuality.” Now it’s one of four states that allow incarcerated people the right to spend 48 hours every three months with their spouse or children in a private apartment on prison grounds. This is the story of Travis and Kacey Berry, who met as pen pals in 2010, got married in 2012, and had never spent any time alone together before their first conjugal visit last year. ⏳⏳

What Does It Mean to Die?

Bay Area residents may remember the case of Jahi McMath, the Oakland girl whose tonsil surgery left her brain-dead in 2013. This piece by Rachel Aviv explores the line between life and death and what should happen when the family and the state disagree. A jury will decide Jahi’s fate in the coming months. ⏳⏳

The Amazon’s Deforestation Crisis: Highway Of Riches, Road To Ruin

Want to learn a huge chunk about the state of the Amazon Rainforest? Devote about an hour to this outstanding article by Stephanie Nolen, who will take you on a 2,000-km journey up Highway BR-163, in the heart of Brazil, where you’ll meet farmers, cattle ranchers, miners, politicians, environmental advocates, loggers, and Indigenous people, all who have a stake in the future of the rainforest. ⏳⏳⏳

Anne-otations: Part-Time Genius, ”Greatest Things about Japan”

Do you remember having subs in high school and nothing getting done? What happens in Japan when the teacher is out sick? Learning about another country like Japan will help you evaluate your own. Thanks for the recommendation, loyal subscriber Chris! ⏳⏳

Thank you for reading this week’s issue! I hope you enjoyed it. My goal is to make The Highlighter a must-read, your favorite email of the week, something you look forward to every Thursday morning. To that end, I would love to hear from you. What’s your favorite thing about the newsletter? What should be changed? Please reply to this email (press r) or click on one of the thumbs below. Also, if you don’t love the newsletter, unsubscribe. Life is too short to get email you don’t love. Have a great week, and I’ll see you again next Thursday at 9:10 am.

#129: How To Teach American Slavery

Behold! It is time for The Highlighter #129! This week’s issue includes pieces on the teaching of slavery, the advocacy of the Golden State Warriors, the adventures of New Kids on the Block, the trend of buying fake social media followers, and the impact of social class. Please enjoy!

Tonight is HHH #4 at Room 389 in Oakland, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Come meet new people, chat about the articles, and build our community. If you get a free ticket, you get a prize!

How to Teach American Slavery

Only 8 percent of American high school seniors identify slavery as the main cause of the Civil War. This comprehensive report by the Southern Poverty Law Center explains how our approach to teaching slavery miseducates our young people and worsens racial relations in our country. As Prof. David Blight writes in the introduction, “Slavery is not an aberration in American history; it is at the heart of our history, a main event, a central foundational story.” If you’re a teacher or a parent, please read this report. ⏳⏳⏳

How The Warriors Became The Wokest Team In Professional Sports

My mom loves the Warriors and will be the first to tell you they’re not doing well lately. This excellent profile follows Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Steve Kerr and argues that the team’s advocacy on social issues stems from its long history in Oakland. But what happens if the Warriors stop winning, or when they move to San Francisco? ⏳

My 4 Days At Sea With New Kids On The Block And 3,000 Adoring Fans

This piece is a bundle of joy, particularly if you’re a secret fan of New Kids on the Block. (How could you not be?) The band that brought us “Step by Step” and “Please Don’t Go Girl” is back, hosting Carnival cruises to the Bahamas, complete with concerts and around-the-clock parties. Go ahead, spend a night with Jordan Knight, or take a dip in the pool with Joey McIntyre. ⏳

The Follower Factory

We tell our children that popularity doesn’t matter, that close friends do, and then we check our phone for new likes and emojis. This exposé of Twitter and Devumi uncovers our insatiable quest to feed our egos, even if that means paying for fake followers. Famous people do it. Maybe we should, too, to keep pace? ⏳⏳

Anne-otations: Opportunity Costs Death, Sex, and Money Podcast

When is the last time you talked to someone about your social class? Hear five stories on divorce, education, infertility, race, Ferraris, pride, and shame through the lens of class. If you’re feeling really brave, find me tonight at HHH #4 to talk about it! ⏳ (per story)

Podcast Update: Attorney Christine Rhee is on the show this week and is ready to talk about the San Francisco Giants. A former criminal prosecutor, Christine also offers her perspective on “Can You Arrest People Before They Commit Crimes?” which appeared in The Highlighter #127. Please listen and subscribe!

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