My friend Rachael O’Meara invited me to write the foreword to her new book, Pause the Journal: How to Use Intentional Writing to Create Your Dreams, which helps readers form new habits in taking daily breaks to read, write, and reflect. I share it with you here on my website, as a preview to the book and also because I’ve become a big believer in journaling and meditation. In combination, these practices have helped me to create a gratitude practice, which helps me improve my mood. feel clear headed, and experience better focus in my work and family life.

In honor of Veteran’s Day (November 11), I proudly share the story of Djakaria Konate, who I wrote about in the series PORTRAITS OF IMMIGRANT VOICES, a project I worked on with artist Alfonso Pérez. Djakaria’s story inspired and surprised me, regarding how someone who...

This opinion article originally appeared in The Richmond Times Dispatch. What will Monument Avenue look like in the years and decades ahead?  And what will replace the Confederate statues and pedestals along Monument Avenue? When I reflect on these questions, one...