Self-Care, Activism (and Camden Jam)

Whew. That’s the first week of the semester. I’ve used these Friday posts to do a lot of different things over the years. To highlight community events. To talk a bit more casually about my own research. To promote my writings. But wanted to take a moment today to talk about my own challenges surrounding … Continue reading Self-Care, Activism (and Camden Jam)

“No Excuses” in Camden: the Stakes are High

A few weeks ago there was some fantastic, in-depth reporting by Avi Wolfman-Arendt (WHYY) on Philadelphia’s KIPP schools that is particularly relevant for the current educational moment in Camden. Because in Camden, “no excuses” schools are in vogue. They were explicitly chosen through the political process as a way to try to improve the schools … Continue reading “No Excuses” in Camden: the Stakes are High

We’re back! A new semester and the students who make it worth it

Here we are. A new semester at Rutgers, new students and classes, and a host of Camden issues to talk about. Over the upcoming weeks, we’ll be talking about the school board elections, the impact of cars on Camden’s downtown, and I’ll be sharing some of what I’ve been reading (and some of where I’ve … Continue reading We’re back! A new semester and the students who make it worth it

What does a progressive win in Camden look like?

Here we are.  End of the summer? Start of the school year? Sure. But for those of you obsessively following the conflict over tax subsidies here in Camden, you know what I’m talking about. The moment when the Murphy administration has to decide whether to sign or veto the extension of temporary tax credits because … Continue reading What does a progressive win in Camden look like?

I’m the New Graduate Director for Public Affairs/Community Development

So, some news. I’ve been named the Graduate Director of Rutgers-Camden’s MS/PhD in Public Affairs/Community Development. I have a lot of thoughts about that, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing them in this space. But I wanted to start with a story:  Almost immediately upon taking the position, a student came into my office. He … Continue reading I’m the New Graduate Director for Public Affairs/Community Development