Guy Nave
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Articles by Guy Nave
Make America Safe Again?
While many Americans are rightfully outraged by Trump’s handling of the Epstein files and the administration’s apparent favorable treatment of convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, the controversy has diverted attention away from Trump’s recent and continued assault on hundreds of thousands of poor Americans. According to a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) report, in 2024, there were approximately 771,480 people experiencing homelessness in the United States on any given night.
Why Does the U.S. Keep Repeating Failed Hate-Full Immigration Policies?
U.S. mass deportation of alleged “immigrants” has never worked On July 15, 1954, the United States engaged in a mass deportation program that the government dubbed “Operation Wetback.” The program employed the pejorative term “wetback,” which was often used to refer to Mexican citizens who entered the U.S. by swimming across the Rio Grande River. While it was the most extensive deportation program in U.S. history, it was not the first deportation effort in U.S. history.
What We Need to Understand About Juneteenth
Freedom Ending Slavery is Not the Same Thing as Attaining Freedom (If you are not a Medium subscriber, you can use this LINK to read the story.) On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially designating June 19 as a federal holiday. It took the United States 156 years to formally recognize a day that some Black Americans had been celebrating since 1865.
So, A Professed P*ssy Grabbing Convicted Felon Will Return The Kennedy Center to “A Golden Age in Arts and Culture”?
Member-only story Society and Culture Can this get any more disgustingly ridiculous? Guy Nave · Follow Published in Bouncin’ and Behaving Blogs TOO · 3 min read · -- Trump dancing at an Arizona rally | Wikimedia While I am disappointed – and oftentimes outright angry – that millions of Americans re-elected Donald Trump as President of the United States, I still try to avoid inflammatory sensational titles and writing gut-level articles. This article, however, is an exception.
Black History, Sports, DEI, and Hitler’s 1936 Olympic Games
Member-only story Black History is American History Yes, they are all connected Guy Nave · Follow Published in Thought Thinkers · 9 min read · -- Kids playing basketball by RDNE Stock project via Pexel While summer 2026 might provide a more appropriate historical backdrop for this article, I can’t wait until next year. Summer 2026 will mark the 90th anniversary of the 1936 Olympic Games.
Here’s Why I Have Finally Come to Appreciate The Title “Dreamer” for Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Every significant achievement begins with a dream (The following is a transcript of a talk given on January 20, 2025, at Grand View University honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) This year marks 62 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Even if you know nothing about Dr. King, you’ve probably heard of his “I Have a Dream” speech and may have read it or listened to it in school.
The Sustaining Power of Faith
Don’t despair! Those seeking justice must live by faith. I can’t begin to describe the emotional roller-coaster I experienced that night. Within hours, I went from excitement, great expectations, and a belief that all things are possible to feelings of confusion, frustration, and despair. I couldn’t fathom how anyone could reject this woman (or any woman for that matter) who had spent her life working for and committed to a vision of a world where everyone can access the resources they need.
Trump Voters Got What They Want, But Refuse to Admit What it Means
America | The Politics of Hate Own your racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other forms of hatred Guy Nave · Follow 9 min read · -- Photo by James McNellis via Wikimedia Commons I was and remain a supporter of Kamala Harris. Vice President Harris ran an inspiring campaign that united people across America’s social and political spectrum. In an article I wrote before the election, I stated what I believed this election was about and WHY I supported Kamala Harris.
Is America Willing to Be America?
Is America Willing to Be America? Reviving the pursuit of an ideal Press enter or click to view image in full size Four people overlooking the city | Photo by Devin Avery on Unsplash Considering the importance of the 2024 Presidential election, this link is for readers who are not Medium subscribers The birth of an ideal After rejecting what they perceived as the tyranny of the English monarchy, a group of immigrants dreamed of a nation built upon a set of ideals.
A Missed Opportunity at the 2024 Democratic National Convention
The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) was, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring and energizing DNCs I have ever witnessed. The excitement and energy at the convention was palpable. Everyone was feeling “fired up” and “ready to go.” From the youngest to the oldest, delegates at the DNC were excited about Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the 47th President of the United States and making history doing it.
I Remember The Day I “Turned Black”
Since race is a social construct rather than a biological reality created to advantage certain people and disadvantage others, no Black American is ever really BORN “Black.” Every Black American becomes Black, or as Donald Trump said about Kamala Harris, “turned Black.” Donald Trump’s comments were inflammatory and unequivocally racist. Donald Trump has gone from spreading “birther” lies about Barack Obama and questioning whether…
The U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Illustrates the Value of Diversity
The U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Illustrates the Value of Diversity As an American, I take immense pride in the historic achievements of the U.S. Women’s gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics. Their triumphant return to the top, winning the gold medal with a dominant performance, is a moment that fills many Americans with a sense of pride.
Sixty-Eight Percent of Americans Will Never Need to Vote Again if Trump is Elected President
Another dangerous undemocratic claim made by Donald Trump During the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in West Palm Beach, FL, Donald Trump urged Christians to turn out for him on election day, calling it the "most important election ever." Turning Point Action is the advocacy wing of Turning Point USA, one of the largest national organizations focused on engaging students on conservative issues.
"I Rebuke You in the Name of Jesus!"
The list of innocent unarmed Black people killed in the United States by police officers who are supposed to "protect and serve" continues to get longer and longer. It is impossible to keep up with all the names of Black people in America killed by police officers. The continued and increasing number of police killings of unarmed Black people challenges the myth of " a few bad apples.
"Blessed Are Smart and Rich People...."
Newsflash: Donald Trump is nothing like Jesus On July 20, 2024, the GOP Presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump, and his Vice President nominee, Senator JD Vance, delivered remarks at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was their first rally after officially accepting the Republican nomination for President and Vice President of the United States of America. During that rally, Trump promoted the importance of "making life good" for "smart people" like Elon Musk.
Placing Argentina's Copa América Racist Chant In Context
WHITENESS AND GLOBAL RACISM Erasing a history of racial identity only fuels racial hatred Argentina footballers are once again in the spotlight for anti-Black racism. After beating Colombia to lift the Copa América trophy, members of the Argentina national football team chanted racist slurs about Black French players. It was live-streamed by Argentine star Enzo Fernandez, who is now facing an investigation by French football authorities and his English club Chelsea.
Balaclava Wearing White Nationalists Aren't An American Fringe Group
White Supremacy and American GOP Politics July 6, 2024 White Nationalist Patriot Front Rally in Nashville, TN | Screenshot from X Two days after many Americans celebrated "Independence Day," more than 100 members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front marched down the streets of downtown Nashville, chanting " Sieg Heil " and "Deportation saves the nation." Thomas Rousseau leading the July 4 Nashville Patriot Front Rally | X video screenshot Patriot Front (PF) is a white nationalist hate...
Remembering The Emanuel Nine and Violence against Black People and Churches
Yesterday, parishioners gathered at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, to...
Excellent Juneteenth Articles on Medium as of 2024
By Guy Nave Black Culture Here's a great place to start to learn more about Juneteenth Photo by: USAG-Humphreys | Flickr Nearly 160 years after Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and that President Abraham Lincoln had issued a proclamation ordering the emancipation of "all persons held as slaves...
Why Are Black Republicans Elected in Predominately White Districts?
By Guy Nave Politics + Black Voters Maybe the answer lies with who they represent Person placing a ballot in a ballot box. Photo by Edmond Dantès | Pexel I just finished watching a fantastic two-minute TikTok video by Garrison Hayes that provides the best response to arguments made by Republicans that virtually all of the early Black History heroes were...
“From the River to the Sea” and “From Sea to Shining Sea”
“From the River to the Sea” and “From Sea to Shining Sea” Disturbing refrains that require genuine listening Composite Photo: Dina Adel on Pexels | Dan Meyers on Unsplash Publicly appreciating student protesters that I know Protests and demonstrations are taking place on college and university campuses across the United States as students demand a cease-fire and an end to the killing of…
Yes, Your Speech is Being Banned, But It’s Not Because You’re Conservative
American Culture + Free Speech The issue is hatred, not conservatism Although the song is over 50 years old, Marvin Gaye’s seminal classic, ‘What’s Going On’ has been on my mind all week. In 1971, Marvin Gaye asked, “What’s going on?” as a critique of what he and many others considered “a world in despair.” Gaye had been inspired by social ills committed in the United States.
Here’s What I Love Most About Medium
Writing And it has nothing to do with making money! This is my first article of 2024, and it’s unlike any other article I have written on Medium. After six years on Medium, I’m writing this article simply to say, “Thank you.” I LOVE thoughtful, challenging, and inspiring engagement! That’s why I read and write on Medium. I have also come to value and appreciate the community I have found on Medium.
Here’s Why Kwanzaa is SO Important
History and Culture There’s more to Kwanzaa than most people realize I’m a university professor at a small HWCU (Historically White College/University). We’re much more familiar with the HBCU (Historically Black College/University) title than the HWCU title, but why do we identify specific colleges and universities as HBCUs and not other colleges as HWCUs? If HBCU is an appropriate title, then so is HWCU. Anyway, several years ago, I had a funny conversation with a first-year student at my college.
Why Ban "Divisive" Teachings While Protecting Divisive Confederate Monuments?
Racism & White Supremacy In a previous article, I compared recent attempts by conservative legislatures to pass laws prohibiting the teaching of American history that emphasizes the systemic oppression of Black people by white people to attempts by American anti-abolitionists to limit the dissemination of abolitionist teachings that emphasized and rejected the systemic oppression of enslaved Black people by white America.
Critical Race Theory Opponents Stand in the Tradition of Anti-Abolitionists TK
Racism + Critical Race Theory Photo taken by the author at The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL | the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Very few opponents of Critical Race Theory (CRT) would say they support . Very few would admit they would have opposed the abolition of slavery if they were alive during the time of chattel slavery in America. However, their opposition to the teaching of CRT is virtually identical to earlier opposition to the dissemination of abolitionist teachings and literature.
The Dehumanization of Black People
Racism + Social Justice I recently published an article celebrating the inspiring 2023 New York City Council election victory of Yusef Salaam, a man who was falsely arrested and imprisoned as part of the Central Park Five. While researching and writing that article, I came across the term "No Humans Involved" ( NHI).
An Election Victory That's Larger Than Politics
On November 7, 2023, I watched television from my home in rural Iowa, awaiting the official declaration that Yusef Salaam had won a seat representing Harlem on the New York City Council. There was no doubt Salaam would win the seat since he ran unopposed. My excitement, therefore, had nothing to do with it being a close race nor with my confidence that Salaam would make a good city councilman.
Mr. Speaker, There's No Such Thing as a "Bible-Believing" Christian
Religion + Politics Why the myth of a single biblical world-view is so dangerous I am an ordained Christian minister who has served various local Christian congregations in a ministerial capacity since 1990. I am also a Professor of Religion with a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Yale University. My area of training is biblical studies and social history of the early Jesus movement. As a biblical scholar, I spend quite a bit of time reading the Bible.
If God Raises Up Leadership, Why Do Christian Republicans Oppose Biden?
The Christian hypocrisy of the new House Speaker After three weeks without a House Speaker, several failed votes, and four different nominees, the Republican House majority has finally elected a Speaker of the House.
We're Again Confronted with a Choice of "Nonviolence or Non-Existence"
Children stand in front of their house targeted in an Israeli air strike (UN Photo/Shareef Sarhan|Flickr) In response to Hamas' brutal and savage attack against Israel on Oct 7th, 2023, that resulted in the death of over 1,000 Israelis, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has engaged in two weeks of artillery bombardment and airstrikes of Gaza. The retaliatory attacks have resulted in more than 15,000 Palestinians being injured and more than 5,000 being killed.
Our Mind May Be Our Best Healer
As I get older, I notice all my friends are also getting older. While this has always been the case, I recently started becoming more aware of this fact. Maybe it's because I've become more aware of how many of my peers respond differently to illness and sickness than younger people. I'm a university professor. I've been teaching traditional university-age students for more than 25 years.
What's Up With All the Criticism of the Colorado Buffs Football Team?
Darian Hagan Sr., running backs coach of the Colorado Buffaloes (2010-11 season) | John Martinez Pavliga via Flickr To all of the readers who follow me, I apologize if you feel this article represents a departure from what you are used to from me. While this is a different type of story for me, I believe it capsulizes much of what I write about. I'm not going to make an argument in this article. This article reflects me thinking out loud more than me making an argument.
Will America Finally Begin Protecting Citizens from Gun Violence?
Politics + Gun Violence While no cable news network aired Vice President Harris & President Biden launching the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, I'm still excited and hopeful this might be the beginning of something monumental.
Black Success in the U.S. is NOT "Proof" of Racial Equity in the U.S.
I rarely write articles responding to comments received on a previous article. This article, however, is one I feel compelled to write.
What Makes a Tragedy Worth Never Forgetting?
Looking north along North Greenwood Avenue following the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre | Tulsa Historical Society and Museum I was driving into work today and saw several flags flying at half-mast. As a military veteran, I began asking myself what happened? Did something happen overnight that I missed? As I checked my various news feeds, I realized that today was September 11th. Flags are flying at half-mast in remembrance of the attack on the World Trade Center that happened on September 11, 2001.
A Threat of Bullets If Trump's Denied a Win at the Ballot Box in 2024
Politics + Racism An appalling racist misappropriation of a great American speech On Wednesday, September 6, Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) said 2024 will be the last election "decided by ballots rather than bullets" if former President Donald Trump doesn't win the Presidential race because of his various legal battles. Huckabee accused President Biden of using his "police agencies to arrest [his] opponent for made-up crimes...
Valuable Strategies for Effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DEI & Higher Education While I am acutely aware that the issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can often be a source of contentious partisan political debates, allow me to begin by asking us to step outside our politics and ask ourselves if we genuinely support or oppose "diversity", "equity", and "inclusion." If we're opposed to "diversity", what do we prefer? If we're opposed to "equity", what do we prefer? If we're opposed to "inclusion", what do we prefer?
I See Black People, And I'm Not Racist
Racism + Culture Here's why the myth of colorblindness perpetuates racism I'm writing this piece from the vantage point of an ordained Christian minister who is also a tenured professor teaching at a liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). My comments regarding racism and colorblindness reflect a specific critique of Christianity in general and the ELCA in particular. My critique, however, is not limited to Christianity and the ELCA.
Historical Violence is not Simply History When It's Continually Repeated
Racism + American Culture Reporters talk with Alton Yates and Rodney Hurst during the first sit-in demonstration at Woolworth's store, August 13, 1960 | Photo Credit: University of North Florida, Digital Commons When it comes to talking about race, racism, and racialized violence in America, far too often I have heard comments like: " get over it", "it happened 400 years ago", "that's in the past", or the classic - "we had a Black president".
Are We As Appalled by Multiple Police Indictments as by Multiple Trump Indictments?
Racism + Police While many Americans rightly criticize the continued support of Donald Trump's campaign for the US presidency after his fourth indictment, a significant number of Americans continue to think favorably of so-called "law enforcement officers" after years of increasing indictments of police and police departments for racist policing practices.
World Religions Working Together for Justice
This is my second installment chronicling my time at the 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions (PoWR). As I shared in my first installment, I am currently attending my first PoWR convening. During my first day, I met and talked with dozens of people who have attended several past convenings. After just one day, I see why so many people chose to return. It is utterly amazing to be surrounded by several thousands of people passionate about making the world a better place.
World Religions Working Together for Justice
Religion + Social Justice If you're like most people, you've probably never heard of the Parliament of the World's Religions (PoWR). I'm a professor of religion and I only recently learned about the Parliament. PoWR is the world's premier interfaith convening of civic, spiritual, and grassroots change-makers.
Don't be Fooled by False Equivalences
Racism + Culture I'm always amazed by people who respond to something I've written by making arguments that have nothing to do with what I've written. It seems to me that their objective is to avoid the content of my article or argument by switching the focus to something else. Making false equivalences is one of the most common ways of avoiding the content of an argument by switching the focus to something else.
A 21st Century American Town Has Not Held an Election in 60 Years
Racism + Politics Voter suppression is a strategy used to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing specific groups of people from voting. Voter suppression is an anti-democratic tactic associated with authoritarianism. African Americans are the primary target of voter suppression in the United States. Voter suppression has been practiced in the United States since at least the end of Reconstruction (1865-77).
Why is Promoting Vigilantism Presented as a "Love of Law & Order"?
Racism + Culture Less than 48 hours after it was aired, Country Music Television (CMT) pulled the music video for Jason Aldean's song, "Try That In A Small Town." The action was in response to an outcry over the song's lyrics and the video's setting and imagery. While there have been heated debates and disagreements regarding whether or not the song and video are racist and pro-lynching, it seems impossible to deny that the song promotes vigilantism.
Experiencing The Gift of "Presence"
By Guy Nave Presence is the greatest gift we can offer in times of suffering A picture taken outside the Nottingham City Council building Nearly two weeks ago, I shared a story regarding the tragic murder of three people in Nottingham, England. Two of those people were college students at the University of Nottingham.
Celebrating the 75 Anniversary of the Windrush Generation
By Guy Nave Reflections of an African American Living in the United Kingdom The HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks. June 1948 | Picture via PA common domain I'm an African American coming to the end of a one-year teaching assignment in Nottingham, England. This week I've had the pleasure of celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the " Windrush Generation."
Have I Crossed the Line By Suggesting Jesus Might Have Been Racist?
By Guy Nave Christianity | Racism How to read the Bible in ways that challenge rather than promote racism Child reading a Bible | Photo by nappy via Pexels Allow me to begin by saying the focus of this article has less to do with making claims about Jesus and more to do with examining how the Bible is interpreted and used.
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