Like many of you, we have been doing a great deal of self-reflection over the ongoing events and protests across America. The issues we face cannot be solved overnight, but we must keep questioning and keep challenging ourselves.
If you are interested, we’d like to continue to share our efforts and resources we come across with you.
Molly: My 10-year-old son Charlie and I drove to his doctor’s appointment today and we had that sanctuary of 25 minutes alone in the car together. There’s something about a drive that turns into a confessional of some sort. As we drove through DC, we passed by homemade yard signs and I asked Charlie if he knew what they meant. He said, ‘yeah, Black Lives Matter!’. I said, ‘Yeah!…but do you know what that means?’ We proceeded to have a long, thoughtful conversation clarifying details of recent events and about what exactly systemic bias and racism means. I spoke, he listened, he asked questions (!). When we arrived at his appointment, we watched this video on Systemic Racism Explained. I grew up in the Midwest, and we didn’t discuss these things. Is this an overnight victory? No. But talking with my children is one of many steps toward our future.
Haley: The Freedom Fighters in DC are accepting donations for items their protesters might need. Follow them on Instagram at @freedomfightersdc to see the most updated list of items they need and the best drop off location in the city (as this is all constantly changing!).
Madison: In honor of Breonna Taylor's birthday this coming Friday 5 June 2020, here are some concrete action items people can do to commemorate her life #BirthdayforBreonna Action Items. Here is a good NYT article about the details of her case.
Jaime: As the mother of young children, it’s hard to know how much they are able to even understand about what’s happening. My oldest son is 3 so one thing I feel like I can do to at least begin the conversation is to meet him at his level, which for us will include tuning in to The CNN and Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families on Saturday morning (June 6 at 10:00 a.m. ET). I hope to learn and grow along with him.
Meet Lexi!
In our latest installment of 20 Questions with MAA Person of the Week, I’m delighted to bring you… Lexi Schorr! Lexi has been on Team MAA since January 2019 and we are excited to share that she was recently promoted to the role of Associate. Congrats Lexi!
1. If you could buy any type of food (right now) what would you buy?
Chocolate chip cookies!
2. If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
I think I would like to be a corgi because they are small like me but look like they are smiling all the time and look so happy!
3. What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?
I really want to travel to Bali.
4. Who is your favorite super hero and why?
Wonder Woman. Because she’s strong and powerful and a lady!
5. Who do you admire the most?
My mom.
6. What is your favorite summer activity?
It’s cliché, but probably going to the beach. I love a good beach day. With SPF 100, of course.
7. If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be, who would play you?
A comedy with some good feel-good messages at the end. Emma Stone please!
8. If you could be any flavor of ice cream what ice cream flavor would you be and why?
Chocolate chip cookie dough and because it’s just really great when you get a good cookie dough surprise.
9. First job?
I was a camp counselor at a day camp for 5- and 6-year olds called Camp Rainbow. My first ‘real’ job was at the DCCC.
10. What is the worst job you could have?
Working for something I didn’t believe in or feel passionate about.
11. If you could get a yacht what would you call it?
“The Lexi-Lounger”
12. Are you a morning or a night person?
Night.
13. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
When I was in Thailand, it wasn’t one of those fried bugs, but it was some sort of fried part of a bug, I think it was the wing of something (I don’t recommend it).
14. What is your favorite thing about someone in your family?
My mom. She is always encouraging me to grow and learn and improve and she believes that it’s never to late for someone to change.
15. What is your favorite hobby?
Yoga and, most people don’t know this about me, but I’m actually a singer! (Her office mates can confirm that Lexi does enjoy to break into song ;-).
16. What is the most interesting thing you have in your purse/wallet?
I grabbed a lot of random things when I left DC to go home to New York so I have a mini puzzle game, and some weird pens that I just threw in.
17. What is your favorite Halloween costume?
I was Pebbles in college and I even had a Bam Bam with me.
18. What is your favorite pet’s name?
Luna, my Great Pyrenees!
19. What is your favorite T.V. show?
It’s a tie between the West Wing and Orange is the New Black.
20. Which of the presidents was your favorite?
Obama.
BONUS: What is your favorite movie quote?
“I dedicate this, my last editorial, to an extraordinary woman who lived by example and compelled us all to see the world through new eyes. By the time you read this, she'll be sailing to Europe, where I know she'll find new walls to break down and new ideas to replace them with. I've heard her called a quitter for leaving, an aimless wanderer. But not all who wander are aimless. Especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition; beyond definition; beyond the image."
— Betty Warren (Kirsten Dunst), Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
