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Men and #MeToo in Southwestern PA: What the Numbers Show

Oct 31, 2018

Men and #MeToo in Southwestern PA: What the Numbers Show

Over the past year, the #MeToo movement has swept the nation. While #MeToo began with Tarana Burke, it exploded in prominence after Hollywood actresses began calling out predators in the industry in fall 2017. Yet sexual harassment and abuse are not limited to the film industry or power players in politics, sports or business. In southwestern Pennsylvania, we know that gender-based violence is a real problem for thousands of women right here in our community. The #MeToo mo

We All Have a Role to Play

Oct 17, 2018

We All Have a Role to Play

I was honored to be featured as the first FAME member of the month but hesitant at the same time. My initial thought was why? I am not an elected official in the community, you won’t see me in the paper or on TV, and I don’t have a huge social media following. It was during this questioning that I came to the conclusion that an individual like me makes sense as the first FAME member to be recognized this way. It is because I am no different than anyone else but I still have t

It Isn't Locker Room Talk

Oct 12, 2016

It Isn't Locker Room Talk

Although I have never had the opportunity to be a part of a locker room with the “rich and famous,” I have been in my fair share of locker rooms over the years. I believe it is safe to say that Donald Trump’s attempt at covering his tracks by claiming that the glorification of his own sexually assaultive behavior was simply “locker room talk” is not only repugnant, it is undeniably wrong. What Mr. Trump is suggesting is that locker rooms across this country are filled with m

Jun 29, 2016

Domestic Violence and Mass Shootings

In the wake of the Orlando mass shooting, the focus has turned to what motivated the shooter to commit this heinous hate crime. Some sources claim that he pledged allegiance to ISIS during the shooting, while others claim that he was gay himself, and desperate to hide his sexuality while simultaneously lashing out at those who he believe rejected him. Amidst all of this speculation, an important component of his background has largely been overlooked: his significant history

Blackburn Center: Privilege Project

Jun 22, 2016

Blackburn Center: Privilege Project

If you’ve spent any amount of time online, particularly reading about issues related to inequality, you’ve likely heard the term “privilege.” This word is commonly used to describe a group of people whose day to day lives are made more just or safe simply because they belong to a particular social group. These “dominant” groups can include race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and religion. A dominant group is defined as a social group that controls the value s