Author Archives: Robin

About Robin

For more than 20 years as a writer, I have specialized in stories about young people, diversity, emotional truths and the defining moments that shape us.

Black Girls Rock!

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Robin

I watched BET’s Black Girls Rock! Sunday and was struck by the diversity of women celebrated. Empowering comments made by actresses and role models Ruby Dee and KeKe Palmer, among others, inspired me. I enjoyed learning about fierce women such … Continue reading →

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“The Other City” Is Nearby

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Robin

Never had I thought about where I might die until tonight. I spent a couple hours learning about Joseph’s House in Washington, D.C., which provides a nurturing place for homeless people dying from AIDS. The organization is featured in a … Continue reading →

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Writer Whips Procrastination Until Tomorrow

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Robin

Not one to shy from confrontation, tonight I will duke it out with my fear of failure. I will stomp rejection and whip her best friend Miss Doubt. It promises to be an exhausting evening. Continue reading →

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Life’s Melody

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Robin

While visiting the page of a friend I actually know, I noticed a video he posted with this provocative title: Dancing Under The Gallows. I watched it and learned the bone-chilling and inspirational story of Alice Herz-Sommer, who, God willing, will turn 107-years old in November. Continue reading →

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Weighty Wisdom

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Robin

But if she runs into trouble in several decades when the fat genes friendly with our DNA find her, she’ll know what to do. Her family showed her how to melt excess weight in a healthy way. Continue reading →

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“Waiting For Superman” Soars

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Robin

For those who believe “Waiting for Superman” is pro charter schools, this statistic is shared: one out of 5 charter schools achieve newsworthy results. As a former education reporter, I was pleased that extraordinary detail was not cut. Continue reading →

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Driven to Excel and Uplift

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Robin

Stacy Hawkins Adams and Osita Iroegbu were among Style Weekly’s 40 under 40, an annual honor that celebrates young movers and shakers, some known, others out of the spotlight until now.The class of 2010 rocks. Not a weak link in this impressive, diverse bunch.
Continue reading →

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My Mockingbird Muse

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Robin

Harper Lee is a bonafide celebrity who shunned the spotlight for decades. Still, I give Shields props for trying to scale a privacy wall so painstakingly erected by Lee that it still looms in this age of-too-much-personal-information. How quaint is that facebookers and my tweet peeps? Continue reading →

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Writing Forward

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Robin

But as I faced the audience of writers I saw myself in their eyes. I understood their rapt attention and a palpable hunger for answers, strategies and connections to make their writing dreams materialize. Continue reading →

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Ageless Dreams

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Robin

Virginia Shelton, 105, reminds us that we are never too old to dream big. Yesterday, the spry and sociable Shelton met President Barack Obama when he stopped in Richmond to rally voters. And he hugged her not once but twice Continue reading →

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