Here it is, my keynote address at the American Federation of Ramallah Palestine Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. The event was lovely. This is a Christian Palestinian organization that is focused on maintaining Palestinian culture within the diaspora in the US. They have numerous cultural events, tours, and annual gatherings. This is the organization that invited me as well as 6 others to tour the Holy Land in October of 2019. My group included three clergy members, two medical professionals, and an educator. The trip was incredible and educational. We visited holy sites of all three Abrahamic religions, swam in the Dead Sea, and rode camels. We visited Tel Aviv and stayed in Jeruselum and Ramallah. We visited numerous Palestinian art and music centers and ate the most delicious food. And of course, as we toured, we witnessed the occupation first hand. It was shocking and humbling. Forever changing. I am grateful I was asked to go on this trip. I was later asked to be the keynote speaker at their annual convention. I'm sorry the quality isn't the greatest, I had one of the attendees film it for me on their phone.
Had a fun time this weekend at a birthday party and wanted to share my GIF. btw..I learned it's pronounced JIFF with a soft G not GIFF with a hard G. The more you know I suppose.
Patrick Lancaster has some persuasive points, but people on both sides have died. One could make a similar argument with the first assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Rally, PA. So perhaps part of what Patrick Lancaster has is correct, but there would still be a pretty big gap to fill to get the whole story.
one of the best substantial educational movements i have seen in long time... trump admin should get behind this:
Today, we’re delivering the solution: A bold, balanced game-changer on how to teach identity, history, and civic character — all rooted in our shared humanity.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆?
✔️ Meets Ethnic Studies standards without the polarization
✔️ Teaches civil discourse & character over identity politics
✔️ Honors our constitutional foundations and diverse experiences
✔️ Builds bridges instead of walls
💡 More than a course, the FAIR AE Curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, unity, and civic engagement. It transforms how students learn about identity — and what it means to be American.
The movement to reclaim what education starts NOW.
