“…when I’m thinking with ideas and concepts from women of color feminisms, I’m referring not just to the identities of specific scholars, but also their methods. For example, Audre Lorde is a poet and Black feminist who centers the concerns of women of color in her writing and the questions she asks. So when I read a text from a historical time period, I use these more recent thinkers to help me notice and attend to the themes and topics that women of color feminists are interested in in my analysis, such as the impact of gender and race understandings. Postcolonial theorists are interested in thinking about the ongoing impacts and legacy of colonialism worldwide as it shows up in different kinds of cultural texts, like novels, films, and even political rhetoric.”

It’s July, which means many Americans are pulling out the red, white, and blue stripes. But there’s another flag out there associated with this month– one that you’re unlikely to see waving around in your neighbors' yards, but is, in my opinion, equally important. This one, the Disability Pride Flag….

“I would say, if it moves you, go for it. You know, if you've got a reason for running, whatever that reason is. You know, I came with a background with a child with a disability, and I'm an educator who has done some advocacy work at the state level. But anyone, you know, should just do it if you're motivated to do it.” Heather Murray, Waunakee School Board

“How do you make your community a better place? I want as many people to feel confident that they can do it. Or do phone calls, or texts, or something else– I just want everyone, as many people as possible, to realize that they can do this. They can be that little spark that lights a flame. They have the ability within themselves to make a change.” Representative Ryan Spaude