This week I was happy to present the Canton ACE Hardware Store with a congratulatory resolution celebrating their transition to becoming an employee-owned store.
I learned about how they are working to empower their workers & make it possible for them to get a share of the profits generated from their hard work.
Businesses that work to find alternatives to more exploitative models of economics are essential for a sustainable & equitable society.
Please do not underestimate the importance of brick-and-mortar stores like Canton ACE that value their workers & the communities they serve.
The debate on Critical Race Theory reminded of an experience I had as a teacher.
I taught 8th grade history in South Baltimore. Part of our curriculum was on world religions.
One day my principal called me into her office. A student and her mom were there. The mom looked mad.
My principal spoke first: “Mr. Cohen, there has been an accusation against you.”
I felt dazed scanning the grim range of accusations a student could make against her teacher.
The mom spoke next. “Last night my daughter came home and told me: ‘That Jew is trying to convert us!”’
I glanced over at my student. She was a smart but painfully shy kid who wore a cross to school. We had a good rapport. She laughed at my history jokes. Even the lame ones. I struggled to see her saying those words.
My principal looked equally skeptical. “Mr. Cohen is that true?”