How Power Really Works
A series on fear, power, democracy, and the lessons of the civil rights era.
Current Chapter
Chapter 1:
Fear Is Cheaper than Persuasion
This series reflects on fear not as emotion alone, but as a system of deterrence through which societies teach people when to speak, when to hesitate, and when to remain silent.
Published Chapters
- Fear Is Cheaper Than Persuasion
Chapter 1: Fear Is Cheaper Than Persuasion
Chapter 1: Fear Is Cheaper Than Persuasion This series reflects on fear not as emotion alone, but as a system of deterrence through which societies teach people when to speak, when to hesitate, and when to remain silent. There are two basic ways to govern people. You…
Why I Wrote Small’s Big Journey
A True Story of Freedom and the Fight for the Vote Some…
The First Sign I Ever Carried
Norfolk, Virginia, 1961. I am on the right, age twelve,…
I Lived Through the Shift
I Lived Through the Shift I have been thinking…
Why I Still Don’t Understand the Virginia Redistricting Election Timeline
Why I Still Don’t Understand the Virginia Redistricting…
Why the Struggle Over Who Gets to Vote Has Never Truly Ended
Why the struggle over who gets to vote has never truly…
From Small’s First Vote to Today: Why This Supreme Court Decision Matters
From Small’s First Vote to Today: Why This Supreme Court…
About Charlene
Welcome! I write about history, voting rights, politics, family legacy, and the stories that connect generations.
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