Thank you and goodbye from Carmen Van Kerckhove
by Carmen Van Kerckhove
Cross-posted on Racialicious, Love Isn’t Enough, Addicted to Race, and CarmenVanKerckhove.com
This post probably won’t come as a huge surprise — I know many people have noticed how quiet I’ve been over the last few months.
I want to let you know that I’ve decided to “retire” from work on race and diversity. Instead, I’m going to focus full-time on working with my husband Serge on Urban Martial Arts, our karate school in Brooklyn.
Why have I decided to change course? Well, it took me a long time to admit this to myself, but the truth is that I’m just not as passionate and driven about race work as I used to be.
Before, when I heard about something race-related, I’d get fired up and couldn’t wait to blog/speak/evangelize about it. But over the last year, blogging has felt like more of an obligation than a passion. And it’s just not fair to you if I keep phoning it in.
Besides, I’ve always been a big believer that you need to know when to move on and make room for the next generation. There’s nothing I would hate more than to become that cranky older activist telling the young’uns to shut up and show some goddamn respect. 
People who are close to me know that I’ve always been just as interested in marketing and entrepreneurship, as I have been in race. And lately, my interest in business has been peaking as my interest in race work has been dying down.
Serge and I started Urban Martial Arts, our Brooklyn karate school, two years ago, and it’s been such a great journey. We work together shockingly well (hey, we were nervous about how it would be to work AND live together!), and running a local small business poses a never-ending series of enjoyable intellectual challenges for us.
Plus, I can’t even begin to tell you how rewarding it is to run a business that brings such positive change to our community: not only changes in our students’ physical well-being, but also seeing how martial arts is helping to strengthen them mentally and emotionally.
Serge is the martial artist in the family, not me, so I’ve never had a chance before now to see how life-transforming martial arts really can be. Kinda makes me wish I’d done karate as a kid instead of kidding myself that I was ever gonna be a ballerina. (If you’ve ever witnessed how terrible my posture is, you’ll know that the ballet tuition was quite a waste of money. LOL!)
It’s also been really cool to see what a diverse community we’ve created. We’re in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood called Ditmas Park. The school’s location happens to be at an intersection between a bunch of different ethnic/religious communities — West Indian, South Asian, Orthodox Jewish, North African, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, just to name a few — and we have students represented from all those backgrounds and more.
(Oh, funnily enough, the school is literally around the corner from this daycare center. When I saw that post go up, I had a total case of “the worlds are colliding!”)
It’s also been fun for me to take what I stumbled into learning about social media and try to adapt it for business purposes. We just relaunched our web site, which has — wait for it — a blog! That’s right, I’m still blogging, though now it’s about health and nutrition, and the goings on at the school.
I’m also trying to figure out what the best strategy is with our Facebook page and Twitter account. I’m tinkering, trying out some different things, but if any of you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them! Hit me up at carmen AT urbandojo.com. And of course, if any of you live in or near Ditmas Park and want to try classes, holla!
So anyway, the point is: I’m really excited about this new direction I’m heading in!
And because there are so many amazing people who are doing great work in the race/diversity space, I feel that I can walk away without regret, and with confidence that people are going to continue the struggle against racism.
So what’s going to happen to the various places where you keep up with me and my colleagues? Here’s a rundown…
- Racialicous – Latoya Peterson is going to take over
- Love Isn’t Enough (formerly Anti-Racist Parent) – Tami Winfrey Harris is going to take over
- Addicted to Race – Latoya Peterson is going to take over
- New Demographic will be dissolved.
- My personal blog – I’m not quite sure yet what I’m going to do with it.
- My Twitter account – again, I’m not quite sure yet what I’m going to do with it.
- My Facebook account – I’m going to let it go idle, since it’s gotten just too overwhelming and full of people I don’t know (my own fault, obviously).
I’ve started a new Facebook account under my married name for personal and karate purposes. Feel free to friend me there, but please understand that I’m only going to accept your friend request if I know you personally in some way, so don’t be offended if I don’t respond!
Tami tells me that Julia, a Love Isn’t Enough contributor and ardent supporter will be joining her as co-editor, and they are assembling an editorial team to move the site forward. Some of the same voices our readers have come to appreciate will still be around, plus some new ones.
While they work out technical stuff and marshal their forces, Love Isn’t Enough will be on hiatus. They will return the week of June 14. In the meantime, they will post an open thread and encourage readers to share any suggestions for the future.
Latoya also has a lot of exciting plans for Racialicious, and Addicted to Race, but she’ll reveal those to you in due course. 
Ok, so here’s where my emotionally stunted self is going to try and let myself get a bit mushy.
Thank you so much for the support you’ve shown me over the last eight years. Every person who has ever subscribed to our email newsletter, subscribed to our podcast, commented on our blogs, told a friend about us, came to watch me speak, emailed me encouraging words, interviewed me for an article or show, signed up for a teleseminar or program, linked to our blog — every single one of those actions helped create this vibrant network of communities you see here today.
I’m really proud of the work I’ve done over the years, and I’m so grateful for the amazing opportunities that have come my way, and the great friends and colleagues I’ve met.
I hope that you will continue to support Racialicious, Addicted to Race, and Love Isn’t Enough after I’m gone, because Latoya and Tami have some great things in store for you.
Thank you for letting me into your life.
With gratitude,
Carmen Van Kerckhove
PS: Let me leave you with one last gift…
Carmen Van Kerckhove is co-founder and president of
lizzie(greeneyedfem) wrote:
Carmen, I wish you all good things in your life moving forward! I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the good you’ve put out in the world through your race work. I have learned so much from your writings, and from all the people to whom you’ve given a platform for talking about race.
Racialicious will always, always be one of my daily stops online — thank you for creating this amazing site!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:01 am ¶
Momo wrote:
You will be missed!!!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:04 am ¶
Elton wrote:
Best wishes, Carmen. I hope that everything that is coming to an end gets archived through http://www.archive.org/index.php
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:04 am ¶
merq wrote:
In a word,
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I really will miss having your voice out there. I mean that in multiple ways: 1. Your compassion and intellect were a refreshing change of pace in this crazy space of cyber.
2. On those ATR podcasts, you just sound too damn smooth for your own good.
All the best to you and yours. You will truly be missed.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:07 am ¶
Gregory A. Butler wrote:
Carmen,
Good luck with your business – entrepreneurship can be quite an adventure (in a good way AND a bad way) – try and enjoy the ride and I wish you and your husband all the success in the world!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:15 am ¶
LM wrote:
Carmen,
Thank you, congratulations and good luck. You and Serge have great things in store if your work on race over the years is any indication.
Latoya and Tami,
Keep up the good work you’ve already been doing for a substantial while.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:24 am ¶
F. wrote:
I am going to miss reading your posts and comments here at Racialicious, Carmen. You were a big part of the reason why I started reading and responding to this blog in the first place. I’ve always appreciated how thoughtful and passionate you are about race-related issues; I appreciate having such an articulate voice for Asian Americans out there. I wish the best of luck to you and the karate school!
(I am also glad that someone as awesome as Latoya will be taking over!)
Take care Carmen and thank you for everything you’ve done here at Racialicious!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:29 am ¶
Restructure! wrote:
Thank you, Carmen, for founding Racialicious and creating a space for our voices. You probably can’t imagine how many lives you have touched in a positive way.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 8:40 am ¶
Ravi wrote:
Good luck in your new ventures Carmen. Thanks for helping to make this space possible. It has made a big difference for me in many ways, and I really enjoyed being a part of the Racialicious seminar last year as well. Best to you and yours!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:03 am ¶
khia213 wrote:
Thank you so much for creating a space where it’s safe to discuss issues that touch people so deeply. Your contributions will be greatly missed and your insight will not be matched.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:05 am ¶
PPR_Scribe wrote:
Best wishes, Carmen! Rock on, Latoya and Tami!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:15 am ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:
@Carmen –
See, I was going to sneak attack you and back edit this post in with some Boys II Men…but you won the set with Keanu madness. Really? Where the hell did you find that?
And one day, I aspire to have as big of a vagina as you do, so I can also carry my laptop in it.
The correspondents and I all have something to say, but we’re all a lot more broken up than we anticipated. If Arturo can’t bring the comedy, we’re in bad shape. But we love you. And you know that.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:17 am ¶
Safiya Outlines wrote:
I wish you all the best for your new ventures.
Thank you so much for all work you’ve done here, at AtR and Love Isn’t Enough, you’ve taught me so much and I’m very grateful for it.
P.S Can we still have the occasional photo of Sean over on Love Isn’t Enough? She’s gorgeous.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:22 am ¶
Ay-leen wrote:
Thank you so much for your inspiring work. You’ve had such an impact upon the social justice community that relative newcomers like me are just getting familiar with, and I really appreciate this safe space you and the rest of the staff worked to achieve.
Good luck with the dojo, and if I’m ever in the neighborhood, I may stop by to say hello.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:33 am ¶
Bill wrote:
Thank you for your superb work here and elsewhere, your leaving Racialicious in good hands, and your strong example of being true to yourself. Best wishes and take care!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:35 am ¶
jmn wrote:
Carmen, thank you so much for all the work you’ve done over the years. You’ve planted the seeds to a vibrant and thriving community of race activists who will continue to push forward. I thank Buddha every day for you and Latoya and the rest of the Racialicious crew.
- John
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:38 am ¶
Mooncat wrote:
thank you for all your work and good luck with everything in the future! =)
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:46 am ¶
EvilAngelfish wrote:
Thank you for creating this space and all the wonderful insight you’ve provided over the years. You will definitely be missed in this online community. Best of luck with the dojo and all your future endeavors!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:51 am ¶
Anna wrote:
Thank you for being there and filling a hole in anti-racist education that I very much needed and was looking for. Thank you for making yourself available and for answering my many questions over e-mail. The word on anti-racism is finally making it up the ranks at my organization, and I think they are taking positive steps. Your advice on how to form an effective diversity committee helped us head in that direction. Though I’ve never met you in person you’ve been a critical mentor for me and I thank you so so much for everything you’ve done for me and others like me. We’ll miss you! xo. Anna
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:56 am ¶
Jason wrote:
Carmen, I echo others here in thanking you for all your hard work and everything you’ve put into founding and creating this space -and what a feat it is! Congratulations and good luck!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:56 am ¶
Carmen Van Kerckhove wrote:
Hey everyone, thank you so much for your kind words! It really means a lot.
@merq LOL you are too much. If Latoya lets me, maybe I can make the occasional guest appearance on ATR in the future.
@Ravi and @Anna Thank you both so much for participating in my programs! I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have worked with both of you, and I’m so glad you and your organizations have gotten value out of it. Keep in touch!
@Latoya It was a simple search in YouTube for “+keanu +montage”
And ew, your dropping of the L-bomb is making me uncomfortable. Just kidding. 
Today is definitely a bittersweet day for me.
@Safiya You’ll have to talk to Tami about that! Now that I won’t be running Love Isn’t Enough anymore, I won’t be able to abuse my power by skipping Sean to the front of the gratuitous cute kid pic queue!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 10:07 am ¶
yolanda wrote:
oh my gosh, i got all teary-eyed reading this, which probably has more to do with my weird sleeping habits than anything else. i’ve only been reading racialicious for the past year or so, but in that year i’ve learned SO, SO much about anti-racism, and how race and pop culture intersects in my everyday life. it is because of you and this site that i look at the world around me differently, and it’s helped me to discover that social justice is not just a passing interest of mine, but a passion. i’ve completely changed the whole course of my life to things that focus on social justice, anti-racism, or what i like to call all it, “anti-oppression” work. thank you so much for this site and it being a gateway into things that not only affect me as a poc, but as a person in general. good luck in all of you endeavors–the site for your school looks awesome, btw! makes me wish i was a resident of brookyln and not some college student in the midwest
Posted 21 May 2010 at 10:14 am ¶
Mary wrote:
The best of luck to your future endeavors… all I can do is thank you for leaving cyberspace and the world a better place than you found it.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 10:16 am ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:
@CVK –
Love just isn’t enough, Carmen.
@merq LOL you are too much. If Latoya lets me, maybe I can make the occasional guest appearance on ATR in the future.
Let what? You do realize you foolishly gave me your phone number, home address, and dojo address right? Yo Carmen, I’m really happy for you and your dojo thing, I’ma Let you finish, but Racialicious/ATR has one of the best missions of all time!
I just figure if I make it awesome enough, you’ll come back. Riiiiiiight? You’re just waiting for me to make this work, right?
Posted 21 May 2010 at 10:16 am ¶
Lola wrote:
thank you and congrats on your new career
Posted 21 May 2010 at 10:28 am ¶
Pamela Slim wrote:
Carmen, I love the way you wrapped up this post with love for the great work you have done, and enthusiasm for the work of your future.
It is really hard to leave behind something that has been such a huge part of your life. But as you said, you are leaving room for the tremendous new voices and leaders who have the itch in their pants to make fierce change now.
The work you do at the dojo is just bringing all of your experience to life. I look forward to visiting next time in New York, and maybe taking a weak swing at a bag with my flaccid blogger’s arms.
I love you and am very proud of you. If I may be a surrogate Auntie for one moment.
Latoya, I can’t wait to see what you create.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 10:35 am ¶
stagolee wrote:
Great work (on this site) and good luck in the Urban Dojo!
I trust you’ll leave the site up for future readers and archivists, etc. Yes?
Posted 21 May 2010 at 11:38 am ¶
little mixed girl wrote:
good luck!
it was just 5? years ago (’05) when carmen came to speak at the mixed race conference at msu~~
i hope you come back some time and do some posts once and a while!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 11:38 am ¶
stagolee wrote:
Oh yeah… and most importantly, major props for knowing when one’s work has reached it’s natural ‘letting go’ point.
I frequently promote this same idea to my closest friends.
Nicely done.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 11:39 am ¶
Julian wrote:
Dear Carmen,
Thank you so very much for bringing Racialicious to life and into so many lives. And for passing the torch when the time was right, into awesome hands. Much good luck to you and I hope you enjoy seeing young and not-as-young and older and old people gain confidence in all areas through their practice at your karate school. Very cool. Lives, no doubt, will be changed: I foresee bullied kids feeling empowered. I foresee adult women being spiritually stronger and more capable to defend themselves, in every way. I foresee elderly people gaining balance and fitness and the means to stay independent for many more years. And on and on.
And thanks for leaving us with many lovely images Keanu Reeves. And by “us” I actually mean “me”. *Sigh*. Even though he makes my heart go pitter patter, he’ll never be as awesomesaucy as you, imo. (And I do think he’s rather awesomesaucy!)
I wish you WELLNESS and JOYFULNESS in your work and your play!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 11:41 am ¶
Keith wrote:
I wish you all the best, and as someone who had the chance to teach self defense years ago, Owning your own Dojo will be very rewarding.
You guys will be a great asset to the local community.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 11:43 am ¶
sarahkim wrote:
Best wishes to you, Carmen! I was wondering what you were up to these days, given that all was quiet on the Facebook front. Like all of the other folks here, I want to thank you profusely for bringing Racialicious, your podcast, and your insightful commentary into our lives. They’ve been incredibly meaningful to me, and I think it’s a sign of your success that they will continue to thrive after you move on. THANK YOU!!!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:01 pm ¶
Val wrote:
Thanks for creating this space.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:16 pm ¶
karen wrote:
Carmen, thank you so much for creating Racialicious. I love this space so much. I wish you all kinds of happiness with your work.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:33 pm ¶
lovepeaceohana wrote:
Oh Carmen – thank you, so much, for everything you’ve given. You were my foremost inspiration in tackling racial issues and without some of the insights you’ve shared over the years I literally would not be the Filipina I am today.
I wish you all the joy, peace, and happiness that you so richly deserve – good luck in your new ventures!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:34 pm ¶
Moni wrote:
I wanna second what Val said. Just thanks for this space that we have…best of luck to you!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:34 pm ¶
ansel wrote:
Wow, your work at the dojo sounds awesome. You’ll be missed around here – this great community that you helped assemble. Good luck!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:42 pm ¶
Baiskeli wrote:
It’s sad to see you go, but it has been great. This blog was the first I came to when I begun reading blogs about race and diversity. Through it and the podcast I found many other blogs, got to know some really interesting stuff and got to share.
Good luck with your karate school.
kwaheri ya kuonana
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:47 pm ¶
RCHOUDH wrote:
You’ve already done so much incredible work as an activist. I hope you succeed in your future endeavors and thank you for starting up the Racialicious blog!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 12:50 pm ¶
Aiyo wrote:
We’ll miss you Carmen, best luck with the future and to your family.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 1:10 pm ¶
Eva wrote:
Carmen:
Sorry to see you go but you are correct about martial arts; it is a life changing experience!
Good luck to you!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 1:22 pm ¶
Anita wrote:
This blog has meant the world to me, Thanks for everything! Best of luck Carmen.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 1:25 pm ¶
n wrote:
Thank you for this space. It has been invaluable. Good luck with your future endeavors!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 1:41 pm ¶
Lisa J wrote:
Thank you for everything, Carmen and good luck with your new business!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 2:33 pm ¶
Persia wrote:
The best of luck and wishes to you, Carmen, and thanks for all you’ve done!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 3:07 pm ¶
Angry Independent wrote:
I enjoyed listening to you on NPR over the last few years. Enjoyed the blogging as well. I could always count on good insights..and good information.
Good luck with your other projects.
I am getting the same kind of feeling myself.
Blogging is time consuming… and the reward is not even a fraction of the effort that is put into it. No reward at all for me at this point.
I can only blog so much and have no one, or just a limited few, actually read it. I can imagine that blogging, researching, and running an organization (and business) is even harder.
It ends up being a waste of time for the most part. (that’s how I have felt over the past year or so anyway).
Currently contemplating (seriously for the first time) idling my blog or retiring it.
Take care
Posted 21 May 2010 at 3:07 pm ¶
E wrote:
Carmen,
Thank you EVERYTHING! Believe me, your hard work has not been in vain and will continue to inspire people like me everyday!
Wish you and your husband luck with the karate school. I think it’s definitely exciting that you’re starting a new chapter in your career life.
I’m also pumped about the direction in which Racialicious might head! Yeah!
And remember, the best part about leaving is that it gives you a chance to make a comeback.
Just sayin’.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 3:21 pm ¶
thesciencegirl wrote:
Thanks for all you’ve done here Carmen, and best wishes in your exciting new endeavors!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 3:22 pm ¶
Ike wrote:
Thanks for creating this space, Carmen. I’m not a frequent commenter, but I’ve lurked here for the past 4 1/2 years or so, and it has really changed how I think about race and other inequalities in this country. Additionally, it’s been a great place where I feel like I belong. Thanks again for your vision, and best of luck on your martial arts school!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 4:53 pm ¶
Cassie wrote:
I’ve been following Racialicious/Addicted to Race since the Mixed Media Watch/Eurasian Nation days, and I really appreciate the work you’ve done in creating spaces to discuss race issues. Additionally, as I was a tween/teen that actively sought out a community I could relate to, I appreciate even more your and Jen Chau’s work on highlighting the multiracial experience. Your efforts have been both inspiring and educational and have played a significant role in positively shaping my identity. Thanks, and all the best!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 5:20 pm ¶
G.K. wrote:
Dang—-that’s too bad that you feel you got to go,Carmen,but if you feel that it’s time to move on, then you must do the damn thing and do what you feel you need to do. All I can say is I love this site–been reading it for well over a year now—all your research and blogging has not been in vain, because Racialicious is the bomb, plain and simple. I’ve learned so much of a lot from other people’s responses as well as yours and Latoya’s columns–I read everything on here literally seven days a week and it’s ALWAYS,always been worth it. I’ve even recommended the site to dang near everyone I know who’s got access to a computer—particularly the folks in the activist group I’ve been working with for 2 and a half years here in the D (Detroit). I’ve always wanted to take some martial arts classes, since I love me some martial arts films–too bad I don’t live in Brooklyn so I could take a class at your school! (Just kidding–there’s plenty of martial arts schools throughout the Detroit area.) Well, anyhow, goodbye and good luck, and I will continue to visit this site until I’m old and gray!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 5:25 pm ¶
Hapa wrote:
I appreciate all that you’ve contributed. Best of luck.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 5:29 pm ¶
Colin B wrote:
Thank you so much Carmen, and I hope the martial arts school is a huge success; I know you two will make it into a huge thing! One day, you’ll be on some space TV show where people from all over the solar system or something will be visiting the famous Brooklyn school, Urban Martial Arts. I enjoy this blog, learn from the wondrous things people say here, and this space would not be possible without you. Thank you so much, and I know we’re all going to miss having your voice here.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 5:34 pm ¶
refresh_daemon wrote:
Thanks, Carmen, for your years of dedication on the internet and all over the place. Racialicious has been a regular part of my blog-reading diet for years now and will likely continue to be during the Peterson Administration. But, I don’t think the long-term readers will forget your work in establishing, building and cultivating during your two terms here. And, as an urban martial artist, I wish you success in your martial arts school endeavors.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 5:45 pm ¶
Adrianna wrote:
I have followed this blog from the beginning since 2006. You will be missed and I hope you stop by from time to time. Good Luck Carmen in your family business!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 5:57 pm ¶
Notebook wrote:
It’s sad to see someone so important go, but that’s life.
Thanks for creating such a wonderful site. I’ve learned so much ever since I started coming here [strangely enough, I started coming here because of I found an article about Resident Evil 5 of all things that I used in a presentation for class], I don’t think I can even begin to start on how much I’ve changed.
Good luck in your future endeavors, Carmen.
Posted 21 May 2010 at 6:28 pm ¶
cocolamala wrote:
aww!!
by girl, have fun!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 6:50 pm ¶
Eeva wrote:
Thank you, Carmen. I’ve learned so much from you. I will miss your voice. All the best!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 6:59 pm ¶
Ilana wrote:
Thank you for all your time and great work, Carmen! I remember when I first found your blog and podcast- I was a shy sixteen-year-old struggling to figure out how I fit into the vast and diverse world (and what it meant to be Ashkenazi), coping with white privilege I never asked for, trying to be the best ally I could.
I remember how validated I felt, as a person, as a member of an ethnic minority, and as a nascent adult when you and Jen took my question on Addicted to Race in 2006.
I’m twenty now and living in Canada. I still read Racialicious frequently, and I want to express how much I appreciate your hard work on these important issues.
Good luck in your new work!
Posted 21 May 2010 at 9:41 pm ¶
Minotaar wrote:
It was a good run, Carmen. Best wishes. Just never forget Don Lemon: “Does he get a pass, Carmen? Does he get a pass???”
Posted 22 May 2010 at 12:10 am ¶
Phil wrote:
Wow, has it been eight years?! I’ve been following Carmen’s blogs since EurasianNation. Thank you for starting Racialicious. You’ve left it in good hands. I wish you every success in your new martial arts business venture! I hope to be doing something entrepreneurial myself (currently in the research stage). Good luck in life with your family, too.
Posted 22 May 2010 at 2:55 am ¶
Ameeran Khan wrote:
I wish you the best of luck in all of your ventures, and thank you very much for starting this awesome blog!
Posted 22 May 2010 at 5:01 am ¶
JenRB wrote:
Thanks for creating this amazing place, and good luck!
Posted 22 May 2010 at 11:02 am ¶
bashe wrote:
[longtime lurker surfacing one time] Thank you for you service, Carmen. I’ve learned a lot on this site, thanks to you.
Posted 22 May 2010 at 12:06 pm ¶
Cecelia wrote:
Farewell and best wishes Carmen!
Posted 22 May 2010 at 3:14 pm ¶
jvansteppes wrote:
Carmen,
Your blog/podcast was the first internet media that ever hooked me. I’m endlessly grateful for your work and wish you the best of luck.
Posted 22 May 2010 at 4:49 pm ¶
Rob wrote:
Good luck, God bless and thanks for the fish! I can’t count how many times you’ve made me think and learned something!
Posted 22 May 2010 at 9:07 pm ¶
Lyonside wrote:
Much love to Carmen from my family to you and yours – and if I’m in NYC, I will want to stop by and see what a wonderful dojo you’ve got going. You and Jen were my early guides back in the MMW days. I’m a better person and a better advocate because of the people I’ve met at each permutation of your work –
I know Latoya, Tami, and their crew are going to continue to move forward, and I’m looking forward to what their Big Brains and Bigger Hearts will come up with
Posted 22 May 2010 at 10:02 pm ¶
bluemorpho wrote:
Carmen, thank you. Years ago I was stumbling across the internet looking for answers to a question I didn’t even know enough to frame when I found your work on Racialicious, ATR, and Love Isn’t Enough. You’ve been a beacon, a wake-up call, and a guide to me ever since. I’m elbow-deep in my own work now, because of the work you did. You really can’t know what a difference you made. Thank you, and I wish you every blessing on the next chapter in your life.
Posted 22 May 2010 at 10:36 pm ¶
momo wrote:
The internet is a truly better place for having hosted your ideas. Best of luck to you and your family, Carmen, and thank you for everything.
Posted 23 May 2010 at 3:15 am ¶
CAPRI wrote:
* Snif *
I will definetly miss your posts.
Thank you for everything & best wishes for the future.
Posted 23 May 2010 at 10:41 am ¶
deb wrote:
Seems like only yesterday when I was listening to ATR with you and Jen Chau podcasting in what sounded like someone’s bathroom. Didn’t matter though, I always enjoyed what you had to say.
I think it’s so awesome that you’ve found something else to be passionate about. (Isn’t that how life should work?)
All the best and continued success. Kick ass, Carmen.
Posted 23 May 2010 at 5:31 pm ¶
Charles J wrote:
Good luck with everything!
Posted 23 May 2010 at 5:47 pm ¶
HalleBerry wrote:
Dear Carmen
Now that you’re leaving whose picture is going to be there? And Latoya why don’t we see YOUR picture I’m curious to see the ‘locks’ you keep talking about.
Posted 24 May 2010 at 12:19 am ¶
Penni Brown wrote:
Carmen – Thanks for your dedication and commitment over the years.
I’m glad I got a chance to participate in last year’s Racialicious workshop/seminar.
I’m looking forward to the ATR podcast kicking off with Latoya. I miss it.
Posted 24 May 2010 at 10:27 am ¶
bdsista wrote:
Carmen, the reach of your work is much farther than you know. I have forwarded many of your articles to the Diversity Department of Montgomery County Public Schools where we teach mandatory courses to public school teachers. There is so much awesome information on Racialicious, that I read it more regularly than the Washington Post!.
Your work is positively impacting the lives of school children and teachers and God Bless you for your anti-racism work. It is more than necessary post-Obama.
Congratulations and best wishes for you and your husband’s new business. I also admire you for stepping back and putting your family first!
Posted 24 May 2010 at 10:29 am ¶
Jennifer Gandin Le wrote:
Congratulations and thank you, Carmen! Your work in this area inspired and invited me to pay much closer attention to the world around me, with humility, curiosity, and compassion. Thank you for creating this incredible suite of websites and spaces for conversation. Best of luck with your very cool family business. I know it will thrive!
Posted 24 May 2010 at 3:58 pm ¶
Jen wrote:
Carmen, I’m truly sad to see you go. Reading this blog over the past few years has given me a new perspective on my race, gender, and class. You have really opened the door to a new area of social and intellectual thought. Thank you so much for the work you’ve started.
Posted 24 May 2010 at 8:12 pm ¶
PatrickInBeijing wrote:
Carmen, so many thanks for all you have done!! This site has been a life saver for me in many ways, a place to learn and reflect, a source of wisdom, and the home to many wonderful voices!! I wish you the best in your endeavors, you will be missed (and always I am sure welcome back!).
One of the qualities of a great leader is not only what the build, but the quality of the folks around them. When I look at who “takes over”, I see wonderful folks who are a tribute to your qualities and openness.
Hard to find the words to say good-bye……
Posted 24 May 2010 at 9:03 pm ¶
I Am Your People wrote:
Yeah, I was going to call you out for being crotchety and absent.
But in all seriousness, I love this blog, and I’ll miss your work. Keep pursuing your passions!
Posted 24 May 2010 at 10:26 pm ¶
r wrote:
good luck with everything Carmen
Posted 25 May 2010 at 7:58 am ¶
brownstocking wrote:
I can’t believe I’m crying. Wow. Good luck and best wishes. You’ve done a great service, and brought me community when I’ve felt so alone in my struggle. Thank you for everything. I only regret I could never afford to bring you out to my job.
Blessings to you and your family.
Posted 25 May 2010 at 1:29 pm ¶
Snarky's Machine wrote:
All the best, Carmen! Your contributions have inspired me and I appreciate all the work you’ve done. Enjoy your “retirement”!
Posted 26 May 2010 at 3:39 am ¶
Imogene wrote:
I wish you wouldn’t give up the race relations work but I touch on it in my blog.
Posted 09 Jun 2010 at 3:30 pm ¶