Merlisa Lawrence Corbett Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is a journalist and author who writes about tennis, sports in society, home and garden, and small business. She is the author of the book “Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Heroine.” Lawrence Corbett is also a former tennis columnist for Bleacher Report and a reporter for … Read more
Summer is officially here, which means you’re officially ready to spend all your free time in your backyard, deck, or patio, if you’re lucky enough to have your own. But, if you live in an apartment, chances are, you’ll be sharing it with your building’s other occupants. While having any outdoor space is a real … Read more
Food has always been my family’s love language. My mother raised me on the mouthwatering, succulent food she and her family ate for generations in Hawai’i: a unique fusion of Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, and her own Japanese family’s cuisine. We show affection through food, like when my grandpa hands me a plate of lychee that … Read more
For millions of Black Americans across the U.S., historically Black neighborhoods have served as a cultural foundation. They were created to serve as safe havens from racism and violence, and blossomed into thriving spaces that helped people build sustainable lives while being Black in America. Settlers founded many of these towns and neighborhoods between the … Read more
Jumble sale; garage sale. Yinz; y’all. Jawn; practically anything. Regional terminology is a part of American culture which, in my humble opinion, deserves to be celebrated. Connecting over your differences is as fun as having something in common. Lovers of camping sitting fireside, watching the lightning bugs… and the fireflies. Your great-grandparents, one hella old, … Read more
When it comes time to celebrate weddings, holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, there are plenty of opportunities to bring a present or two along — and that means you might spend a few hours or even days fretting over what to get, and where to get it from. And while it is certainly convenient to … Read more
Like many holidays last year, my family’s Diwali celebrations didn’t have the same cheer and upbeat texture that we were used to. The organizer of my daughter’s annual dance performance cancelled festivities, and we didn’t travel to anyone’s home for traditional Diwali dinner, which often includes sweets like gulab jamun and halwa. As a family, … Read more
I grew up in a suburban neighborhood of Atlanta and always found it odd that we waved at our neighbors but rarely knew them. I suspected it was a symptom of the suburbs. But that wasn’t entirely the case; in fact, only 26 percent of Americans say they really know their neighbors. I’ve always wondered … Read more
Hot dogs and burgers abounding. Music blasting. Young and old alike smiling and enjoying the ambiance. This is what I think of when I think of the block parties of my childhood in Prince George’s County, Maryland, 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C. The parties, which were held at the central park in my neighborhood, could … Read more
Growing up, you may have learned to call the police using 911 for any and every emergency, and for good reason: It’s easy to memorize, and it can be a convenient way to seek help in times of crisis and need. But as activists and allies nationwide are regularly pointing out, there are plenty of … Read more