words.

A portrait photo of Reem Assil smiling, in front of a yellow bookshelf.

This organizer-turned-chef is reimagining the restaurant industry

arts & culture, social equity Posted by Camilla Sterne

Emerson Collective Fellow Reem Assil talks about what it means to radically reimagine the restaurant industry, and how to build more equitable restaurants by empowering food workers.

A black and white portrait photo of Andrea Elliott alongside her book, Invisible Child.

‘Invisible Child’ chronicles a young life shaped by homelessness

arts & culture, social equity Posted by Camilla Sterne

Andrea Elliott discusses her new book, Invisible Child, and what its young protagonist, Dasani, taught her about hope and dignity in the face of impossible circumstances. Elliott was an Emerson Fellow at New America from 2016.

A portrait photo of a poll worker wearing a face shield and mask

Democracy’s Frontlines

social equity Posted by Camilla Sterne

These poll workers are ready to pass the baton of civic duty and ignite action across new generations and communities.

What does it mean to be ‘Latinx’ in the U.S.?

social equity Posted by Camilla Sterne

Writer and activist Paola Ramos discusses her new book, Finding Latinx, and sheds light on the term, “Latinx,” and how to think about the Latinx vote in the 2020 election.

Kiliii Yuyan on strengthening ties to nature amid the pandemic

arts & culture, climate, social equity Posted by Camilla Sterne

On Earth Day, award-winning photojournalist and Nia Tero Storytelling Fellow, Kiliii Yuyan (Nanai) offers perspective on telling Indigenous stories, and how we can strengthen our ties to nature amid the global pandemic.

Blind beekeeper Ojok Simon smiles in protective gear while bees swirl around his head.

An Untapped Market: How Ojok Simon is training the next generation of Ugandan beekeepers

social equity Posted by Camilla Sterne

As an inaugural 2017 Holman Prizewinner, Ojok set out to train other blind people in rural Gulu how to keep bees as a means of livelihood.

The cover of A queer anthology of rage, with a bright red graphic.

There are no honest poems about dead women (after Audre Lorde)

poetry Posted by Camilla Sterne

My poem appeared in the 2018 Pilot Press anthology, A queer anthology of rage.

Artist Kurt Schwartzmann shakes hands with a MUNI driver at his art opening.

A love letter to MUNI from a visually impaired artist

arts & culture, social equity, words. Posted by Camilla Sterne

In 2019, LightHouse for the Blind hosted a special exhibition of work by Bay Area artist Kurt Schwartzmann.

A closeup of a steam scallop dish with edible floral garnish.

At the chef’s table

arts & culture, design Posted by Camilla Sterne

Shaped by a harsh climate and scarce resources, Norway’s culinary tradition is nevertheless rich inspiration for the world’s youngest triple Michelin-starred chef.

Closeup of a tactile version of The Hindu deity Kali, by Baua Devi, shows the deity’s face in bright pinks, yellows and blacks with her tongue hanging out of her mouth.

The Asian Art Museum opens a new accessible exhibit

architecture & design, arts & culture, social equity, words. Posted by Camilla Sterne

In a new exhibition of Indian art, San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum takes steps towards accessibility for blind and visually impaired patrons.