"Editors: Sarah Clifton, Kay Lockridge, Laura Jackson (pro tip: never bet an editor she won’t find any errors). Thanks for your vigilance, ladies. Special thanks to SC for ringing my bell on my unedited and post-publication insert sneak of “shit”… instead of, you know, “shift.” You’re the shift, little homie."

This is the paragraph I was commenting on.

I find your objection to my discussion of terms you used to be interesting, considering that is what your entire article is about IE White-Ally.

I am only offering how I perceived it, if it fits fine, if it does not, then I was mistaken.

To use a term that you know is not familiar outside a "chosen circle" does suggest there may be room for understanding why.

I understood the term to be an endearment and was wondering how you were extending it to the "white" community I thought you were addressing.

But maybe you were not.

Maybe you just figured the "white folks" would not listen and you were addressing those you thought to be in your circle, and those you figured would read your article would be your "homie's".

I am not trying to be spiteful or insensitive.

I am hoping to open communication doors.

I really do want to understand how to open door of communication so that I can leave my grandchildren a better world.

It is not my intent to cause offense.

I value your perspective and applaud your willingness to raise your voice.

Thank you, Catherine Pugh, Esq.

Many blessings,

Debra (Debi) Yvonne Simmons