“Interim week was launched in 2018 with the intention for giving teachers (and now students) opportunities to tap into a personal passion and then develop a course that they facilitate for the students at St Teresa’s,” Finn said. “The goal is to take learning outside the four walls of the traditional classroom.”

In recent years, the program has adapted to include courses that are co-led by students.

“There have been different iterations of [student-led interims], and it kind of evolved organically in the early stages of the program,” Finn said. “Sometimes, teachers would just informally ask students who were interested, who helped co-lead either particular lessons or even sometimes the whole class. So when I took over the management of [the program] about three or four years ago, one of my primary goals was to give students those leadership opportunities.

Although student-led interims might not seem like they have a significant impact on the program, Finn reflects on their importance and effects.

“The effect of interim is just so cool, like when I watch students first conceptualize an idea and tap into something that they care about,” Finn said. “If we’re wanting to share something that we feel passionate about, we’re so much more energized and motivated. Watching a student think about how [they] can share that with others is a really transformational and powerful process. Developing an interim class hits on so many of the competencies that we encourage through our portrait of a graduate, and I think it’s something that can distinguish an STA student from a competitive student in all kinds of college applications. Those qualities and characteristics that you’re developing can help you evolve and grow to be successful in so many situations.”

Part of the reason student-led interims became a reality was because of STA’s commitment students and their ideas.

“I think we rarely say ‘no’ to a student’s idea,” Finn said. We want students to be successful, so we try to put in support mechanisms to help create realities. I could think of the immigration walk that happened recently or the anti-gun violence rally.  Those were student ideas, and our administration didn’t step up and say, ‘No, you can’t do that.’ They said, ‘how do we give you a framework to be successful? And how do we give you the adult support that you need, but also still give you autonomy to develop the idea?’ [The creative process] is coming from your teenage perspective, and it’s not coming from our adult perspective. It’s got to be that balance and that partnership.”

While interim week approaches, the community continues to encourage student leadership, like for MJ Van Dyke, who’s interview follows this story.

On October 19, the Louvre was robbed. Several French crown jewels were stolen, including tiaras, broaches and necklaces dating back to the early 1800s.

The thieves were dressed as construction workers and snuck up to the Balcon De Charles IX (a balcony window leading to the Apollo Gallery) by a furniture lift. They used a disc cutter to open the windows, and then smashed display cases and threatened guards using their “construction” tools. Oddly, they escaped on scooters. The robbery only took six to eight minutes.

By October 31, four suspects were already arrested. The first two are both men in their 30s, and were caught just before the one of them planned to travel to Algeria and the other to Mali. The other two, a man and woman in their mid-30s, were arrested on a later date.

Because this is a high profile and developing case, authorities haven’t released much information about the suspects, but the public has ran wild with rumors.

On TikTok, mugshot photos of fake criminals circulated the internet. Faked mugshots of “Gossip Girl” actor Chace Crawford and Florida choreographer Stefan Dolbashian have gone viral, romanticizing fictional robbers.

Many people fell for these mugshots and they gained a following for being attractive. These fake Louvre robbers could be compared to Luigi Mangione, the accused assassin of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare. In both instances the suspected criminals gained cult-like followings because of their looks–despite their crimes.

Photos of a fake detective on scene also spread online. Despite his traditional detective wear–a cap, academic coat, and vest–the photo was fake. It was just a picture of a fashionable French teenager near the Louvre.

With the public scrambling to find details on the case and even fictionalizing some of its aspects, the story’s real new developments can be confusing and chaotic when mixed with pop culture.

One reason the public may be so enthralled with this case is through the media produced around heists and robberies. Movies like the “Oceans” franchise or “Inception” circulate around heists, while most superhero or crime-solving movies also feature a bank robbery. There are thousands of books about solving mysteries, like robberies, and many popular rap songs about thievery, like The Notorious B.I.G’s “Gimme the Loot.”

The holiday season alone, which is supposed to promote themes of generosity, contrarily have depicted infamous buglers. The iconic movie, “Home Alone” follows a boy protecting his house from two robbers with funny and clever booby traps. The Grinch’s whole motive is to “steal Christmas” by taking people’s presents. There are even Christmas heist movies, like “Holiday Heist,” “Jingle Bell Heist” and “Christmas Break In.”

As the holidays go on, developments still continue on the Louvre case.

While police are still investigating who else may be associated with the crime and trials have been postponed to April 2026, the Louvre staff has worked to update security.

After being under fire for supposedly setting a video surveillance password to be “Louvre,” security staffers have set up more cameras throughout the museum and implemented new programs.

Along with adding around 100 cameras, Louvre security is continuing to implement a $933 million infrastructure and security improvement plan that was established earlier this year, ironically before the robbery.

Many are familiar with this trend. It involves combing the hair tightly back from the face, applying a styling cream or gel, and tying it in a ponytail, bun or even a braid. It is safe to say the slickback has made a smooth and lasting comeback. Social media platforms like TikTok have influenced many, including me, to embrace this trend.

Without fail, I slick back my hair every week. It is a quick and easy alternative to washing and styling. During basketball season, the slickback is my staple, making an even more frequent appearance. With little time after morning practice to get ready for school, the hair style is the perfect solution.

Recently, my go-to product has been the Dae styling cream. The product includes a spoolie applicator, which makes for an easy and clean application, eliminating all fly-aways. In addition to its amazing visual performance, it leaves behind a sweet and fruity scent.

Other times, I like to do my slickback with a hair mask instead of styling cream. My favorite is Trader Joe’s shea butter and coconut oil mask. After wearing it all day, I wash the product out, leaving my hair extra soft and shiny. Plus, Trader Joe’s products are always an affordable option. If you are looking to splurge, Amika’s soulfood nourishing mask is a must-try. Although it is on the pricier side, it makes my clean hair last, looking healthy and glossy.

While the styling creams and masks are important, this sleek hairstyle cannot be achieved without the proper set of brushes. I like to use the Tangle Teezer to brush through and detangle. For smoothing and flattening stray hairs – the most important step – a dense boar bristled brush is best.

In addition to the hairstyle’s functionality, it is versatile, making the perfect updo for every occasion. Whether you are going for a run or heading to a fancy dinner, the slickback is appropriate and fashionable. It can be worn with leggings, jeans, a dress and so much more. If you are going for the more casual look, gold hoop earrings are a simple and cute touch. For a more elegant approach, pearls make a classy statement.

While trends come and go, the slickback will forever be in my hairstyle rotation.

Just about all of us have all heard the famous lyrics of the 1966 Christmas classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” but what does this sensation truly mean to the Christmas season?

Several movies have been adapted around the Grinch character, which has its origins in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a book written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss and published by Random House in 1957.  One adaptation goes even as far as a horror parody called “The Mean One,” which is definitely not family- friendly. Nonetheless, whether you love Jim Carey’s live-action film from the 2000s, Illumination’s “The Grinch” or you stick by the original children’s book by Dr. Seuss, there is a version suitable for everyone’s holiday feels.

It may seem like nothing beats the original, as everything released up until this point stems from the source material that was published in 1957. The Christmas feeling is definitely captured in Seuss’s storytelling as he was originally inspired to write the book after a difficult holiday season. Seuss was then able to create the story after observing the increasing commercialization of Christmas. From this iconic story, he has given the beloved masterpiece we know today, creating something that would become a holiday hit for generations.

Although the book was first, the 1966 cartoon may be the reason why “The Grinch” is so well-known today. The score for the TV special included 60 musicians playing a 34-piece orchestra with a 12-voice choir, which contributed to the beloved songs like, “Welcome Christmas,” “Trim up the Tree” and, of course, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

Junior Lilli Benben showed her Christmas spirit with the classic cartoon.

“The Grinch is my favorite because it’s such a classic and reminds me of my childhood,” Benben said. “It really shows Christmas spirit and how it can make even the saddest people happy.”

Nostalgia flows through the live action film as Jim Carey steals the screen with his performance as the grumpy and charismatic antagonist in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Taylor Momsen got her breakout role as the sweet-hearted Cindy Lou Who. The movie is filled with creative one-liners and famous quotes, making it a must-see movie during the Christmas season.

Actors Carey and Momsen, who starred in the 2000 film, recently reunited on the red carpet at the Rock & Roll Hall Fame Induction Ceremony last month.

In 2018, Illumination Studios released “The Grinch,” becoming the most recent of the adaptions. The beloved characters are reimagined, taking a new form of animation. This time around, Cindy Lou and her friends try to capture Santa in means to help her overworked mother, while the Grinch remains the grumpy antagonist; voice actor Benedict Cumberbatch brings the green creature to life in a new and different way.

An anonymous sophomore expressed her love for “The Grinch.”

“It’s a classic,” she said. “I’ve been watching with my family and little cousins for years.”

To mark the 25th anniversary of the 2000 live action film, there will be a special releasing of the movie starting today, December 12th.

No matter your favorite iteration of the classic, “The Grinch” is undoubtably a Christmas phenomenon, so grab your cocoa and dive into the franchise!

Members of the STA Choir showcased their voices as they performed the school song.

STA letters glow in the dark.

The chandelier shines brightly on each auction item.

STA parents, associates, alumnae and donors join together for the 2025 auction.

A mountain getaway is auctioned off to an excited crowd.

Special STA merchandise is stacked and ready for buyers.

Dr. Siabhan May- Washington shared words of wisdom for donors.

Candles set the scene for the 2025 STA auction.

Lamps and flowers decorate an auction table.

Senior Lily Reisch shares a smile with a STA parent.

Libraries used to be the only way someone could find information. People spent hours pouring over volumes and stacks of books, even if it only meant finding the answer to a single question. Nowadays, content from hundreds of thousands of libraries are just a few clicks away, and traditional libraries may seem to be a thing of the past. For example, according to the Pew Research Center, just under half of all those ages 16 and older (48%) say they have visited a public library or bookmobile in person in the past year. It’s clear libraries aren’t used as frequently as they once were, but are they in danger of shutting down completely?

On September 4, 2009, CNN said: “The stereotypical library is dying—and it’s taking its shushing ladies, dank smell and endless shelves of books with it.” But I disagree. It’s these things that make a trip to the library so easy to romanticize. Going to the library is a universal, nostalgic experience, and those “seemingly endless shelves,” give one a better appreciation for the world’s innerworkings and the power of knowledge. I grew up just a few short blocks away from my local library; my frequent visits made me a voracious reader, and made me develop a love for the library that a device just couldn’t replace. Recently, I’ve found myself making trips to the library more often, even if it’s just to breathe in the nostalgic smell or pick up a book I wouldn’t have usually read.

Although I love the traditional library, and I could sit in one for hours on end, it’s understandable that not everyone shares my same passion for reading. But it’s easy to forget that libraries were historically the center of a community, and they’ve been offering programs that don’t relate to reading or books for a long time.

There are often large annual festivals, such as last month’s Heartland Book Festival at the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch. The festival was put on by both the Kansas City Public Library and the Mid-Continent public library, and it included multiple activities such as acting workshops, art projects, live music performances, shopping, speakers and more. Several libraries also offer unique, regularly scheduled programs such as game nights, movie screenings, yoga, job fairs, author visits, language courses, trivia nights, support groups, story times, tai chi, knitting, socializing with food, etc.

One can also access hundreds of resources through the library, both online and in-person, including newspaper subscriptions, standardized test prep, research databases and printing. The best part? All of this is entirely free with the possession of a library card.

The library is a grossly undervalued resource, but I think it is in no danger of shutting down completely. The library still has the potential to serve as a vital component in many people’s lives, it’s just a matter of who is willing to make a little extra effort to get off their phone and connect with people in the real world (and enjoy the benefits of their tax dollars). So, I encourage you to find your local library, spend some time there, get to know it. I ensure you it will change your life for the better.

According to CBS News, this particular shutdown was caused due to a disagreement to extend government funding. A government shutdown typically occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriation bills that fund operations of federal agencies and programs before the end of its fiscal year.

Due to the failure to pass the bills at the end of the fiscal year, which occurred on September 30, the government shut down immediately after midnight.

However, this is not the first time it has happened, as many funding gaps have led to shutdowns since the 1980s. The longest shutdown has been 35 days, and the most recent occurred from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019.

Robert Flynn, an AP US government teacher at St. Teresa’s Academy, is no stranger to the law. He stressed the severity of the scenario: “Some people might get laid off,” Flynn said. “Many are going without pay whether they have to continue doing their job or not. Eighty to 90 percent of The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) workers, for example, still have to go to work.”

Flynn expanded on his reasoning.

“Some people don’t have access to their work resources from home, like their work email,” Flynn said. “Some people are at home not doing their job because they can’t and are not getting paid, others are doing their job from home and not getting paid and a very small number who are still going to work, doing their job and not getting paid.”

Flynn then expressed that in past shutdowns, when the government finally agrees upon a spending bill, the people who went without pay were recompensated the money that would have earned in that time, regardless if they did their job or not.

In this case, the government would have to come to that same conclusion if and when they agree.

Flynn then explained that this unpaid time period is a major hit on families.

“Most American families cannot withstand a $500 to $1000 dollar surprise expense,” Flynn said. “Most American families live paycheck to paycheck.”

In Kansas City, there are roughly 30,000 residents who work under the federal government.  The potential of this shutdown’s outcome could do real harm to families. This could also affect small corporations like small business and firms that receive funding from the government or file their taxes while this occurs.

As of right now, there are no protections in place for the effects of this shutdown; however, it is imperative to stay informed on what the federal government does and its ultimate impact on the economy.

A college visit is often a defining moment in the application process. It’s a chance for students to see beyond glossy brochures and polished websites and instead get a real feel for what a campus community is like. This trip helps students decide whether or not to apply to that school, or more seriously, attend the university. Whether it’s a guided tour led by an admissions representative, a scheduled information session, a virtual visit from home or even an athletic recruitment visit, every tour gives students a small but meaningful glimpse into college life.

Glick has toured six schools, including Elon University, Furman University, Creighton University, Drake University, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri. At each campus, she learned something new about what she wants in a college experience.

“I look for like a big sense of community,” Glick said. “I personally like smaller colleges because I like the smaller teacher-to-student ratio. I want to have a good connection with my teachers.”

According to college counselor Bryan Smith, that feeling of connection is exactly what many students should focus on during their visits. The sense of belonging can be one of the biggest pros of visiting colleges in person. Standing in the middle of a busy campus, eating in a dining hall or sitting in on a class gives students a real sense of what their day-to-day life could look like. For many, it’s the moment when a college stops being just a name on a list and starts to feel like a potential home.

“[At a visit] you’re just getting kind of a small slice of the campus experience in that time,” Smith said. “But as far as things to look for, I would just say to see what that community actually feels like while you’re there.”

Smith emphasized that while glossy brochures and polished websites can be informative, the college search process is dependent on asking questions.

“Be present. Ask questions,” Smith said. “Really think about if you could see yourself there. Ask, ‘Could I live in this building? Could I be in this community? Is this campus too big? Is it too small?’ Just really try to be present.”

Glick said she learned the most by doing exactly that: asking questions.

“I asked a lot about student life, what courses I want to go into and pre-med programs,” Glick said. “I’ve asked about specific programs like that.”

But the process isn’t always easy. Between travel costs, time commitments and the stress of decision-making, visiting schools can be overwhelming. Smith said the college process changes each year, which adds another layer of uncertainty for students and families.

“Things seem to change every year,” Smith said. “It can be difficult to get to a college campus. It can be expensive to get there. Certain colleges may offer certain types of visits, like a general info session tour or  meeting with someone from your selected academic department. There’s so much uncertainty and change year over year, not just on the admission side, but also with the ACT changes, and college is a big decision. So when you combine all that, it’s a very anxiety-inducing process.”

Glick said that while her first visit came with nerves, the excitement quickly took over.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Glick said. “but after that I haven’t been that nervous. I’ve just been really excited to see them.”

While in-person visits are often the most rewarding, they aren’t always realistic for every student. Virtual tours have become a helpful alternative, especially during the pandemic.

“If there’s a school that you know there’s no chance you’re just ever going to visit, those virtual tours or pre-recorded tours can be nice, especially during Covid, when everything shut down,” Smith said. “Getting on campus is definitely best, but virtual options can still provide information you might not get otherwise.”

These choices, whether it’s as simple is taking a virtual tour or in-person, or a more complicated matter, like choosing a school to look at for an attended major, are stressful. However, there are numerous ways to make the process much easier. Smith suggests to make these visits almost like a vacation.

“Take those visits with family, visiting an older sibling or a friend,” Smith said. “There are still a lot of opportunities for fun and relaxation, even in this otherwise kind of stressful and crazy time.”

In terms of the college process as a whole, Glick suggests to start early.

“I started really early, and it’s been super helpful,” Glick said. “I made a spreadsheet of everything I’ve been involved in with dates, and that has made the college application process easier.”

Even with such an early start, Glick still wishes she researched more.

“I’m a first child, so my mom and I both have no idea what we’re doing,” Glick said. “I wish I researched different schools and what questions to ask the tour guides just to get as much information as I possibly could.”

Even so, both Smith and Glick agree that there’s no single “right” way to approach the process. For some, it’s about exploring new place and picturing the next chapter. For others, it’s about checking off lists and finding comfort in what feels familiar. Either way, the goal is the same: to discover a space that feels like home.

Smith also pointed out that parents often play a big role in this journey, helping with logistics, travel and sometimes even offering emotional support.

“Parents are a big part of it,” Smith said. “They may be contributing financially, or just helping their students feel comfortable with the transition. It’s about making sure the campus feels safe and welcoming not only to the students but to the family, too.”

No matter who much research, visiting and planning one does, optimism is ultimately the best remedy to the “tour terrors.”

“College should be one of the best times of your life,” Smith said. “It’s such a transformative time, and there should be some excitement in that.”

Last year I made my first-ever purchase of a SZA vinyl for my dad’s record player and I fell in love. But as I got more vinyl, I decided to buy my own, which is one of the best decisions I’ve made to support this obsession. So far my collection consists of — vinyl that I’ve collected over the past year. My favorites are The Clash, Arctic Monkeys and, of course, both of my SZA albums.

As of 2016, vinyl sales have increased from 13.1 million to 49.6 million in 2023, with the heavyweight purchasers being young adults.

You may be wondering though, why choose to listen to vinyl when platforms like Spotify and Apple Music exist? While that is a valid question, personally I believe there are many pros to listening to vinyl.

One, it gets me off my phone, which lowers my screen time and keeps me focused.

Two, the vintage aesthetic around them really brings character to my room and gives off a warm, nostalgic feeling.

Three, as someone who is trying to expand their music taste, vinyl lets me listen to an artist’s whole album, rather than just skipping to the popular songs. Some of my favorite songs are one’s that I’ve discovered through listening to vinyl.

Although they are somewhat expensive, ranging from $15 to $70, compared to other popular collectable obsessions of the modern day like Legos and Labubus, vinyl is not only a cheaper option but an authentic and enjoyable one.

One source stated, “The warmth and depth of vinyl sound, coupled with the occasional crackles and pops, create a unique listening experience that many find more engaging and satisfying than digital music” (StageMusicCenter.com).

The feeling that vinyl gives off is what really draws people in, and that feeling is what really drew me to loving it when my dad would spin Metallica while cooking with me. Who knew that listening to that music on vinyl years ago would strike such a chord with me?

The Meyer Circle fountain, the grand center of Ward Parkway, is celebrating its 100th year in Kansas City. Even though the fountain is currently dry due to maintenance, to many Kansas Citians, Meyer Circle is their hub of transportation and an iconic sight in Kansas City.

The Paseo, Ward Parkway’s parallel sister street directly east, shares similarity to Ward Parkway in its roots (they are both products of the City Beautiful movement of the late 19 and early 20th centuries), but today the two throughfares present very different socioeconomic realities, including traffic density, road conditions, housing prices and crime rates.

According to DataKC, an analysis-based website created by city hall, of the 34,000 potholes reported in Kansas City from 2022 to 2025, 464 of them were on Paseo, while only 24 were on Ward Parkway; however, in a 2024 traffic volume study conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation, it was found that, on an average day, approximately 10,000-19,000 people drive on Ward Parkway, while around 2,500-5,000 people drive on Paseo.

In terms of housing, the median price of real estate on Ward Parkway is $433K, while houses on the Paseo have an average value of about $250K.

Comparing the amount of “dangerous buildings,” which are structures that may need to be demolished and could harm the public, Ward Parkway’s district, 64113, had only three of these buildings, compared to 17 dangerous structures of Paseo’s district, 64132.

Mimi Harman, a religion teacher at STA, sees these differences in her daily life.

“Originally, [the separation of the city] was Troost, but now many of the neighborhoods have been gentrified and Paseo seems to be the line of differentiation,” Harman said. “I live just east of Troost, but the amount of resources west of Paseo, like grocery stores and education, are just not as good as the Ward Parkway [area].”

These many forms of data may lead citizens to ask: What happened?

Dating all the way back to the 1890s, Paseo Boulevard was the vision of German Architect George Kessler. Named after another iconic street in Mexico called the Paseo De La Reforma, it was intended to cut across the city and provide scenic green space in an urban environment.

Melissa Patterson Hazley, a council women for the 3rd district of Kansas City, which contains most of Paseo, acknowledges the beautiful beginnings of Paseo.

“Both areas were designed with the same idea,” Patterson Hazley said. “We have these beautiful boulevards and beautiful parkways, and Paseo is actually older then Ward Parkway.”

Ward Parkway, which was part of the same movement to bring beautiful green space to cities, was dreamed up by J.C Nichols, the controversial developer of Kansas City’s Country Club district.

Nichols became a controversial figure because he played a big role in redlining, a dark part of the city’s development history. Across America, redlining, which is the systemic denial of housing opportunities to certain minorities, has been major problem throughout America.

When The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) were created during the Great Depression to make home-ownership easier, it integrated many racist policies. The organizations were denying minority groups-̶ most commonly African Americans-̶ of housing opportunities and loans. The HOLC also drew color-coded maps, marking a neighborhood “desirable” or “hazardous,” hence the term redlining.

While much of that discrimination was happening on a national level, Kansas City was having its own experience with redlining. Nichols used official documents and high home prices to bar Black Americans from his developments.

On the HOLC map, neighborhoods east of Troost were mostly red areas, while west neighborhoods were mostly green. This affected eastern residents’ credit and property value, making it harder to move. With less money invested in these neighborhoods, public safety, education and overall health declined.

“Since our taxes are based on property value, the property that’s east of the Paseo has less value,” Harman said. “So, the schools are getting less [money].”

Appraisals from 1939 described areas like 18th and Vine District to be “ragged in every aspect,” while Mission Hills was seen as “the gold coast of Kansas City.”

When US-71, a highway running across Kansas City from north to south, was built in the 1960s and 70s, it tore many black communities apart and displaced people from their homes. Paseo is only a few blocks west of US-71, and goes through those divided neighborhoods.

Because government departments and city developers institutionalized this wealth gap in Kansas City for almost 100 years, improvements in maintenance and aesthetic were generally neglected or unaffordable.

“Paseo did not have an affluent population that continued to nurture it, take care of it or improve it,” Patterson Hazley said. “And so, you see a little less investment by the parks department in the Paseo compared to Ward Parkway.”

For example, the neighborhood around Ward Parkway developed a community improvement group, which is system to keep up with the historic street’s wear and tear.

“A lot of people didn’t know that there is a Community Improvement District that overlays a lot of Ward Parkway. ” Patterson Hazley said. “They are capturing 1% of the sales taxes of the businesses in that area, and then reinvesting that back into the fountains, into the medians, into sidewalks and other things to keep the area up, and that is something that the Paseo doesn’t have. Paseo doesn’t have a Community Improvement District, and it really probably doesn’t have enough commercial businesses to generate the revenue.”

Today, redlining still affects our community. Eastern parts of Kansas City, like the Paseo, are still predominately black, and western areas, like Ward Parkway, are predominately white.  Certain systems still trap poverty to the east side.

“We’re still very segregated, and a lot of the practices of redlining are actually still happening, like property appraisals,” Patterson Hazley said. “There are very strict terms about how to appraise property.  And so when you appraise a property, [for a hypothetical Paseo house] an appraiser comes over and evaluates the property, which perpetuates the depressed values even in 2025.”

To combat the persisting effects of redlining, Harman encourages students to live without fear.

“We should not be afraid of people of all colors, not to be afraid to live east of the Paseo,” Harman said. “We also need taxes and laws that help those communities and schools more. And so, when families move east and really live amongst diversity, both economically and racial, it breaks down boundaries and improves everybody’s lives.”

Patterson Hazley agrees that breaking down these barriers and encouraging diversity is essential to eradicate redlining’s separation.

“The best thing you can do is diversify your own personal community, so that you’re not reading about people and things in a book, but you’re actually interacting with people that have a different lived experience from you,” Patterson Hazley said.