• Anti-Racism

    Anti-Racism

    Healing our culture requires us to engage in the work of “anti-racism.” In the introduction to his 2019 book, “How to Be an Antiracist,” author Ibram X. Kendi explains that “neutrality” in the struggle over racism is not possible. The opposite of “racist” isn’t “not racist.” It is “antiracist.” Kendi argues the process of undoing…

  • Together We Rise

    Together We Rise

    This afternoon I had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the first Zoom webinar in a series offered by the Media Education Lab, “Together We Rise: The First 100 Days, Co-Creating Connections and Possibilities in a Time of Transition.” This is not simply a support group for media literacy educators and academics in our present…

  • Racial Healing Through Digital Storytelling

    Racial Healing Through Digital Storytelling

    This past Monday on January 19, 2025, a remarkable community worship service was held at First Baptist Church of Elkin, North Carolina. During the 80 minute service, pastors, priests, and lay leaders from multiple church congregations around and outside of Elkin participated, sharing their experiences and perspectives, as well as leading different sections of the…

  • Elections and God’s Will

    Elections and God’s Will

    This is a slightly edited transcript of a video recorded for Wes Fryer’s “Wisdom with Wes” series. Following the contentious election in the United States earlier this week, these thoughts seem appropriate to share as part of the “Heal Our Culture” project. The full video description is: In this episode of ‘Wisdom with Wes,’ Wes…

  • Hope, Community and Preparation

    Hope, Community and Preparation

    Watch the 13 minute video version of this post, which is episode 35 in my YouTube series, “Wisdom With Wes.” As I sit to write this on October 1st, 2024, the recent onslaught of Hurricane Helene has left a significant impact, spanning multiple states and affecting countless lives. Although my own family and home remain…

  • Ep 3: James Baldwin as a Culture Healer

    Ep 3: James Baldwin as a Culture Healer

    James Baldwin’s timeless ideas on race, identity, and healing are more relevant today than ever. In this third episode of the “Heal Our Culture” podcast, I (Wes Fryer) discuss Baldwin’s lasting legacy and why his centennial is a crucial moment to revisit his work. Drawing from personal experiences and recent cultural discussions, I share eight…

  • Rural-Urban Divide

    Rural-Urban Divide

    The multifaceted divide which separates many people in the United States living in rural versus urban areas is dramatic and influential. Better understanding this divide and its historic roots is critical if we want to truly “heal our culture.” There have been a lot of speeches televised from Wisconsin this week, and a number of…

  • Healing Independence Day Wishes

    Healing Independence Day Wishes

    I shared these thoughts this morning as a “restack note” on Lyz Lenz’ post, “Dingus of the week: This freaking asteroid.” I hear your bitterness and frustration, and there certainly are so many reasons to be frustrated and angry today during this Fourth of July holiday weekend in the United States. I remain, however, convinced…

  • Episode 2: Why “Heal Our Culture?”

    Episode 2: Why “Heal Our Culture?”

    In this heartfelt second episode of the “Heal Our Culture” podcast, Wes Fryer delves into the critical need to heal our culture amidst today’s polarized climate. As a middle school STEM and media literacy teacher, Wes emphasizes the importance of becoming “culture healers” instead of “culture warriors.” Through three personal stories, he illustrates the power…

  • Cultivating Cultural Healing

    Cultivating Cultural Healing

    It is a good time to pay attention in United States politics. It’s important to decide: Are we each going to be “culture warriors” or “culture healers?” Globally, authoritarian and fascist rulers are on the rise, and social media can serve as a powerful amplifier of extremist voices. Those loud voices can impede political compromise…