Dreadlock Discrimination

Noelle Khalila NicollsTalkin Sense

Recently I was offered the position of Sales and Marketing Manager at Atlantis, Kerzner International [Nassau, Bahamas], an offer that was based on my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm—or so I thought. Imagine my utter horror, consternation, and disgust when I was later told that the offer had been rescinded because of my hair style: dreadlocks. I consider myself to be …

R. Kirk Steele Memorial Scholarship

Noelle Khalila NicollsSteele Chronicles

Not long after the passing of our dear friend, R. Kirk Steele, the idea of a scholarship in his honour was bandied about. So as not to allow the concept to die after the moment had faded, a few individuals decided to start the process that would hopefully lead to establishing a scholarship at St. George’s College in September, 2009. …

I have a heart like Swiss cheese.

Noelle Khalila NicollsPrayer Book

Dear Steele: I have a heart like Swiss cheese. Empty space in the hole you left, like the crater lake of the Taupo Volcano, surrounded by solid rock energy erupting with love for what my senses can still perceive. The doctor says the hole will get smaller over time, but it’ll never completely go away. I wonder what the hole …

Can I live with my sadness?

Noelle Khalila NicollsPrayer Book

Dear Steele: If I were to go somewhere, or do something to take my sadness away, what would it cause? Would it cause me to give up my friend, to give in my piece of treasure? Would I stop writing you, talking to you, being comforted by you, kissing you? You weren’t mine to possess, so how could you be …