#5SmartReads - February 15, 2022

The U.S. needs a COVID forecast (Axios)

I personally think we need a more robust public health strategy based on science (and not getting elected) and more equitable social support when managing COVID…

AND I think a COVID forecast that had support and utilization from both sides of the aisle would’ve helped save a lot of lives if launched at the beginning of the pandemic.

I hope you heed Dr. Jeremy Faust’s words when you consider the protections you and your family continue taking:

This Year is Already A Lot, So Let’s Start Over (Again) (ZORA)

I’m heartened that I’m not alone in feeling like I’m in a funk.

And Elisabeth Oversen has the right advice for us.

First of all, it’s so refreshing to hear a woman espouse personal development wisdom, versus the same privileged White men that get most of the acclaim in this subject.

I love how Elisabeth gives us permission to disconnect from the modern calendar and let yourself start fresh when you want or need (or take advantage of the recently passed Lunar New Year or upcoming Spring Solstice).

I also love her approach to subatomic habits, and for these subatomic actions to be rooted in what you WANT, and not what you think you need.

I know Elisabeth is working on a book based on her viral essay, but I would very much love to see her expand on this essay.

In Baltimore's streets, interrupters face danger to stop a cycle of violence (NPR)

As many cities reckon with new ways to guarantee public safety, partnering with local organizations who are already doing the work is the first place to start.

In Baltimore, Safe Streets’ violence interrupters literally put their lives on the line to help de-escalate conflicts before they become violent.

The key to their success is the trust their communities have in them. Which, unfortunately, they claim is impossible to do with the police.

It’s a much-needed reminder that big problems don’t have simple solutions, and require buy-in from those building the change, those enforcing the rules, and those who must live within it.

Take the time to read or listen to this piece today - it’s an important one.

Black women say goodbye to the job and hello to their own businesses (The Guardian)

I have mixed feelings about articles like these.

On one hand, the brilliance of Black women should be recognized and celebrated widely, and they should absolutely have equitable access to wages, funding and press and opportunities that so many White men have and take for granted.

It’s proven to be an opportunity for founders like Roshawnna Novellus, whose company EnrichHER is providing access to funding and education for Black women to launch and scale their businesses.

Both the public and the majority of the private sector have ignored the backbone of the American economy for a long time. I’m heartened to see people begin building and investing in it, and I hope more funds and investors and partners follow - at scale.

Chevron, Total to exit Myanmar over human rights abuses (Associated Press)

Recent headlines about Myanmar are highlighting their military’s attempts at transitioning to a democratic government.

This is one big reason why.

Total and utter violation of human rights isn’t a good look for either the public or private sector, and the private sector is following the moves made by the French and American governments.

Natural gas is one of Myanmar’s largest industries, and these withdrawals will hurt their economy and force change on a human rights front (which is a terrible reason for change to happen).

Time - and economic impact - will tell how things will change.