DR. KARA TUCINA OLIDGE, C'92
I guess you can say that I always move to the beat of my own drum.
KARA, Queen Of History. Educating The Masses: Dr. Kara Tucina Olidge is the executive director of one of the oldest independent archives in the nation - the Amistad Research Center. "I have the distinct honor of working to preserve and collect the histories of people of color. This work entails creating a strategic vision for the organization, developing and monitoring fiscal budgets, fundraising, creating public programs, and implementing an intergenerational education initiative."
I Dont Have Time To 'Hate tha Playa', Because I'm Runnin' The Game: "I've always listened to the advice of my mom. She would unfailingly tell me 'never play anyone else's game because they can change the rules at any time.' It's why you can say that I move to the beat of my own drum." Just One Guilty Pleasure Allowed?: This is a tough because I have two - music and visual art. I can get completely lost looking at works of art or listening to music. These two are perfect complements to my work at Amistad.
Since Graduating From #Spelman: "One professional accomplishment of which I am tremendously proud is being the first director of the Hetrick-Martin Institute's LGBTQ Center in Newark, New Jersey. It was so wonderful to be part of an effort that provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth." (HMI is a leading social support and programming provider.)
KARA's Thinkin' Of A Master Plan For Her Next Display Of #SpelmanBlackGirlBrilliance: "The loudest, most consistent blip on my radar is law school, with a specialization in constitutional law. Our current political climate is deeply disturbing. I firmly believe that how the constitution is interpreted versus its intent – and the practical application – will be the greatest challenge of the 21st century."
In An Apocalypse KARA's News Feed Is All About: "This will sound strange but it would be Breitbart. A big part of what I do is preserving collections and creating oppositional space/narratives to address dominant ideologies. Breitbart is shaping an ideology that, unfortunately, is influencing public policies. It is essential for me to know how that ideology is constructed on a granular level so I can do everything within my means to disrupt it."
Bottomless Brunch or Happy Hour Tapas?: "My go to would be a bottomless brunch in New Orleans. I grew up here and I never get enough of getting together with family and friends, eating some of the best food in the world complete with the finest drinks, and then walking it off at a second line. It can't get any better than that!"
