Erica Williams Simon

Erica Williams Simon is a strategist, cultural critic, speaker and media maker. Her work focuses on communicating the personal values, ideas and habits that lead to radical social impact. She is a deputy editor for Upworthy.com and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. Follow her @createdbyerica

What We Don't Understand About Violent Offenders

What we can learn from a man who served 19 years in prison about devastating effects of the criminal justice system and the power of hope

By Erica Williams Simon March 11, 2016

Why Amber Rose’s SlutWalk Was for Everyone — Even Prudes

The decisions that any of us make about our bodies and sexuality should never be based in fear of abuse or judgment

By Erica Williams Simon October 5, 2015

What We Can Learn From the Bobbi Kristina Brown Tragedy

And why we thought we could save her

By Erica Williams Simon July 27, 2015

5 Lessons America Can Learn From Black Churches

Obama's eulogy for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney offered an illuminating glimpse into African American religious life

By Erica Williams Simon June 29, 2015

Why Tweeting Can't Replace a Civil Rights March

"March 2 Justice" activists embark on a 250 mile march from New York to Washington, DC. But do old-school demonstrations do any good?

By Erica Williams Simon April 14, 2015

Why So Many People See the UNC Killings as a Hate Crime

We can't help but see the deaths of the three young students through our own experiences

By Erica Williams Simon February 13, 2015

What History Books Should Say About Ferguson

How we tell the story of what happened in Missouri matters

By Erica Williams Simon November 25, 2014

Bill Cosby, Camille Cosby and the Oppressive Power of Silence

What the couple's response to allegations of sexual assault reveal about the scandal

By Erica Williams Simon November 20, 2014