Rosanita Ratcliff Journalist Profile

Articles

Preparing for My Third Open-Heart Surgery

May 27, 2024 | medium.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

By Rosanita Ratcliff Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash I was born with congenital heart disease and had my first open-heart surgery at just 2.5 years old. My second came at 28, and when I was 32, I had a pacemaker inserted. Unfortunately, one of the pacemaker's leads settled in the opening of my tricuspid valve, causing some issues. Last month, I went in for my annual cardiac checkup. What a time to decide that my partner didn't need to attend...
A Personal Experience

May 26, 2024 | medium.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

By Rosanita Ratcliff Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash Recently, I faced a challenging situation with my dad and his caregiver. The day before the incident, the caregiver asked me privately if my dad didn't like him. It was a genuine concern, and I could see that the caregiver was trying to understand and improve his relationship with my dad. They had been getting along well, joking and laughing and having pretty good discussions. Then my dad's...
Reimagining the American Dream: Bridging Homeownership, Sustainability, and Equity

Feb 29, 2024 | visiblemagazine.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

Homeownership is more than a status symbol; it is interwoven into the fabric of the American Dream. Sadly, for a vast number of the population earning below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, this dream is increasingly out of reach. This is especially true with the resurgence of mortgage rates from two decades ago and the new report stating that home prices are at or near all time highs in some cities because home prices rose for the fifth consecutive month.
Black America's Legacy of Environmental Sustainability by Rosanita Ratcliff

Feb 28, 2024 | visiblemagazine.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

During Black History Month, we often overlook the environmental stewardship practiced by Black Americans, particularly those of the baby boomer and older generations. Contrary to the prevalent narrative that blames these generations for the climate crisis, Black communities have long exemplified sustainable living, not out of luxury but necessity and wisdom. The Country Crock meme well-known to many Black millennials and Gen-Xers illustrates this legacy humorously yet truthfully.
A call to action for Black disaster response

Feb 22, 2024 | thebrunswicknews.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

By Rosanita Ratcliff, The Fulcrum From the hands that laid the foundation of this country's infrastructure to the spirit that endured centuries of oppression, Black Americans have long been the backbone of this nation. Black communities continue to be centers of resilience and determination. As climate change increasingly threatens our homes and communities, it's imperative that we protect and preserve what we've built for future generations.
A call to action for Black disaster response

Feb 22, 2024 | kansascity.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

The rebuilt levee wall that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward is seen as New Orleans prepares for flooding from Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 29, 2017 in New Orleans. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images/TNS) TNS From the hands that laid the foundation of this country's infrastructure to the spirit that endured centuries of oppression, Black Americans have long been the backbone of this nation. Black communities continue to be centers of resilience and determination.
A call to action for Black disaster response

Feb 13, 2024 | thefulcrum.us | Rosanita Ratcliff

Ratcliff, who serves on the Commission on Disability Issues and the Renter’s Commission in Ann Arbor., Mich., is a vice chair of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party’s Communications Committee. Ratcliff is a public voices fellow of The OpEd Project and Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. From the hands that laid the foundation of this country’s infrastructure to the spirit that endured centuries of oppression, Black Americans have long been the backbone of this nation.
Prioritizing Accessible Mobility: Learning from Europe's Inclusive Transport Initiatives by Rosanita Ratcliff

Jan 26, 2024 | visiblemagazine.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

As America strives for a sustainable and efficient public transportation system, it is inexcusable that we often neglect the critical dimension of accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for people with disabilities. Our aspirations to create a climate-friendly public transportation system are woefully incomplete if we do not put accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront. It is unacceptable that people with disabilities are often an afterthought in our planning.
Inclusive AI: A Game Changer for Nonprofits and Disability-Inclusive Climate Activism

Dec 18, 2023 | visiblemagazine.com | Rosanita Ratcliff

For several years, discussions around AI and climate change have focused on its resource intensity, with the latest research highlighting the significant energy consumption of AI-generated imagery. Unfortunately, this narrative often overlooks the profound positive impact of AI advancements on disabled climate activists. A prime example of this is Apple’s latest accessibility feature in iOS 17.
The Key Point That COP28 Is Ignoring

Dec 12, 2023 | whowhatwhy.org | Rosanita Ratcliff

When leaders gather to negotiate climate policy, they usually overlook the needs of this vast group of people. I had to flee from the Camp Pendleton fire while recovering from my second open-heart surgery, still bandaged, unable to drive, and only able to escape due to the kindness of a neighbor.