America is losing a generation of young black talent to gun violence — I stepped into juvenile detention to visit a student who was leaving the next day for the county jail. 18 with a murder charge looming over his future. When you work closely with troubled kids, they become like your own. You love them as you love your own children. …

Black actors and actresses owe her everything — Gene Roddenberry created a show in 1966 that imagined humanity as a better version of itself in the future. There was no war, poverty, money, or any of the ills that almost destroyed humankind. Instead, we made it to a more enlightened and prejudice-free existence. …

However, I am thankful I didn’t — I've taught for almost 25 years. It's a difficult job to do. A teacher must navigate the politics, parents, administration, and all the testing demands. I am an inner city educator and wouldn't trade it for a less challenging environment. The inner city comes with its unique challenges. The students…

I've witnessed involved black dads most of my career and life — I wrote this in honor of Father’s Day. No matter your ethnicity read this with your father in mind and thank him for his love and support. My wife and I decided to go to breakfast on the first day of my summer break since I am a teacher. I've…

A bit of politeness goes a long way; trust me — For 17 years, I've navigated the frigid temperatures of the Midwest. However, the attitudes here are just as chilly. Here folks don't wave or speak to you. They can be your neighbors and may only say something when spoken to. Occasionally, you may see neighbors hanging out, but in my…

Systemic racism has locked many blacks out of homeownership — As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. Nelson Mandela The American Dream is an idea African Americans have been locked out of since the ink began to dry on the constitution. The legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, the crack…

She abandoned me because I didn’t love her. — I was sitting in my easy chair, wondering why I couldn’t write a word on the page. I thought about the cursor teasing me when a text message appeared on my phone. I looked at it with curiosity because an image was attached. Should I open it, I thought. It…

If the foundation is weak, the house will crumble. — I don't write many articles about the craft of writing. Why? I am no expert. I have no publishing deals, and I don't earn any real money from my work. So I, like most writers, shout into the void and hope someone is listening. Carpentry and writing are crafts that…