PinnedWhy Writing Is Like Building a HouseIf 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…Writing3 min read
PinnedWe Were the Parents of the Sickest Baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care UnitPart one of a three-part saga about our youngest son. — My phone rang in my pocket. The vibration startled me because I was walking the bus line of the elementary school where I was the principal. The day was June 7th, 2011. It was unbearably hot and humid, and I was ready for these buses to take these kids home…Family6 min read
Published in Rogues’ Gallery·PinnedWhy I Engage Online TrollsIt’s fun watching them squirm under pressure. — I am not writing this to disparage writers who don't answer comments on their articles. I understand that some writers receive such high engagement and multitudes of comments that it's next to impossible to interact with readers. …Online Trolls4 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Apr 18My Muse Went on Vacation But Didn’t Take MeShe 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…Writing4 min read
Published in The Shortform·Feb 9Why We WriteI recently read an interesting comment by another writer. He asked the question, why do we write. It's a question that's plagued writers…Writing1 min readPhoto by Akshar Dave 🪁 on UnsplashWhy We Write----2
Published in Afro Scribe·Feb 7Yes, the Holocaust Was About Race, Ms. GoldbergHowever, race is an artificial social construct used to oppress, so in reality, she was correct. — For several days I've pondered the suspension of Whoopie Goldberg from the View. I didn't know what she said until later since I hadn't read much news that day. I've read the comments several times and attempted to unpack what I believe she was trying to state to the audience…Whoopi Goldberg5 min read
Published in Afro Scribe·Jan 18The Blues of MartinHas Martin’s Dream morphed into a blues song — He built a dream from powerful words Spoke over masses of eager dreamers Ready to break the chains of oppression Change America toward an equal direction The Blues of Martin Is his dream shot dead Was equality all in our heads Did aspiration die with him in Memphis Extinguished by…Martin Luther King4 min read
Published in Afro Scribe·Jan 4The Surging Covid Pandemic Prevented Me From Visiting My Wife in the HospitalWhen do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one? — "Jazmine, call 911. Your mom is about to pass out!" That was my frantic call to my 18-year-old daughter the day after Christmas, 2021. My heart was in my throat as I held my wife's arm and guided her to the bed. …Covid 195 min read
Dec 9, 2021An Ode to AhmaudA poem — A couple of weeks ago, we watched as three evil and racist individuals were found pronounced guilty of Ahmaud Aubrey’s murder. They thought they would get away with this and not serve a day in jail for a lynching in bright daylight. Instead, an otherwise sunny day ended with a…Poem2 min read
Nov 26, 2021Why My Black Son Came to Me Distraught Because of the Rittenhouse VerdictI had to bring him back to the fight, but it's a conversation I am tired of having. — He came to me visibly upset. It hit him in the face like a wet dishcloth. The Rittenhouse verdict was in, and once again, he saw the double-dealing and ugliness of the justice system. He shook with rage and disappointment. Hope sapped from his soul as he wiped angry and…Rittenhouse Trial7 min read