VERBATIM!

23rd Psalm

2011-09-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Christopher C. Odom’s ‘The 23rd Psalm’ requests your attention, with a message and a method to a madness straight from the ‘hood. This the debut offering for this talented writer who also wrote, and co-produced it with Cornelius Booker III. Originally offered in 2007, it won Best Picture award at the San Diego Film Festival amid accolades attributed to the players involved. Does it matter where the setting is when characters are vivid and dramatic in their portrayal of semantics that justify issues that need to be resolved? One can make the assertion that the Watts section of Los Angeles would be perfect for such a backdrop where a poignant saga shadows an African-American police detective, who unconsciously channels his intuition to cope with his shortcomings and significantly solve a dubious murder. This is LA Police Detective John Smith’s story, where faith initiatives are manifested in believing in innate feelings and deep soulful hints to elicit due diligence. But who would want murder to involve a reformed prostitute, born again but died to soon? To get to the bottom of who, what, when, where and how, he first must deal with his own demons until the truth tells a much different story. Leslie Jones, Arnita Champion, and Markhum Stansbury Jr. star.

Alcoholism and cynicism in any demographic will prove to be a bad mix for competence and sheer ability for proficiency, especially when complacency finds a way to be define mindsets. Mr. Smith is a candidate for the latter. First depicting it as an ordinary urban prostitute murder there’s no need to possess a sense of urgency. But when John's intuition sparks a new interest, where he experiences omniscient-type visions about the victim, her murder, and other extenuating evidence. Realizing that he must conquer his fears and doubts it only adds fuel to the fire as time becomes both an ally and a detriment. The story takes off when John experiences a brief vignette of a random murdered prostitute, and 12 hours later, miraculously the vision becomes a reality. Ironically, John is assigned to investigate the murder. With very few clues, John does his due diligence and contacts anyone who had recent interaction with the prostitute. Clues abound with dire results, along with the usual innuendo, false tips, and contradictions.

Tantamount to any good story are memorable characters gracing the setting and a backstory to support contrast, tone and tenor. Adjunct to it all is a doctor committed to his practice, a caring shopkeeper and a ‘holier than thou’ pastor. Each of these characters have their own depictions of the victim. To wit: The doctor stereotypically sees all sexed crazed women with prostitution being a destined fate; the pastor talks about salvation, soul-winning and the need to be born again in the same breath; and the shopkeeper reveals a need for the victim to have had a friend...someone who would have only cared! Like many who may not be committed enough to be persuasive and perseverant, they all try convincing John to save face and admit to a dead end. Time is of essence but much of it spent in the bottle doesn’t help until innate visions haunt him at every turn of the need to look further and go yet, deeper for the truth.

The turning point of the story reaches a near climax when John decides to spend more time in the diaspora that created the monster -- the hood! A group of homeless people in there uses different colors and bigger canvases to paint images about the murdered prostitute that wasn’t before realized - a story of transforming grace on a cleared palette. Realizing that his triumvirate of informers had been far from accurate in their depictions of their interactions with the murdered prostitute, John goes back to them intent on closing the case, which culminates in the denouement, and the film's shocking, if not unsuspected ending! I rated this film 3 stars out of 5. Could it have been better? You betcha! But despite a few flaws where a few interludes in my opinion were choppy and uneven, the actors did a credible job of bringing to the fore the gist of what the writer had in mind. I felt that the backstory could have been more defined to shed more light on the prostitutes prior life. Drama notwithstanding, this is a must see reissue. All of the aforementioned didn’t give me notion that this movie shouldn’t be embraced. If there’s more to Christopher C. Odom’s creative spirit he deserves other chances to show that he can be considered worthy of stepping up to the next level, be it writing, directing or producing. Buy this movie and watch it wherever it’s shown at theaters near you!

As A Man Thinketh...

2011-06-22T17:44:00.001-07:00

Ever felt that you were on the backside of the mountain, looking up from the valley where you’re currently wading shallow waters of river deep concerns? It‘s perhaps a dark period of your life now, and need to seek more common ground. You’re prone to someone’s shoulders to cry on where time and place demand accountability. How does one go about keeping their heads above water and coping with losing close and loving friends…those that have clung close to the ribs, tugged at the heart, and gave new meaning to significance? I think on things that tend to give me spasms of the mind, dwelling on them, and allowing them to spur me to action, but it’s not about me. I think about those in this predicament. I endeavor to get them out of this stupor. As a man thinketh so is he, the adage goes, but who else would you turn to? The answer is all apparent -- the Lord.

It's time for you to pay homage to that which will free you from bondage, and allow your melancholy blue to bright colors akin to illuminating light and rays of hope. You’re not alone...God has His hand on your shoulders. You’ve listed to your Pastor and he has enlightened you. It's like that train that chugs up that mountain looking for willing passengers, not losing steam each step of the way. The traces of erstwhile tears pale against the tracks that the train is traversing, looking for destination without being destitute, and better directions to focus for clearer vision. It’s time for you to make discernible options and endeavor to make better decisions how you strive for quality living. As you think and tinker with time, the temerity of fate will test your faith, but you are still blessed and highly flavored. Okay, you’ve heard that whisper…that still small voice that packs a whale of a punch. When He speaks, one must listen. As you stand, that mountain is not so rough after all, the river can now be navigated, and the lilies of the valley are in full bloom! You’d want to thank the Lord for joining you on the road to Damascus. You have once again been lifted up from adversity and have been righted a better course. As a man thinketh your head indeed is to the sky, and you are alive!

In Search of the Village That Raised Me

2011-06-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I long for days when the living was easy and the cost of living was generally how you were raised, and where grits and grocery were appreciated more! It didn’t take me all of three scores to bring me to realization that I truly miss those old times...times when (dis)obedience was the sum of the parts that determined the consequences of right and wrong. You will probably remember too, how certain things will always be etched in your mind, and you may remember how you used to do things, how things were packaged and delivered to the social fabric that allowed ties to bind, as you’d find yourself comparing then to now. The old adage that ‘time waits for no man’ shouldn’t be understated, and can be best attributed to how we look at change and what is affected by it. Look no further than what you see around you, whether you venture outside of your power structure or stay within the boundaries of your inner being, the way things used to be is no more! Believe that! Nowadays communities far and wide are hard-pressed to maintain and find nostalgic value that once identified pride and privilege just to be associated with a sense of belonging. Seemingly, gone are the days when morals and ethics were instilled as part of familial mindset, complete with the discipline needed to augment right from wrong and applicable procedures to train up that child right. I can surely attest to those lost valuables while penning my upcoming book, ‘Righteous Apples and Other Spiritual Gems’ recalling what should be part of remembering when the simple things in life really meant something. It’s the precious homilies that I allude to in it that always brings me back to know how much I miss simplicity and quality living standards as I search for that village that raised me.

Many cities across the nation begat the origins of Black life near and around railroad tracks adjoining the spic and span of downtown locales, where whole generations jockeyed for position, and staked out livelihoods that colored canvases using hues that are exemplified earlier in this essay. Know that the generation you’re living in as you read this essay is nothing like what you experienced if you’re a Baby Boomer like me. A baby boomer is a person who was born during the demographic Post-World War II baby boom era, and the term itself is sometimes used in a cultural context. However, I’m using it here to illustrate differences and drawing parallel to changes that occurred back in the day as opposed to what’s happening now. In general though, baby boomers are usually associated with a rejection or redefinition of traditional values. So much so that many people have disputed the extent of that rejection, noting the widespread continuity of values with older and younger generations are varied and are allowing changes to truly broaden new sensibilities and other acquired habits to institutionalize a way of life. My, how times have changed! And it is that specific quality of life that I harken back to that has me reminiscing and longing for this generation to snap out of it.

Where is that village that raised me? Can I borrow the chinaberry bush switch that I had to clear the leaves off of so that my whipping would be complete...or perhaps turn back the hands of time, snatch some of what Big Mama preached, and give it to today’s youngsters? What is it that has parenting taking a back seat to taking control of their households? Back in the day there was a strong sense of togetherness in our society. The streets weren’t mean and malicious ready to swallow you up with every wrong turn you took. There were no hard-scale robberies, and petty theft were no more ‘grand‘ than taking money out of our mama’s pocketbook (which surely made you stand front and center with that chinaberry switch!). We looked out for each other and respected the elderly. You didn’t dare let Miss Sally (who always sat on the porch with good vantage points and saw EVERYTHING) catch you doing anything out of the way. If word got back to mama and daddy you HAD to confess, even if it wasn’t the way it actually happened ‘lest you ran the risk of calling Miss Sally a liar. Along with that, it would be unforgivable for someone of any age to walk in front of someone’s house, and if they were sitting out front (like Miss Sally always did), and you not wave and ask how they were doing. Moreover, you did not pass anyone on the street without speaking, especially if it was an elder...and if you were addressed by them you were expected to respond by saying ‘yes ma’am and no sir’ . Every responsible adult had the right, and were expected to chastise you and you knew when you got home you had another one coming! Everybody helped everybody, no one went hungry and we weren’t poor by any stretch of the imagination.

My heart is heavy and my mind hurts just observing what I see in today’s society. You have babies raising babies where girls are getting pregnant at such early ages. There are no more ‘Big Mama’s. They are all in the clubs, quite a bit of them in the 35-40 age range. There seems to be more one-parent households where the fathers have all but disappeared. Mothers are raising boys in matriarchal families and girls are not being taught the ways of men by their daddies. Social mores have eradicated with the softening and graying of gender awareness. It is the bi-curious nature that have homosexual tendencies running rampart, complete with androgynous personas with females especially wanting to be, and adhering to male dominances. I remember being taught to respect females and the attributes of chivalry. I felt for my sister and the sisters of my friends if and when they got out of line wanting to be more than what was taught that a respectable girl should embody. I know for a fact that girls back then were much harder to get than the ones I see in this generation! Church took on a life of its own. There was no such thing as you not going to church...not only did you go, but you were expected to be an active part of it, not like today where you see young folk leaving it in droves. Teens and young adults are not staying put to differ between being religious as opposed to embracing spirituality to perfect that quality of living I spoke of earlier. We had a few pimps, mind you...and prostitution wasn’t hidden, but today the new-fangled pimps are bold beyond measure -- you have them ascending pulpits! They’re continually leading God’s people astray with false prophetic views, albeit while proving that church is big business worthy of having a megachurch mentality.

Yes, I’m in search of that village that raised me. I want prayer and discipline back in the public school systems; I pray that every Black man change their selfish ways searching their souls and be accountable for loving their wives, embracing their children and bolstering their communities. I need for more women to stop taking the flak that men come up with just to get what they want...in other words ladies, close the candy shop and let them earn the goodies like my father and his father before him did. There are several other things that I’d like to see the village of today incorporate into their lives: I want our communities to stop being disenfranchised and exploited by people of other persuasions that don’t respect us. I want us to form more meaningful coalitions, love each other more, and learn how to better play the 21-century game of social responsibility and be ‘game changers’. That of advancing to the next level of personal and professional success, unleashing the greatness that lies within. Meanwhile, I will continue to search for my ‘village’ and teach those willing to listen!

VERBATIM!: Hear Their Voices -- Children With Parents in Prison

2011-05-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

VERBATIM!: Hear Their Voices -- Children With Parents in Prison

Hear Their Voices -- Children With Parents in Prison

2011-05-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Incarceration is no joke, and often it has become status quo for wrong doers to be meted out punishment for their misdeeds. But what about the children who are faced with growing up without parents who will not be their for them? Is it conceivable too, to say that there’s problematic issues with the fact that at least 3 million children (an counting!) who have one or both parents in prison? They face, and are dealing with challenges and hardships through their own voices, and by way of the caregivers, grandparents, teachers, school counselors and social workers who are raising and interacting with them daily. Their stories and thoughts are unique. Authors Howard Zehr and Lorraine Stutzman-Amstutz decided it wasn’t robbery to give voice, visibility and vitality to these oft-forgotten children in their superb book, ‘What Will Happen To Me?’ Not least of which shouldn’t be understated are the importance also of the portraits supplied by Mr. Zehr as adjunct photographer bolstering the impact of the visual effects to the subject matter therein.

What Will Happen To Me are the effects of how unfortunate circumstances and the unforgiving policies in the judiciary system can have adverse ramifications on families that are suffering the consequences. Sobering words and heartfelt lamentations abound from what has been showcased in this book. The authors were erudite in capturing not only the essence of what research methodology is supposed to be when exposing accumulative data, but also quite proficient in suggesting relative topical issues and strategies that may be beneficial to both the children and others associated with this malady. I loved this book...so much so that it has heightened my awareness to want to be an advocate for the cause. The accolades I attribute are many, but first and foremost, it’s the voices of the children that are ever so vociferous and prevalent from the mouths of babes. Points to ponder proliferate throughout the whole book, evident in the detailed information and layout presentation. My support for the subject at hand is heart-felt as I hope when reading it, would have a bearing on the consciousness of what we should be doing to stem the tide and possible do what is needed to offer applicable means to augment aid.

The book is sectioned in various increments relative to cause, effect that forces you to be mindful of applicable measures for solutions. Part one deals with various statements from children interviewed juxtaposed with full-color poignancy. If a picture is akin to a 1,000 words then you will be mesmerized with expressions that can’t be ignored. The faces of the children with their stories are powerful! The message is the hope for change, and the need for the public to embrace their plight. Part two offers a look into what the caregivers are going through and information given for them which includes 10 questions that are obvious prompts that offer extensions to mindsets of children who are victimized by the circumstances surrounding incarcerated parents. These questions are typical of the breath and depth of what should be apropos for levels of commitment to rectify consequences relative to experiences associated with ill-treatments from schoolmates, familial attachments, adults who are ambivalent to their plight, and from those who are concerned but mired in the bureaucratic malaise that often accompany the judiciary system. Part three covers the topic as it pertains preventive measures and a sense of jurisprudence where t communities can, and should be working to restore corrective initiatives to help than hinder.

I like the fact that the authors believe that restorative justice and suggestive input are needed for strong support to garner more resources for challenge and change. I rate this book 5 stars out of five and recommend it for anyone who is serious about making a difference in the lives of children and families so affected. No matter what your thoughts are on this subject, the stories therein are large and compelling...and not only should they be heard, but greater effort should be indicative of the right kind of support and resources that can prevent other children from being victims aiding and abetting a system that is stifling the growth of the next generation. Buy this book where books are sold.

How Sticky Are You?

2011-05-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Strange it is when first meeting someone, never dreaming that one day it would manifest into something much more than a pleasant surprise. Such is the case with circumstances surrounding up and coming singer, LaVeda Davis. I was first introduced to La Veda’s mother in the mid 80’s, who was a colleague of one of my brothers working at an area vocational tech school in Miami. I vividly remember she telling me that her daughter was destined for stardom because she has an incredible voice. It was years later that I actually got a chance to witness and hear this unique talent, now all grown up still the chartreuse that she was labeled. La Veda, born in Miami, FL, realized her love of music at the age of 7 which subsequently blossomed into a creative spirit enhancing writing poetry and and putting music to her words. As it was, singing was a natural progressive move! Exposed to Leontyne Price by her father, she developed this hunger to sing opera first, then on to jazz and rhythm and blues. Featured in TRACE magazine's 1998's ‘Women in Music’ issue along with Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, Erykah Badu, and Janet Jackson, claiming the number nine (#9) spot. Honing her craft and not being confined to only singing, La Veda uses spoken word to help develop her songwriting skills and craft. No stranger to travel for exposure, she took part in the Double Talk 3, a Hip-Hop & Rap/Poetry festival in Amsterdam, featuring Antonia Reed aka Bahamadia, a Philadelphia-born hip hop artist. La Veda has performed in major music cities, such as Washington D.C., New York City, Amsterdam, Paris and her native Miami; and has recorded with many national and international music personalities and producers for a healthy mix, including,Tricky, Hada Guldris, N'Dinga Gaba, Kimani WIlson, Charles Dockins, A.D. Cruze, Dwayne Jensen, CJ Burken, Undah Dub, Steve Paradise, Trevor Goodchilde, Kenny "The Human Orchestra" Muhammad, Nitewerx, The Vision and Element of Titanz Entertainment, Cudda Brown, Dwayne Bastiany, Richard Joseph, Nicholas Walker, Barrington Williams, LineNoise, 418, Daniel Pinks, Kavayah Wright, DJ Booman, DJ Timmy, Joan Pau Buil...as well and Dana Byrd, who has been featured as a collaborative lead vocalist on several of her previous recordings.

Opting to don only her first name for recognition, La Veda’s luxuriant voice, her deft, hummable hooks, and her individualistic lyrics are deliciously hard to forget. Her first solo album, “Sticky/Foreplay,” just released on Harlem Station Recordings, has the authoritative grooves you’d expect from someone who’s collaborated with many of the aforementioned artists among other luminaries— any music aficionado wouldn’t have a problem tuning in to an incredible voice to set any mood. Can good music create a mood for a melange to know that a singer has arrived? Sticky/Foreplay, answers that very question. It exudes with sexual innuendo with all the trimmings of an expected climax! Fully rounded with 18 tracks, this album straddles various musical genres, from Urban Soul fused with Jazz to R&B with Europeanesque undertones. The songs on this set tend to be monotonous in style, where perhaps inclusion of different cadences would’ve given it more of an eclectic mix for those looking for a rise in temperature. Despite it being thematic, her stylistic renderings are smooth and simmering as the vocals are expertly segued with the type of fresh tracks and drum/bass sequences that flavors this album, and defines its distinctive and unmistakeable melodic flavor.

In my opinion, the tunes that touched me more were the ones that lives up to the title of the album -- ‘Second Skin’, ‘Round And Round’, ‘I Love You’, and the sensuous ‘Strip Down’. I asked La Veda to share insight on influences that have shaped her sound, only because I needed to know where did the ambiance come from to record this unique mix, and she responded by saying, “My father exposed me early on to some of the most extraordinary artists, such as Johnny Hartman, Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Brooke Benton, John Coltrane, Shirley Bassey, Phyllis Hyman, Barry White, War, Santana, Barbara Streisand, Sade, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Nat King Cole, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye...there is an elegance in the way they told their stories, how they phrased their notes and how their voices and music left an profound mark on me.” This is the perfect idiom to set the stage for sensuality to accentuate whispers to scream. Great job La Veda, you have truly arrived and your introduction here is complete. Buy this CD and know that foreplay will be needed to really set you flowing!

2011-01-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

The Romer Reviewʼs Superlative Movers & Shakers and Other Memorable Books of 2010

The Romer Review proudly presents a personal list of achieving wunderkinds that made a difference this past year. in the literary arena. In my opinion 2010 was an exceptional year for me in more ways than one pertaining to all things literary. I saw quite a few people grow and provide services and good reading material! Moreover, there were certain people that in my opinion stood out and further solidified their worth in this industry above and beyond status quo. Notwithstanding last year was the arrival of the iPad, the ensuing e-reader/e-book price wars and the late-breaking launch of Google Editions that stirred the publishing industry into ever higher levels of panic. Questions abounded relative to whether the written word survive, or would books and bookstores be things of the past? If the best books published this year are any indication, I would beg to differ with my answer being a resounding yes! There were quite a few gems that defined the true essence of penmanship for crating stories with imagery in fiction, and with truths ever so magnified in the non-fiction world. No matter what changes come to the industry certain things will remain status quo, and that cuddling up with a good book will be the exception that fuels the rule. Albeit, delivery methods, and the mediumi which you read books may change, but writing is as vital as ever, and readers still get excited over books and the authorsthat write them. The books of 2010 did good by me. I want to pay homage to them here.

There were virtual marketing entities, people who expanded their expertise in cyberspace in providing literary resources and services, as well as those that showed a knack for making themselves visible and viable. In this age of recessive ills and cutbacks in the literary world, business went on as usual, especially among those that persevered. There were a few publishing companies that made my list, as well as Publicists, Authors and Editors that need to be recognized. Iʼm talking about substance and substantive input that made a difference with an upside for even greater potential in the future. This correspondence is my personal views on the superlative movers and shakers that stood out and the books that either that was promoted by them, the acclaim given thereof, and the legitimate options that made surfing the net worthwhile! Several quality manuscripts came across my desk for editing, as well as aspiring authors exhibiting potential. Thereʼs no substitute for excellent writing skill as well as books that have the propensity to hold my attention long after I reluctantly relinquish them. Like any good book with qualitative insight, I invariably came back to them in various mindsets. Usually I donʼt cotton to superlative lists more often than not. Why? Because you simply cannot list them all at the risk of omitting some that are just as worthy, but fail to adhere to any criteria for inclusion. I read too many books across the board and can honestly say that well over half of them were not quality reads. As an ʻA Listʼ reviewer with several major publishers the number of books I get in a years time is exhaustive. Compiling lists of this magnitude can be fraught with angst and trepidation on most voracious readers. For argument sake though, and to refute those that insist that there should be a list nonetheless from me, I will appease them only because of the nature of literary comparison and the many fans that look forward to getting opinionated views from books read and reviewed by me.

About my lists: The people and entities that I name for any of the lists here therein are based purely on observations, industry contact information and personal evaluation of all interactive activity both online an offline. Of course, all trade publications and insider information I have has implication for merited success to be honored by me. As for the books, Iʼve read and reviewed every book on the lists (fiction and non-fiction) and stand by them. I read across the board and get books from many publishers, mainstream and/or self-published. I selected them randomly and gave credence to those that touched me the most. They are not in any numeric order, nor are they based in my positioning on what other best seller lists may comprised one way or the other. I judge authors on artistic merit and their ability to write competently to sway any of their audiences, and thereʼs no favor based on race. As such I have broken my lists down and categorized them accordingly:

Fiction

The Shack by William P. Young

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!

I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

You would have to know that ANY Alex Cross book written by this author would make my list! If you are a James Patterson reader then this latest offers nothing new on a theme he himself has already done to death in his 16th novel featuring detective Alex Cross (after Cross Country), in which Cross takes on yet another barbaric serial killer, this one known as Zeus. Word that an estranged 24-year-old niece, Caroline Cross, has been murdered disturbs Cross's birthday party. What makes all of his books great is how he intrically weaves stories that have you riveted without wanting to put the book down -- and this one doesnʼt disappoints.

Crave by J.R. Ward

This is book 2 of the Fallen Angels series from this author, and if youʼre looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking storylines check this, and the previous one for size. Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble-and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil. It offers a sumptuous mix of danger and romance.

Uptown by Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant

In Uptown a prominent Harlem family is strained to the breaking point by the high-stakes world of the Manhattan real estate industry, and one woman searches for her identity and the will to forgive. But after twenty years away, Avery Lyons returns to New York when her mother and uncle suffer a serious car accident. The tragedy brings the family together, but Avery is not happy about the impromptu reunion. She no longer recognizes the Harlem of her childhood, but the same old family dynamics and secrets are all too familiar . . .Steamy, provocative, and sexy, Uptown is a turbulent and triumphant read.

Big Girls Do Cry by Carl Weber

This is truly a soap opera in da hood! Sibling rivalry can escalate to open hostility, especially if your sister has married your rich ex-fiancé. But somehow, Isis and Egypt manage to get along. In fact, together theyʼve founded a unique book club, The Big Girls Book Club, where members have to be at least a size 14. Egypt moves into Rashid and Isisʼ mansion, but the arrangement starts to go south when Egypt realizes her feelings for Rashid, with whom she was involved for 10 years, havenʼt completely died. This is yet, another offering from Carl with lifelike characters—flawed, confused, frustrated, and sometimes plus-sized.

The House by Anjuelle Floyd

There are a plethora of books with this title, but the similarity ends with this authorʼs depiction of a haunting story of death, redemption and guilt. Anjuelle Floyd is The Romer Reviewʼs Debut Author of the Year and one of several to watch in 2011. Fresh off the heels of her previous masterpiece, Keeper of Secrets, The House is riveting and poignant. What happens when the divorce is final and youʼre ready to start anew? On receiving the very thing you wanted more than anything—a divorce and the power to sell the house—over which youʼve fought the past year—Anna Manning learns that Edward, her soon-to-be ex-husband is dying from cancer...and the plot thickens!

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

This is a haunting novel with good implications about the tenuous friendship that blooms between two disparate strangers—one an illegal Nigerian refugee, the other a recent widow from suburban London. What happens on a particular beach is brutal, and that it braids the fates of a 16- year-old Nigerian orphan (who calls herself Little Bee) and a well-off British couple--journalists trying to repair their strained marriage with a free holiday--who should have stayed behind their resort's walls. The tide of that event carries Little Bee back to their world, which she claims she couldn't explain to the girls from her village because they'd have no context for its abundance and calm. What makes this book work is the amazing subliminal value of bridging the contrasts of race and culture.

The Help by Kathryn Stockette

In a page-turner that brings new resonance to the moral issues involved, the author spins a story of social awakening as seen from both sides of the American racial divide - a young southern white woman and two Black maids. Set during the civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss.,Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams.

Room by Emma Donnoghue

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits. Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon

Any book for and about Zora Neale Hurston will whet my appetite and this one written to appeal to young adults didnʼt disappoint. Told in the immediate first- person voice of 10-year-old Carrie, Zora Neale Hurstonʼs best childhood friend, this first novel is both thrilling and heartbreaking. Each chapter is a story that evokes the famous African American writerʼs early years in turn-of-the-last- century Eatonville, Florida, and the sharp, wry vignettes build to a climax, as Carrie and Zora eavesdrop on adults and discover secrets. Carrie mourns for her dad, who went to Orlando for work and never came back; Zoraʼs father is home, but he rejects her for being educated and “acting white,” unlike her favored sister. Racism is part of the story, with occasional use of the n-word in the colloquial narrative. This novel of lies and revelations will reach a wide audience.

Moonshine by Alaya Johnson

This is one of the best paranormal novels I read in 2011. Itʼs a period piece written in the vampiric thematic mode blending a tempestuous romance with dramatic historical fiction, populated by a lively mythology inhabiting the gritty New York City streets. Check out Zephyr Hollis, who is an underfed, overzealous social activist who teaches night school to the underprivileged of the Lower East Side. Strapped for cash, Zephyr agrees to help a student, the mysterious Amir, who proposes she use her charity worker cover to bring down a notorious vampire mob boss. What he doesnʼt tell her is why. Soon enough sheʼs tutoring a child criminal with an angelic voice, dodging vampires high on a new blood-based street drug, and trying to determine the real reason behind Amirʼs request—not to mention attempting to resist (often unsuccessfully) his dark, inhuman charm.

Tempted By Trouble by Eric Jerome Dickey

Booklist calls Eric Jerome Dickeyʼs latest book A serendipitous mix of lust, longing, and murder, but in my opinion this is another outstanding read that this talented author has given his audience. This is a cautionary tale, featuring a criminal prone to panic attacks. It shows that crime does pay, but only for a little while with a flaming-hot stand- alone set in the world of conmen and thieves. Multi-talented Dmytryk Knight earns his college degree. In addition to English, heʼs fluent in five languages. He finds a well-paying, white-collar job at a Detroit automobile company. Seven years later, a recession hits, and heʼs demoted to the assembly line. Seven years after that, the economy tanks, and heʼs laid off. Whatʼs a guy to do? In Dmytrykʼs case, he looks for honest work, and struggles on unemployment for two years. Dmytrykʼs wife, Cora, isnʼt happy with their stressful, uncertainexistence, so she pushes her husband to work for Eddie Coyle. The problem is, Coyle is a crime lord, and the job requirements include killing whom he wants, when he wants.

Bachelor Unleashed by Brenda Jackson

This is book 2 in the Batchelor in Demand Series...They had a hot, fleeting affair Farrah Langley has never forgotten. Attorney-to-the-rich-and-famous Xavier Kane was tender, sexy, attentive—and ravished her body. Everything she ever wanted in a lover. Getting together with him again in New York is a fantasy come true. She certainly doesnʼt expect the footloose bachelor to change his ways. And the burned-by-love mediator isnʼt looking for forever. But Xavier is. Thereʼs something about Farrah, though...something that touches him deep in his soul...something that keeps him coming back. So when fate brings them together again, Xavierʼs ready to pick up where they left off. But this time around, he wants more. Can he convince the lean, leggy beauty that heʼs That he wants only one woman in his bed, heart?

Non- Fiction

21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times

by Bernie Trilling & Charles Fadel

Thereʼs no other book of late that Iʼve read that tackles problems and gives a blueprint for how to deal with, and teach our children new standards for 21th Century success. The world has undergone foundational shifts in recent decades—widespread advances in technology and communications, booming economic developments and increased competition, and the escalation of global challenges from financial meltdowns to global warming. How can we prepare students to meet the challenges of our century if our schools remain virtually unchanged? This essential resource introduces a framework for 21st century learning that maps out the skills needed to survive and thrive in a complex and connected world. A 21st century education includes knowledge of traditional core subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic—but also emphasizes contemporary themes such as global awareness and financial/economic, health, and environmental literacies.

Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape

by Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell

The workplace is constantly in flux, and even now there are new opportunities open to women. But to take advantage of these possibilities, it's essential to know the current rules for corporate success.Women more than ever, and recent trends bear this out, are more saavy and tenacious in securing their own piece of the rock...and the work place is fertile ground for this new initiative. Author Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell puts a new spin on what it will take to solidify and continue to be major players in corporate America. She offers guidelines to help women forge their own pathways to professional ascent, providing tips for maximizing a review, networking in a relevant way, and much more.

Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Succes and Find Greatness by Randal Pinkett & Jeffrey Robinson

For generations, African-Americans have been told that to succeed, they need to work twice as hard as everyone else. But as millions of black Americans were reminded by Pinkett's experience, sometimes hard work is not enough. Black Faces in White Places is about "the game" that is, the competitive world in which we all live and work. The book of offers 10 revolutionary strategies for playing, mastering, and chang ing the game for the current generation, while under taking a whole sale redefinition of the rules for those who will follow. It is not only about shattering the old "glass ceiling," but also about examining the four dimensions of the contemporary black exper ience: identity, society, meritocracy, and opportunity. Ultimately, it is about changing the very concept of success itself. Based on the authors' considerable experiences in business, in the public eye, and in the minority, the book shows how African-American professionals can (and must) think and act both Entrepreneurially and "Intrapreneurially," combine their collective strengths with the wisdom of others, and plant the seeds of a positive and lasting legacy.

Through the Eyes of God by Shelia L. Jackson

Reading this book was a true epiphany for me because the author gave great analogies that aligned with a biblical foundation, which she used diligently for the general public to identify with. It exposes the people and places community, family, friends, and workplace-that are responsible for feelings of unworthiness and self-hatred, which can lead to an identity crisis. This problem is universal, crossing all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, classes and genders, because we all have struggled at some point in our lives with the need to be validated by others. This book solves the problem and brings healing to the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. It flows and give clarity to all of the above.

Fierce Angels: The Strong Black Women in American Life and Culture

by Sheri Parks

This is a MUST read for anyone interested in the evolution and manifestation of womenʼs continual legacy within her diaspora. Sheri Parksʼs authoritative yet deeply personal study exposes the overwhelming emotional costs—as well as the benefits—of the black femaleʼs roles as communal savior and martyr. traces the development of the “strong black woman,” from the oldest ongoing archetype to such modern-day inheritors of this legacy as Coretta Scott King, et al. Bringing it all home, Parks recalls the personal costs sheʼs paid for her own identity and captures those moments when she is expected to be all and know all. She challenges readers, mothers, and daughters alike to examine how damaging and rewarding this role can be and to take control of it in their lives. This book made me realize just how much I continue to respect women of color!

The Ministry of Motherhood by Cheryl Lacey Donovan

The Ministry of Motherhood is a triad of emotional value, attempting to explain what it truly means to be a responsible mother, what not to do to attain the epitome of the role, and a personal if not introspective look at how it affected her journey to now. The empowering refreshing messages will challenge mothers to look inside themselves for change. It will help them to identify the strongholds in their lives; public assistance, lack of education, abusive relationships, and tear them down with the help of the creator so that they can in turn take the steps necessary to build a better life for themselves and their children.

Master Your Debt: Slash Your Monthly Payments and Become Debt-Free

by Jordan E. Goodman w/Bill Westrom

In todayʼs economic crisis the ability to manage money, win at the mortgage game, clean up your credit report, and to learn the intricacies of negotiating new terms, now comes an in-depth blueprint with detailed advice on becoming free of debt. Master your debt contains many pioneering strategies as it lays out an innovative plan for achieving the elusive goals of financial success. Iʼm using it personally to help ME with my financial planning. I recommend it to you, too!

Generation EX-Christian: Why Young Adults are Leaving the Faith

...and How to Bring Them Back

by Drew Dyck

The widespread problematic issue of young folk leaving the church and compromising faith initiatives are topical for this book. The author gives in-depth analogies, research methodologies and applicable means to acentuate and bring tangible results for solutions. As a Deacon in my church and mentoring to young adults in general and teen boys in particular, this book touched me and has aided my progress relative to the title. Christians and lay folk alike would find this book compelling and poignant!

Daddyʼs Delight by Dr. Karia Bunting

Thereʼs no need to struggle with Godʼs design and destiny for His gift to mankind! Dr. Bunting gives great insight into how and what God took in fashioning woman to be the importance and value of each one and to relationships. So why do so many women struggle with God's design, wishing they could change just this or that one thing about themselves? Bunting challenges each reader to accept and embrace the fact that, in whatever season of life, she is God's masterpiece-not her own work of art. When God sees her, He sees His beautiful creation. A creation that yes, has some wrinkles needing to be smoothed out and yet, is one in whom is His delight to love to perfection.

Act Like A Lady,Think Like A Man

by Steve Harvey

Comedian and Celebrity Host Steve Harvey comes across in this book as the chivalrous and all-caring savior of women who he feels are not seeing the big picture of a manʼs world, and that they are all-knowing, regardless. Yet when it comes to relationships, he feels that they can't figure out what makes men tick. Why? According to Steve it's because they're asking other women for advice when no one but another man can tell them how to find and keep a man. In this book, Steve lets women inside the mindset of a man and sheds lights on many concepts and revelant questions that we all ask from time to time.

Honorable Mention

The Journey to Peace: A Womanʼs Guide to Finding Inner Peace by Carol Lynn Watson

Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships by Wanda B. Campbell

I Shall Not Die by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Industry-Level Superlatives

Mainstream Publisher of the Year -- Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster gets my nod because of the comprehensive program initiated by them that gave a wider audience to readers by expanding subsidiary and imprint options. The acquisition of Atria Books and Zaneʼs Strebor Books International a few years ago allowed them good vantage points with wider readership with their imprints. This is a prime example of teamwork and an innovative way of using timely acquisition in producing quality reads.

Independent Press of the Year -- Peace in the Storm Publishing

Industry-level Personnel that Made a Difference -- There are several in this category, but a few stood out.

• Marlive Harris - Year in and year out Ms Harris has exemplified dogged perseverance in aiding aspiring authors and the industry-at-large in providing services, information and promoting avenues for literary worth. Her G.R.I.T.S.com is a virtual marketing gem - an online book promotion service for authors, bookstores, and small Presses. She provided ample successes for the G.R.I.T.S. Online Reading Club, the G.R.I.T.S. Kidz Book Club, the G.R.I.T.S. Virtual Book Tours, and the On the Air with the G.R.I.T.S.com. In addition, Marlive is a virtual marketing Maven! You may want to visit this magnificent site: www.thegrits.com

• Ella Curry - EDC Literary Services is her bailiwick and what a difference she made to those wanting and needing a higher visibility. No one has made significant steps for improvement over such a short time than this young lady! Evidence of this harkens to her total makeover in the sites promoted under the various auspices of her expertise.

• Tyora Moody - ʻTyʼ as she is affectionally called started out as a Web Mistress and Designer, but the past year and a half she has sprouted wings and has soared by making her presence felt in the industry. If you were fortunate to have her design your website, blog or allowed her to give you a better presence online, her Tywebbin Creations (www.tywebbin.com) was the difference that made it happen! An aspiring writer and Blog enthusiast, her Christian entities online along with other signatures such as AAKulturezon.com (www.aakulturezone.com), Cookieaisle.com (www.cookieaisle.com) and Faithwebbin.net made her an outstanding choice for this study.

• Elissa Gabrielle - If sheʼs not yet a household name now, she will be soon! Ms Gabrielle has made strides as a distaff publisher. Not to be mistaken for other notable women in the field, she is doing it independently in a self-publishing mode that gives credence to beating the odds! Her claim to fame will be her PEACE IN THE STORM PUBLISHING company that is poised to introduce new authors with clout. Already she has published books of her own and a three volume set of anthologies should garner accolades. Her 'The Triumph Of My Soul' series is hot, with the third installment sometime in the near future.

Authors to Watch in 2011 -- Jacqueline Moore, LaConnie Taylor-Jones, Cheryl Lacey Donovan, Stephanie Casher, James W. Lewis, LaToya S. Watkins

Ten Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness

2010-11-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

You would want to read Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness. But first, let me say this: The civil rights movement did a lot for people of color, and through the years progress has been made for equality to take a stand with other gains to rebut vestiges of racism. And with those gains minorities in general and Blacks in particular can in most instances cross lines of resistance as long as confidence, self-esteem and the audacity to not only play the same game as those that are in control, but to excel and master it as well. Two erudite scholars and entrepreneurs has come up with strategies to keep the pursuit of excellence a lifetime goal with steely resolve to stay among the stars and shine brightly and often. Who are they? What are their claim to this process? They are extraordinary folk with one common goal -- to educate and empower their peers! Yes, folk that look like them. But those 10 strategies are REAL and ripe for applicable differences. Check them out and then check out the authors behind them:

Establish a strong identity and purpose - Your ethnic and cultural identity is a great asset. Amplify it as a competitive advantage. A strong identity reflects an appreciation of your uniqueness and its value. A strong identity grounds you; a well-defined purpose gives you the self-confidence to know you can choose your own path, rather than follow society. Start by asking yourself, "What does it mean to be Black or African American?"

Obtain broad exposure - Seek out different experiences, perspectives, places, and people that bring about a healthy level of discomfort. Moving beyond your comfort zone will expand your worldview and sense of possibilities, contribute to how you construct your identity and define your purpose, and enable you to develop and grow.

Demonstrate excellence - Being good at what you do is not enough. You must be excellent. Achieving excellence takes combining the gifts and passion you naturally possess with discipline (the time, effort, and hard work you are willing to put forth) and your beliefs (the translation of your thoughts into empowering actions and outcomes).

Build diverse and solid relationships - Historically, African Americans have had to adapt to the codes of the white majority. But in a global marketplace and a United States where minorities are the majority, code switching encompasses a wide array of standards and norms. Reach out and network with the aim of creating a culture where everyone sees the value in learning more about one another.

Seek the wisdom of others - There is always something you can learn from others, whether younger, older, less experienced, or more capable. Learn from others' mistakes as well as their successes. When you seek the wisdom of others, you develop your own. Learn from your peers. Find a mentor, and be one, too. The best way to learn is to teach.

Find strength in numbers - Surround yourself with people who share your perspective, affirm your values, and support your goals. Cultivate an inner circle whose members are all comfortable with each other, trust each other, and watch out for each other. (The key isn't necessarily ethnicity, but compatibility.) Get involved in collaborative organizations, which range from Black Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities to the NAACP.

Think and act intrapreneurially - Apply an entrepreneurial mindset within an established organization to effect institutional change. You must maintain a strong sense of self-determination and work within the system to make a big impact.

Think and act entrepreneurially - You must take control of your career; you must dare to be in the driver's seat of your destiny; and you must be in a position to pursue your economic prosperity. The entrepreneurial mindset of passion, creativity, resourcefulness, courage, and resilience is mandatory for success in the twenty-first century. Work outside the system to build wealth for yourself and the community as a whole.

Synergize and reach scale - To redefine the game you must create mutually beneficial connections between people and between organizations to fulfill their collective purpose -- and then amplify their collaborative actions to have the broadest or deepest possible impact in a way that levels the playing field for everyone.

Give back generously - Each and every one of us represents the continuation of a countless number of legacies and we can blaze trails for others to follow. Today, African-American giving is no longer only about survival or even helping each other; it is about empowerment and collective self-determination. To address the many challenges in our community, we must leverage our combined efforts through organizations and businesses to reach as many people as possible.

Does any of the aforementioned, and most importantly will you heed what's been given to make the game worthwhile? Meet if you will these two brilliant individuals who would love for you to give them a chance. Randal Pinkett, Ph.D., coauthor of Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness, was the winner of season four of The Apprentice and the show's first minority winner. He is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BCT Partners, an information technology and management consulting firm. Dr. Pinkett is based in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information please visit www.randalpinkett.com and follow the author on Facebook (www.facebook.com/randalpinkett) and Twitter (twitter.com/#!/randalpinkett).

Jeffrey Robinson, Ph.D., coauthor of Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness, is a leading business scholar at Rutgers Business School and lives in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Gun Violence in Our Communities – When Will it Cease?

2010-11-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

This is a view of black-on-black crime as it pertain to the proliferation of gun violence and associated mayhem that permeates Black communities across the nation. Gang activity has never been higher. This essay focuses on what can be done to heighten awareness, and finding solutions to stem the tide (and ultimately eradicate the cancer) that plague our diaspora. Therein are incidents attributed to distinct situations in South Florida in recent years, with an opinionated view from the author. As you read this, I'm sure you can relate to the plethora of violence in African-American neighborhoods all across the nation.

If you’re reading this, know that another child, young adult or someone in the wrong place is being victim, or has been victimized by a shooting. Whether pre-meditated or as a result of drive-bys it’s a serious epidemic permeating our communities with no answers people are willing to discuss for fear of retaliatory measures. As a parent, educator and spiritually-discerned leader in my church and community, I’m no different from anybody else who may be concerned about the young folk of this generation and their fascination with guns. Gone are the days when the ‘village’ was prominent in making sure that there were strength in numbers and it took one to truly raise a child. Nowadays, I’m scratching my head trying to find out what went wrong and what is needed to turn the tables. If you’re like me, you too should be concerned and worried, and if you think that it has no bearing on you think again: whatever happens in any ethnic community ramifications and stigmas are often portrayed in a stereotypical fashion that tend to color the whole canvas with darker colors blacker and blue! If for no other reason than to band together and form coalitions, now is the time for us as a unified force to make a difference. How can you make a difference? By standing up, taking a stand and lending support to any grassroots effort to show that you care.

Recently, Koinonia Worship Center & Village in Pembroke Park, FL did that by hosting a venue entitled, ‘Enough is Enough’. How appropriate. Alas, there ARE a few that has taken this issue to heart. People like myself who plan to make a difference. But my eyes are wide open and my mind is quite active. Let me share this with you: I am walking up the main drag in my neighborhood and a stone’s throw from my front door here in Miami. It is a overcast day with rain threatening the horizon. Is this an omen relative to the concerns I have contributing to the subject of this correspondence? Nonetheless, it swirls the spirit and brings a pall to my fragile psyche right about now. Yet, just a few steps from my home, there are a few young boys no older than 17 manning the corner and appearing to be hawking something for sale. Street corner drug sales has been problematic for years and out of control. Conjecturally, Could it be drugs, and moreover, could any one of them if not all, packing a firearm? Your guess is as good as mine, but suffice it to say, an argument could be made that they shouldn’t be there to begin with. I’m struggling with emotions deep in my soul -- angst, disgust, displeasure, but certainly not sympathy. It’s my contention that our communities that have not address the issue of gun control, drug eradication and other measures to combat crime attributed to gang activity are suffering a prolonged illness and being held hostage to an inability to make streets safer.

As I close this piece, I have a passioned plea: if you are a parent and have a child that may be of age to carry a gun, please take control and allow parental fortitude to guide you in attempts to check your child; if you’re in the 16-25 age group, then you are statistically effected by this whole phenomena that’s targeting you generically...be instrumental in cajoling your peers to cease and desist; if you’re older than the latter, then you fall into a group just below midlife and should be mentoring or endeavoring to be role models; and like me, who can be considered a senior citizen I’m ranting and raving for SOMEONE if not all of you doing what needs to be done. What plan do you have to become involved? Will that plan compel you to move forward or step backward in a passive stance? The time is now and the future is in our hands! Are you with me?

21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times

2010-10-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Modern technology is cyclical and every generation should be poised to invent and reinvent themselves for neo-production and fundamental shifts to introduce new frameworks of learning. Authors Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel has produced a series of goods for designing 21st century educational prompts aimed at preparing the jet-set, eager wunderkinds and just aboout anybody who aspire to challenge a new order. their new book, 21st Century Skills: Learning For Life in Our Times is touted by them and others to be an innovative learning module for creativity to justify change. This essential resource introduces nine chaptters divided into three parts complete with a wealth of adjunct nuggets augmenting research methodology for thoroughness. The key I’m sure is to map out the expertise needed to survive and thrive in a complex core curriculum of subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic—but also emphasizes contemporary themes such as global awareness and financial/economic, health, and environmental literacies. Students in 21st century schools will apply their knowledge to understanding and solving real-world challenges using their 21st century skills and this needed to keep our students on top of new ideals.

Any book focusing on emphasizing the love of learning with a blueprint for direction to create a better and viable world is something that will always be par for the course. I love the premise of this book because it brings critical thinking up front with the objective goals and subjective topics for good operative skills tangent to education, learning and futuristic endeavors. Moreover, I was fascinated on how Trilling and Fadel posed questions apropos to giving readers scenarios to further illustrate points of contention. I considered all of the queries therein which gave me fodder to express in this review why children, astute students and educators should be willing to take risks for better teaching modules. The 21st century skills to be learned in this book covers essentials to prepare the next Einstein, or even ordinary folk for extraordinary goals. Things like critical thinking, information literacy, not how to deal with the media as we know it, but embracing the new digital depth and communications on a level that transcends anything that we have going today. If viable career and life skills are part of this process there has to be a modicum for leadership and responsive ennui for productivity to be accountable to initiate self-direction and flexibility.

I not only applaude the authors but as an educator myself, I adhere to all that has been espoused to teach my present and future students new curricula for a prepared state of awareness. Thank you Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel for a job well-done. This book is superlative to anything else out in the literary educational resource pool and should enhance bookshelves in homes and schools. As such, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend that you buy it where books are sold!

VERBATIM!: A Write Package Campbell Style!

2010-10-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.wandabcampbell.net

A Write Package Campbell Style!

2010-10-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

What will always amaze me and tickle me with unmitigating gratitude are authors who continue to dig deeper into their imagery for innovative ways to tell a good story. And there are many who fit this scenario. Not only is Wanda B. Campbell one of them, but her passion for the pen gives poignant prowess personified. It's this parallel awareness for the respect for each other that's par for the course we ply, and good color for the canvas we apply our paint. Reading and reviewing her latest effort has not diminished my opinion that the girl can WRITE! So I bring to you with unabashed glee the write package, with no wrong baggage to be a burden to page-turning delight:

Baggage no matter how heavy and how far it’s willing to be carried usually comes with a price and consequences in lieu of the truth. But when that baggage is unbargained and unexpected it sets the stage for author, Wanda B. Campbell to give her reading public yet another story from her imaginative literary mind! The tale this time is entitled, ‘Right Package, Wrong Baggage’. Pamela Roberts, who has great balance despite being a single mother and a devoted Christian wonders if the price is worth the goods she’s been given. In this case, she is put in a precarious position by her well-meaning son in his attempt to play matchmaker -- he thinks he has found the perfect husband for his mother. Time, temerity and turbulence plays a crucial point as the story unfolds. How does Pamela deal with this situation...is the past a picture perfect pardon for a man she hardly knows? The story starts out tediously and builds to an interesting crux when Pamela is put in position to finally make a decision.

Micah Stevenson on the other hand, feels like a man at the casino who has finally hit the jackpot! Excitement is an understated realization when he learns that the son of the woman he has admired for the longest wants him to be part of his family with his mother the prize. This is license for Micah to pursue her and gain her confidence. The one thing that would ruin it would be his past, and Micah knew this...but he feels confident enough that he’s on easy street and it wouldn’t matter. When unselfish needs are prevalent in places above her own, something has to give. Trust and integrity Pamela learns, are hard lessons to overcome when not enough emphasis is placed on caution above pleasing others. Micah shakes the foundation of rules incumbent for any stable relationship to thrive when brokenness is part of judgments fueling prejudices to deny or foment a destined arrival at a common bond for happiness.

The fact that Micah took a chance belies the point of not return once everything is on the table. Against all odds, Micah hopes that Pamela’s fondness for him would deter her from dismissing him. There’s a lot between here and there, and without giving away the story, reasons to read further will captivate and curry favor for both chartacters. Albeit, how will Pamela react to feelings tugging at her heart versus doing the right thing that would align herself with Christian resolve? Moreover, will the man that he was, prevent Pamela from loving Micah for the man he is now, or will become if and when he’s forgiven? Will Pamela have the strength to do what her heart or her mind says she should do?

Although I loved the premise of this book, I felt that it would have been enhanced with a few adjunct characterizations and a subplot for a supporting backstory for more contrast and conflict. There’s always room in Christian fiction for the former and the latter not to overshadow the main thoughts behind the objectivity of what the author wanted to project here; but giving the audience more colors for the canvas would’ve been apropos for hues that would brighten this picture more. However, Ms Campbell’s penchant for telling a good story cannot be ignored for the value that her fans have come to expect. Nonetheless, there’s a message therein and it shouldn’t stop readers from reading a story that will appeal to those that the shoe fits! I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it highly!

For more on this dynamic author, check out her website: http://www.wandabcampbell.net

Straight Out of Africa!

2010-06-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Some of the most poignant stories ever told emanated from the Mother Country -- Africa! Tales abound of tribal intrigue, struggles for independence, Lost Boys finding their way, various stories of girls coming of age, from slavery to freedom...you name it, stories proliferate that has to be told. Such is the case with the three books I’m introducing in this latest installment of VERBATIM! They all have something in common -- journeys and pathways to empowerment. Look no further than here for three courageous people baring their souls from one continent to another.

Long Walk Up: Childhood Journey from Tragedy to Triumph by Denise Turney

First up is author, Denise Turney. Her story, LONG WALK UP is a young girl’s childhood journey from tragedy to triumph...albeit, about an orphan girl on her journey toward legitimacy from meager beginnings to that of the first Black president of an African nation! Though simplistic and short, it’s long on linguistic latitude with a remarkable sense of place, as well as profound knowledge of the ways and customs of the people that are adjuncts to the setting of the story. Reading the story it was hard to put down, and after embracing Mulukan and her ordeals traversing the countryside searching for identity you knew that destiny would draw her to her calling -- due diligence is like this when you’re persistant and your election and calling is made surest by being in the right place at the right time!

The book starts out moderately slow with emphasis on life among the village(s) throughout her nomadic life. Ironically, the travels only served to strengthen her resolve in allowing survival tactics to give insight to what it means to take advantage of time and place. She does this remarkedly at every turn, especially during her young adult years as a writer honing skills to become a distaff leader, which in my opinion was the turning point of the story. I loved this book, but like others I’m siure, they will want more of Mulukan.

This book is a winner, though! Read it, but get to know the author and her previous works. Denise is a mother and a founding member of Bucks County Pennsylvania's first African American owned and operated drug and alcohol intervention program - No Longer Bound. She is a former volunteer in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She is an entrepreneur, a businesswoman and a civic and community volunteer. Her memberships include: The National Women's Executive Association, Black Women Entrepreneurs, The Philadelphia Writer's Organization, The International Black Writer's Organization, and The International Women's Writing Guild.

The Only Way Is Up by Folake Taylor, MD

Now comes Folake Taylor, MD in her true story about the journey of an immigrant, and she surmises by naming it THE ONLY WAY IS UP. I guess the best way to gauge her unique situation is from her viewpoint after being down if you can look up, you can get up! With only $300.00 dollars to embark on an ardous journey she parlayed it into a provocative success story. But what makes this story so prominent is the fact that there’s a message therein that the author adamantly conveyed throughout the book. The overriding theme in my opinion lent more to perseverance than any thing else. The author’s voice reverberated vociferously with it. To wit: “I would not have had much of a story to tell if I did not go through the hard times. Hard times makes us stronger and they make us the person we ultimately become. It also help in preparing us to be sensitive to other people who are going through similar situations, and to know exactly how to comfort and encourage them through it.” This, the author feels is the purpose of her book. As I read the book I was able to see intrinsically more profound homilies that all cn benefit from. There’s many other issues broached, self-esteem (and lack thereof), family values, inspirational fortitude where maintaining a relationship with God is all-important, and last but not least of all is the fact that principles are the only things that determine self-worth to garner success. Ms Taylor’s take on what it takes to succeed shouldn’t fall on deaf ears -- especially for women who may be beset with similar problematic issues she struggled with coming to America looking for a brighter sunrise and a more fullfilling sunset. The message to be gotten is -- it matters not whether you are from hither to yon there are directionals to your journey, with footsteps even, for you to follow!

Powder Neckace by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond gets to the hub of an enduring coming of age tale relative to the unusual title, POWDER NECKLACE and of her gripping narrative about a young girl’s survival amid the backdrop of crafting vivid portraits of dislocation and discovery. This is the story of 15 year-old Lila and her quest for identity and belonging. There have been quite a few poignant stories from the heartland written by people who felt a need to escape the dismal life stemming from years of colonial angst, abjack poverty, discrimination and various aspects of genocidal ill-will, health or otherwise. Albeit, this story is written with a different twist but with no less poigancy to illustrate an identity conveying alternatives and the austere diversity of a multicultural heritage on three geographical fronts. To wit: Lilia is shuttled amid trials and testimonies where vivid portrayals of a child’s untimely familial dislocations breeds ‘discovery’ at every interval -- from London, to Ghana, then on to New York and back to Ghana again! Her ordeal is one where she gives us graphic detail of how a young girl triumphs despite the odds against success written in the first person voice in an omniscient way. It’s a moderately moving pieces that gains momentum at each stage of the journey. The book explores the theory that “it takes time to live life.” In the beginning life in London is fast-paced with all the ills that an urban setting would give colors to paint with. Lila falls victim to bad influences and her mother sends her to Ghana at a boarding school. No less ideal with being a foreigner in the land of her mother’s birth, Lila is forced to adapt to the reality of a third world existence. If we don’t nothing else about this book we get the sense early that Lila is searching for ‘home’ and her mother with her quirky attitude seems to need help most. But where is home for Lila? Does she want to be the upstanding English girl or the exotic native girl from Ghana? The author clearly draws on her own American Ghanaian identity to dramatize the adverse conditions of the stereotypical African landscape and the rich diversity of a multicultural legacy.

I read this book with mixed emotions, and felt that it’s brilliant in parts, though not consistently outstanding in having a lasting impression of the heroine finally finding what is being sought. It gave the notion of being an unsettling drama clamoring for an encore in a subsequent book to come. With no clear ‘coming home’ the snapshopt get’s lost inthe bigger picture. To the author’s credit though, this open and honest first-person narrative had more memorable moments despite the less than superlative opinion given in the latter stages of this review.

The beauty of the prose and the resilience of the heroine make this a winning debut. I will close by saying that this is a compelling read that should garner quite a bit of attention for the author.

Bridging the Gaps for Different Strokes

2010-04-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Todd Bridges story is one that everyone has heard enough of, including bouts with drugs, insecurity, and other maladies that contributed to problems that were not unusual for Hollywood. Time takes its toll, but when the bell rings for better times, maturity has a way of allowing worth to matter most. Todd is ready to tell it all! I requested the latest book written about his saga and felt that this story needed to have higher visibility on my blogs and elsewhere online. There's a rich legacy and a message to the drama that has defined him over the years. I feel that if he can make it past trial and tribulation, the next person can and will learn form him. Such is the enigma of his storied past to what has evolved into a different stroke for bridges to manifest change. Yes, you know the story. But check out his BIO below taken from original published accounts.

Todd has lived and worked amongst some of the most famous and influential individuals in the world. For over twenty-five years, he has victoriously survived a rapidly changing business. He is currently experiencing his second rise to fame, as Juice on "The Young and the Restless" (1973). Todd's career began and rocketed when he was only six years of age, forcing his family to relocate from a quiet, friendly neighborhood in San Francisco to the fast-paced stardom of Los Angeles, California in the early 70s. His mother, actress Betty A. Bridges and father, the late James Bridges, Sr., came to Hollywood in search of the American dream. Betty went on to work quite a bit as an actress while James Sr. became one of the first prominent black Hollywood agents. Betty later became one of Hollywood's greatest managers and acting coaches, whose list of clients (soon to become stars) included her oldest child, Jimmy Bridges, her daughter Verda Bridges, Todd (of course), Nia Long ("The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990), Love Jones (1997)), Regina King (Jerry Maguire (1996), Lamont Bentley ("Moesha" (1996)), and Aaron Meeks ("Soul Food" (2000)).

It all began one day while watching Redd Foxx display his comic genius on "Sanford and Son" (1972). Todd, then six, realized his dream of becoming an actor. He exclaimed excitedly to his mother, "I want to do that," pointing to the television set. He had asked on his own to enter a business which, during that time, was very limited for black artists. Nevertheless, Todd went on to make some remarkable strides in the industry, pioneering the way for other young, black actors. His first job was a Jell-O commercial, which starred the entire Bridges family. He later accomplished over 60 national commercials.

Todd was the first black child actor to become a reoccurring regular on the hit series, _The Waltons_ and "Little House on the Prairie" (1974) with the late great Michael Landon. He went on to guest star on _Barney Miller_, which eventually gained a spin-off show starring Abe Vigoda. The spin-off was titled "Fish" (1977) and Todd became a series regular for four years. Norman Lear, who spearheaded the success of Tandem Productions, with such shows under his belt as "The Jeffersons" (1975), "Good Times" (1974), "All in the Family" (1971), and "The Facts of Life" (1979), sought to create a new type of show that would cross the racial boundaries set in Hollywood in the early years of television. He began with the new kid in town, Gary Coleman, and a TV veteran, Conrad Bain from the hit show "Maude" (1972). The wheels were spinning and "Diff'rent Strokes" (1978) was born. The show originated with a wealthy white businessman who adopted his housekeeper's black child after she passed away. There was only one problem. Who would the creators find to match wits with the sassy Gary Coleman? Conrad Bain then suggested the creation of an older brother character to keep up with "Arnold's" wisecracks, a strong young actor capable of bouncing the ball back in his court. No one portrayed such qualities as Todd Bridges.

"Diff'rent Strokes" (1978) was introduced to American audience in the fall of 1978. With the new concept of a racially mixed cast, the producers and creators were unsure how the viewers would react. To their surprise, the show was a complete success and ran strong for eight years. Todd Bridges became an international celebrity and household name by the age of 15. During his success with Diff'rent Strokes, Todd guest starred on such shows as "The Love Boat" (1977), Facts of Life, "Hello, Larry" (1979), Battle of the Network Stars VI (1979) (TV), Circus of the Stars #6 (1981) (TV), and many, many more. An even bigger opportunity came when he was chosen to portray the role of Chicken George's grandson in the historical television miniseries "Roots" (1977), where his performance is still applauded until this day. After Diff'rent Strokes ended its long run in 1986, things became difficult for Todd. All of a sudden, no one would hire him due to his being typecast as "Willis Drummond". He began to experience turbulent times, which would later lead to drug addiction and trouble with the authorities. There would be a pause in his career and his life for nearly ten years.

Todd Bridges has been clean and sober for nine years. He is a working actor, director, and producer and is well on his way to the rebirth of a promising television and motion picture career. Together, Todd and his brother James Jr., have partnered to establish their own production company, Little Bridge Productions. His recent film credits (as an actor) include _1210 Camille Street_ with Faizon Love (Friday (1995), The Replacements (2000)), Frat, _Hollywood Horror (2000)_ with Tia Mowry and 'Tamara Mowry' (_Sister Sister_) and A Testimony. He also recently completed a feature film in Utah called The Climb (2002) for Billy Graham's production company. He directed, produced and starred in the short film about his life, _Building Bridges (1999)_ for TBN. He also directed, along with his brother, a full-length feature film titled _Full Circle_ starring Lisa Sweat (wife of R&B singer Keith Sweat), Stoney Jackson, 'Deaundre Bonds', his wife Dori Bridges, and a host of other great names. His directorial credits also include the feature film, Flossin (2001), the life story of his pastor and childhood friend, Pastor Ernest Johnson.

On a more personal note, Todd is a proud husband and father. He has been married for five years to his wife, Dori and they have a three-year-old son, Spencer. He has traveled the nation speaking to over 6,000 kids per day in high schools, middle schools, and churches warning the dangers of drug use, negative peer pressure, and proclaiming Christ Jesus!

Read the review of his new book, 'Killing Willis: From Different Strokes to the Mean Streets I Always Wanted' with Sarah Tomlinson -- http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2MEJ7O8FEJ485?ie=UTF8&ref_=sv_ys_4

The Romer Review's LITERARY SHOWCASE Presents Authors, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant

2010-03-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

It's not often that you find two writers joined at the hip writing in tandem for as long as the subjects of this interview session, but Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant are cause celebres with a twist! They are successful and have an enormous fan base. I had a chance to talk to these venerable writers and this is what they shared with me:

WOW! You guys have been friends for 25 years and have been writing long enough to forge two different personalities in one...how have you done this, and why the need to write as such when you could have done it individually?

VDB: It's not so much that we've forged two personalities as one. It's that we have left room for each of us to be ourselves, and for as much as we're alike, we're really very different. The differences keep both our writing and our friendship fresh.

DG: ...And we absolutely could write as individuals, but together we get a kind of beneficial chemical reaction. I like to say we inspire each other--maybe we incite each other, but the combo works for us, and hopefully for our readers.

Over the years you’ve written well enough to elicit an outstanding fan base with 7 books under your belt ...what is the formula used individually or collectively on content contribution for the average book? There HAS to be a method to the madness!

VDB: In spite of what DG said about a chemical reaction, there is no formula, per se. Neither of us has specified duties. It's not like Donna plots and I do characters. We each contribute to every part of the process. We do what we call "what iffing," as we work through the plot, and we plot in detail. We get to know our characters in detail as well--what they like, the way they speak, their strengths and weaknesses. We aim to make them feel real, so the readers get to know them well too.

DG: Our writing is collaborative as well--like VDB can start a sentence that I finish. We have both touched every word we write, which is why we call ourselves the author, not the authors. Our separate voices come together to form the one voice that tells the story. It has always been important that the work be seamless. We think it works because we respect each others abilities and we don't bring egos in the room. Whatever creative decisions we make are for the good of the story, not because there is a competition.

Not all things are peaches and cream when collaborating with anything without a sense of communication and understanding...what would you do if you weren’t writing?

VDB: I have been involved with language and communication for most of my working life, so it's difficult to imagine what I would do that didn't involve writing. Hmmm. I'm pretty social so maybe I'd own a jazz club or restaurant--don't think I'd want to be the chef although I'm a really good cook and enjoy the process of creating a meal, but I think I might enjoy the "front of the house" hospitality part of the job.

DG: I cannot imagine not working with words in some way. Since I can remember they have been a part of who I am and how I navigate the world--I'm the one who started a class newspaper in the fifth grade. So, if I wasn't writing fiction, I'd like to be writing non-fiction. And in my alternate reality, I'd be a cellist. Music is the most universal language.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed in the industry in general, and with African-American authors specifically?

VDB: I would like to see African American authors not locked into the category of "African American Lit." Most of us write about life, fiction with characters that happen to be black--stories of struggle and triumph, loss, coping, love, and life, learning--just like all writers. But our sales are limited because our exposure is restricted by marketing strategies that separate and segregate our books.

DG: I'm tired of the rush to sameness. If one type of book has sold well, publishers want us all to write variations of the same book. That pressure to replicate what has already been done stifles creativity and leads to stereotypes which don't fully represent our richness and diversity.

What are your major concerns about what aspiring (and veteran) writers should be doing to honor, uphold and enhance the craft of writing to further their careers?

VDB: One of my concerns is tied to the word you used in the question--craft. Caring about the quality of the writing doesn't always carry the importance that I think it should. This doesn't mean that a writer has to be high-brow (which could take us into another discussion about what is literary and what is commercial fiction but we won't go there now...) but it does mean that paying attention, respecting the long, honorable history of being a storyteller AND respecting your reader's intelligence is too often overlooked. Publishing's need for writers to produce books so often--at least one a year, may generate the sales they're afraid to lose if a reader has to wait 2 years, but it can contribute to the diminishing quality of the work--and readers know it.

DG: I heard Eric Jerome Dickey express this well--do you want to be a writer, or do you want to be published? It's the difference between studying to be an actor or wanting to be a reality star. Being famous has become a job description and writers are not immune. Publicity is important in order to help readers find your work, but it is a tool, not a goal.

How important do you feel book clubs and reading/writing groups are to all things literary pertaining to you as authors and the books you write?

VDB: We love book clubs. Some days as a writer I feel like, "What difference does it make?" For book clubs, reading does make a difference and we writers appreciate their enthusiasm and support. They also have an important voice in letting publishers know what they like.

DG: Writers and readers participate in a conversation that takes place at different moments in time. Book clubs actively participate in that exchange and we appreciate their comments and their points of view. We also enjoy it when they invite us to participate with them, either in person or by phone.

Let’s talk about ‘Uptown’...tell us how you came about writing the theme for the story, and why was it so poignant for you to illustrate the storyline as you did...were there alternative plot twists, and perhaps a different setting that could have been used?

VDB: In the 2000's real estate was like the gold rush or the oil boom. It was sexy, it was wildly profitable, and everybody had to have some. Luxury homes and condos sprouted like mushrooms, with no end in sight. Sections of cities morphed from undesirable to the next hip neighborhood. We wanted to examine the phenomenon on a personal level. We chose Harlem, because it is an iconic neighborhood that has changed rapidly, not without controversy. And it is a place we both knew. As a matter of fact, I lived in one of those buildings "owned" by Dwight Dixon and his father, King Dixon. We first visited those buildings--and met Dwight and King, in our book Better Than I Know Myself. Both those characters and the place were perfect for this story.

DG: We also wanted to examine home--both as a physical place and as a state of mind. Can you go home again? What happens when the physical place no longer exists as you know it? What happens when you move away, but still have unfinished business at home? Can any place ever be home if you don't resolve it? Harlem is our setting, but this story could have taken place in many cities and towns. In New London, CT a case of developers versus residents went all the way to the Supreme Court. But aside from the buildings, we wanted to get at the personal stories behind the shiny glass or limestone facades and take a look at what success means. Is success just about the money, no matter what you have to do to get it?

I’ve read all of your books, and found that ‘Uptown’ strayed a bit from what you’ve written about in the past, yet in many ways the writing style is the same, especially how you crafted your characters...was it deliberate in your decision to change, or were there underlying reasons for giving us something different?

VDB: We are always looking for the next creative challenge. Nothing stays the same. Starting with our last book, What Doesn't Kill You, which was about a woman who is out-placed from her job of 25 years, we have been looking to current situations that affect all of us. Our aim is to personalize them--take them off the front page and put them in somebody's family.

DG: In Uptown, in addition to the real estate, money and influence, we wanted to look at the personal side of scandal. Lately, we have seen lots of politically and corporately powerful people standing at a podium and apologizing for their transgressions. How did they get there? We wanted to look at how they got there, and how the scandal affects their personal lives.

People whose lives are connected seem to be one of the mantras you use to fuel dramatic interludes, are any of the characters in the books you’ve written related, or have issues that would justify fodder to be used in subsequent books?

VDB: Because we tend to write about the same general geographical areas and our stories have mostly been set in a time period between the 80's and now, we decided that some of our characters lives might intersect quite naturally. So in almost every book, to a greater or lesser extent, we will have at least a mention of a character or reference to a situation from another one of our novels. Sometimes readers recognize them, other times they don't and it's just our little way of catching people up on what else is going in a characters "life."

DG: In Uptown, we did that quite deliberately. When we realized we were going to do a book about real estate in Manhattan and in Harlem in particular, we knew we had already created Dwight Dixon and his overbearing father, King for Better Than I Know Myself. We saw no point in creating new characters when we knew these two men. The Dixons created quite a stir among the readers of BTIKM, folks loved to hate them, but we didn't get to fully explore how or why they were such difficult men. Uptown gave us a chance to do that.

If someone were to ask you, “Who is Virginia DeBerry, or who is Donna Grant”, why you write as you do, and why they should buy your books, what would you tell them?

VDB: Who I am as a person is far too complex a question to attempt to answer here, but I can respond as a writer. Donna and I have found a formula that works for us. We fuel each other creatively, we trust each other implicitly, we care about the language as much as we care about the story, and our collective goal is to draw the reader in, and keep them engaged right til the end.

DG: I am curious. I want to know why, and how. I think in specific details rather than broad strokes. I am empathetic. I bring all of those qualities to my writing. I am always trying to get at the truth, especially for characters who are most unlike me. And I want to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it takes a turn--just like life. So if people want a read that takes them on a journey, and won't let them go until the very end, that gets them to really care about the characters and that leaves you with a little incite, we are your author.

Are there any suggestions, tidbits of information or good advice that you could give my granddaughter about becoming an accomplished writer?

VDB: She should become and remain a dedicated reader. Reading is the best way to learn, not only about writing, but also about what you like and don't like and why. She should read widely across genres. She needs to be familiar with classic literature, Greek and Roman myths and legends as well as contemporary writers.

DG: And if you want to write, do it! Writing doesn't require expensive equipment. It doesn't require a team. You can do it anywhere, any time. Many people talk about writing, but don't get to putting the words on the page. All stories are genius while they remain in your head. It is confronting the blank page and beginning to move the pieces around that allows you to find your story. Don't be afraid. Begin wherever you are, but do begin. And when you're ready, begin to share your work. Writer's groups can be great for that. They provide both feedback and camaraderie.

What’s can we look forward to from the both of you individually or together in the very near future?

VDB: We are working on another novel, also concerning a subject that affects us daily. After book tour, we look forward to getting back to the computer to create more controversy in the lives of our characters.

DG: ...And because we are always looking for new challenges, we have formed a production company and are working to produce our novel, Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made as a novel. We'll keep you posted.

For more information on these two outstanding authors, please visit their website: http://www.deberryandgrant.com/DGBios.html

What's New @ Simon & Schuster

2010-03-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Featured African-American Books ►

Uptown

By Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant

In Uptown, when money, power, and real estate are at stake, family bonds and loyalties are strained to the breaking point.

Learn More

Browse Inside

Hold Love Strong

By Matthew Aaron Goodman

A young black man struggles to survive in this spellbinding coming-of-age novel about love, hope, and the incredible capacity of the human spirit.

Read Excerpt

Watch Video

Stormy Weather

By James Gavin

A definitive biography on Lena Horne, legendary beauty and African American icon who broke barriers of race and gender in show business.

Learn More

Browse Inside

A Century and Some Change

By Ann Nixon Cooper

President-elect Barack Obama reflected on the life of Ann Nixon Cooper on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, singling her out of millions of voters, he said, ...

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Read Excerpt

A Paranormal Suspense -- The Hip Hop Manifesto

2010-03-02T04:21:00.000-08:00

Every now and then a writer steps out of, and beyond status quo to write from another realm of influence. The fact that in the publishing world there’s a litany of options that authors can tap into for flexibility to be vialble...and in academia we have a process that feed into writing that has a flair for dramatic interlude. We call it divergent thinking -- coming up with fluency, variety and originality. Debut author, Hozeh delivers his story with good fiction and science of the mind for a compelling read...just don’t call it science fiction! In my opinion, I like the term paranormal simply because the genre is a jaunt across conventional lines to make life off the beaten path another stratospheric venture. Hozeh’s book, The Hip Hop Manifesto allows the writer just that. He threads motives around the heart of a story relative to a new order, and a coming of age saga involving a protagonist seeking self-realization and an empowered mindset to manifest (his) reason for being. The gist of the story originates in the 22nd Century and finds our hero El Adrel wandering and wondering amid a myriad of quandaries in search of the maternal sanctum he lost as a child, a sense of maturity where manhood is essential to his survival, and the power of the spoken word, a.k.a. Verbalism -- the dominant religion of the day and the belief system enhanced by the Prophets.

The forces of nature that fuels this story colors a world where El Adrel is muddled by his quest for salvation and his inability to gain a toe-hold on what it means to excel above and beyond expectations of The Four -- heretofore the Mystics who weld extraordinary mental powers, preserving the tradition recorded in ‘the Manifesto’. To understand how the story unfolds is to know that the aforementioned is merely the center of this story as El has no choice but to unravel the mysteries of the belief system centered on the lyrical content and recorded wisdom of rappers and cerebral scribes that are deemed prophets and patriarchs. It was with this understanding that El knew he had to embark on a journey like no other. He sets out across the great plains of an erstwhile, if not wasted United States to find the syllabus of his lost religion -- The Hip Hop Manifesto!

I enjoyed reading the book, despite a slow tedious start that threatened to tax the resolve to go on. What saves the need for continuity is the author’s gift for threading motives around the heart of a story following its plot that had enough verve to mask a few glitches along the way. Those glitches were the author’s penchant for staying too long with a scene where contrast would’ve served a better adjunct for a change of pace. He more than made up for them with a tenacity for diverse settings as the plot thickened with the introduction of a Temptress and a demigod determined to wreck havoc on good intent, and a quest that is El’s to lose face or gain notoriety. The epilog proves to be most intriguing as our El Adrel is forced to make a decision that will color his canvas with hues that would reflect all that would identify success or failure! The New Order is upon him to opt for a triad before him -- Power, Wealth, or the Almighty Voice that could be most tangible than the former or the latter.

If indeed you are enamored with paranormal fiction as I was reading this, embrace this compelling story that should whet your appetite. How can you not enjoy a story with a maxim that promotes finding and exposing what is hidden...that which also reveals how a soul can be saved while the rhythm is right and “the destination is merely temptation, but the journey is sanctified”, so says The Four. The Hip Hop Manifesto is just the tip of the iceberg for this talented writer with much more to add to this magnificent tale. Hozeh weaves this story with the mantra that to ignore your call is to be compelled to search for your identity to be a force within the nature of man to control his own destiny. Buy this book and be enlightened -- the manifesto can be yours with every page-turning delight!

Is Enough Being Done to Bring Black History Month Back to Life?

2010-02-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

Is Black History Month becoming staid, laid back and predictable? Better yet, is it really needed and why then, is it offered with the shortest month of the year? Perhaps these questions should be answered accordingly, but how can Black History Month reverberate loudest and for the best reasons including these leading questions? Now comes an author and academician of the highest order who has a plan. Meet Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell, Ph D, who asks mankind to use a different, if not unique strategy for women to look beyond immediate cultural Diasporas to foster ideas of new associations against racial institutions. She feels that developing relationships with people of other races and cultures is a start for reciprocal value in effective social intercourse. Moreover, she also advocates watching each others’ backs to gain familiarity and trust. Bell, and authority on career development has a new book out -- Career GPS, with a strong subtitle -- Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape that is making quite a bit or noise despite the state of our economy. In it, she espouses more of the aforementioned for better plans of action to implement viable initiatives. As we celebrate yet, another month devoted to Black History, the author submits a challenge to weave into our consciousness to somehow find a good cause for the spirit of diversity to brighten our futures. After reading and reviewing the book, I’m convinced that this approach is not only needed, but could be the answer to women coming of age for accountability and overall aceptance. Hear what the good Doctor has to say about bringing Black History Month to life:

Bringing Black History Month to Life By Ella L. J. Edmondson Bell, Ph.D, Author of Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape

“It's Black History Month, when we celebrate and honor those African Americans whose enlightening stories, heroic experiences, amazing discoveries and tremendous contributions are an intricate part of our national fabric.In the corporate world, there might be speakers who talk about what it means to be an African-American manager or leader. Your reading group might choose a book written by an African-American writer, like Toni Morrison, Edward P. Jones or President Obama, that illuminates the cultural nuances that shape the black experience in America. Or you might catch a television special examining the life of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Shirley Chisholm or, of course, Martin Luther King Jr. These are the expected kinds of activities that the American public has come to expect every February. Recognizing black heritage is important, but I'd like to suggest a different way of celebrating and appreciating Black History Month. Even as we pay tribute to our ancestors, it's time to take a step forward and incorporate the message and meaning of the month into our day-to-day lives all year long. This is more than just a learning experience, but also a valuable exercise in diversity and inclusion that we can bring into our work lives.

So this Black History Month, take a minute and look at your relationships at work. Think of it this way; ask yourself, "who are your allies?" Webster defines an ally as a person who co-operates with another person; a supporter or comrade. At work, they are the collection of people who help each other. They support you when times are tough and celebrate with you when all's good. Having allies in different parts of the company is essential. If you're preparing a presentation on a new product, your friend in R & D can give you the back story, while your ally in marketing can help make your visuals extra snazzy. Allies in the workplace can be men or women, and it's important to have both. But for women what is critically important -- and often overlooked -- is the importance of female allies. Too often, we don't seek each other out as allies. The situation gets even worse across race and culture lines.

So this month, take a minute to look at your allies. Have you developed relationships with people of other races and cultures? Who are the diverse group of people who are watching your back? And since being an ally is a two-way street, whose back are you watching? Who in your crew is a different color than you? If your posse looks a little monochromatic, there is no better time to reach across the color line and establish truly authentic relationships that move beyond race. If you dare, after you look at your workplace allies, examine your personal life? Who's at your table for dinner? Who do your kids play with? Do all your friends look like you? Are you being a role model for a diverse world?

So go ahead and celebrate history's African-American stars. But at the same time, put a modern spin and real-time meaning on the month by bringing the spirit of diversity out of history and into your every-day life."

Haiti On My Mind

2010-02-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

Adam Petrillo, an avid reader of the Miami Herald daily newspaper wrote a timely and poignant op-ed piece that caught my attention. I echo his sentiments relative to how fragile our infrastructure is and how likely when we least expect it can become victims much like the people of Haiti. I'm sharing with you his slant along with my paraphrasing to illustrate a viable point: Lest you forget Katrina, God brings attention to that which are destined for change. The challenges we face as the world fathoms Haiti's lamentations, there's much work to be done. I'm convinced like New Orleans before her, that Haiti will not only rebound but wear her new found success with pride! We're not far removed from this tragedy, which brings me to the gist of this essay -- we're all in this together. We cannot ignore the turmoil, nor turn the other cheek for we are all Haitians. There was a scene in the movie Starman where the alien character, played by Jeff Bridges asks the character played by Karen Allen, "Do you know what I find beautiful about your species?" He pauses for a pregnant moment and tells her, "You are at your best when things are worst." This is how I feel now, and how I also feel that others should be as we endeavor to do our individual and collective parts to help this embattled nation.

As the horrific state of affairs continue to plague Haiti, we must continue to remind ourselves that we are all just one disaster away form being Haitians and do everything possible to help our brothers and sisters in their time of need. The 9-11 fiasco is a further reminder of how chaos can grip us and affect our fragile psyches. We never know when terrorists will strike. The frailty of human life transcends race, creed, color or nationality. I had the honor of working in Haiti, and even at one time was married to a proud and ambitious Haiti woman who bore me a loving son. I'm extricably tied to that country in more ways than one. I live in the 'Little Haiti' section of Miami and being among the people further galvanize my love for their culture. Their spirit is indomitable and their propensity to share with others and show kindness and love to strangers is almost boundless. Needless to say it aches my heart to see the destruction and maladies of a people struggling to eke out a living.

Even if you have never met a Haitian or know little of the country or culture, remind yourself that as God's children, "we are all Haitians." There is a popular expression in Creole -- Dieu donne, which literally means 'God gives'. I will continually ask all able-bodied Americans, especially those that look like me to do God's bidding and give any way you can. The silver lining is that the world has a chance to make Haiti right and turn the tables on America's racist Immigration policy toward a positive gain for people of color looking for a new lease on life. It must be rebuilt correctly -- and it can be done only if we all pull together and do all that we can to help because to sit by idly and not care, is a sure epithet to misfortune that may be yours someday!

Men and Mentoring

2010-01-21T07:22:00.001-08:00

Recently a young mother called me, frustration in her voice. She voiced concern that her boys were incorigible and wouldn’t go to school. She further lamented that she was losing control and they needed someone to give them direction. I found out that the father had left the family and was a drug addict. I knew then that I had to roll up my sleeves and get to work! As a child growing up in the late 50’s and early 60’s in the historic Overtown section of Miami, when and where the village did more to raise me, distinguished gentlemen ran quite a few households. I was expected to listen, obey and be respectful to the elders.

I had plenty of men that I looked up to as models for roles that men played in shaping young minds. As I write this article I lament and observe with dismay seeing the young folk in this generation miss out on what it mean to look up to anything worthy of respect and honor. Of course, there are some who do not fit this description, but more often than not I see more than a token few who are not adhering. I’m tired of the sagging pants concept, the gansta mentality, and misappropriated swagger that fuels the aforementioned. The purpose of this essay is to shed light on my opinion of what men should do to mentor, and how children should go about being recipients of tutelage that can mold upstanding young men as leaders of tomorrow. What I’m observing is not indicative of the idea I have of what young folk should do for respect and honor.

Raising children in this generation is fraught with bastions of low self-esteem, dysfunctional families, and communities disenfranchised. Our young children most importantly are being misled and are embracing the wrong stimuli to propel them to greater expectations. The concept of the village raising a child is moribund and fleeting when you stop and think of all of the vices that are gripping our children today. Sex and immorality abound, including misappropriating values and options such as homosexuality and gender issues. I’ve always felt that there need to be more to help those in need in building character and being the respecter of all things good and gracious. Mentoring, in my opinion is the cornerstone of helping to change who, how and when we should look up to something and someone. In the bible there are several examples of men and mentoring: Paul mentored Timothy and Titus like sons in the faith, and they looked to Paul like a father. Elisha learned at the feet of Elijah and went on to be a greater prophet of God. Jonathan was the rightful heir to Israel’s throne but he forsook that to mentor and befriend young David.

Eschewing the limitations of a one man show, the necessity of prioritized regimen, and the giftedness of the body of Christ naturally leads to the importance of training and delegation. Neither Moses, following Jethro’s advice, nor the apostles ignoring the legitimate needs of the people, nor allowing themselves to be distracted from the primary needs of the people and the priorities of the Word caused father figures to mentor those that needed it most. It’s imperative therefore, for pastors to train the body of saints in the basics of the Word, and delegate various aspects of ministry to other qualified members of the body according to their gifts and the Lord’s leading in each believer’s life. We can always point to the necisssity of training and delegation -- Acts 6:3-4, I Timothy 4:6, 11-16 and 2 Timothy 2:2 to reinforce these ideas.

We need men in the homes to stablilze familial order and allow children to look to their parents as their first mentors. Also, I’ve always felt that the church is the last frontier of hope for our youth and should be doing more to train them for the leadership roles that would propel and extrapolate them to fulfill their destinies. I do not discount social dynamics relative to community activism that challenge change to cultivate our children, but there needs to be incorporated in that tutelage spiritual values for better parallels. A church without a blue print to focus on challenging children to be the best that they can be with sustained tutorials and bonding sessions where transitioning boys to men is the norm rather than wishful thinking, and would be ineffective and lacking.

What then should men be dong to mentor? As mentioned earlier they should be right there to be the helpmate that wives need to nurture; thety should shadow their children to build bonds that tie together love and respect; and most importantly, they should train up their children using Biblical references and a sense of spiritual worth. On the other side of the coin is how children generally, and boys specifically, should go about choosing a mentor. If the family structure isn’t as sound as it should be there will be problems. First and foremost, someone with morals and upstanding mannerisms, with a strong community presence, and certainly someone who knows what the inside of a church looks like should be in place. The willingness to be taught where discipline is not spared should be qualities that all mentees should adhere to.

I take mentoring serious and pride myself on making it a positive experience when I can help give the younger generation a better starting place for whatever they are going to pursue. Being a mentor means men should be about looking inside and outside of their Diaspora and thinking creatively in finding someone who needs direction. This can be achieved by helping a young boy to pull up his pants, or by coercing a young lady to keep her dress and panties up, and to give both a helping hand to make the best decisions for career development. It means leading by example and exemplifying a model to be emulated and a wherewithal to be respected. I’m doing my part, what about you?

How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business

2009-12-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped to think how the young folk of this present era seem to be defined by what the signs of the imes? How are you dealing with it? And to what extent has it impacted your life? Below author, Jason Dorsey introduces you to his new book and with perhaps an eye-opener for a new train of thought.

Employers always seem to be asking me, "What in the world is Generation 'Y' (Gen Y) thinking when they do some of the things they do at work?" As a researcher and member of Gen Y, which I define as being born from 1977 to 1995, I think it's important to shine a spotlight on what my generation is thinking when we show up to work (and then immediately ask for a coffee break). The more employers understand Gen Y's perspective, the easier it is to identify the strategies and actions that can transform us into high-performing, loyal employees.

GEN Y'S TOP FIVE LIST FOR HOW WE THINK AND ACT AT WORK

1. No expectation of lifetime employment -- Gen Y is the only generation in the modern workforce that has never expected to work for one employer our entire career. In practice this means that Gen Y expects to change employers throughout our lives, because it would be abnormal for us to stay with one company. This doesn't mean Gen Y won't or can't stay with one employer, just that we see nothing wrong with switching employers if a job or company no longer fits us (or our sleep schedule). Though we may not expect to be with a company for 20 years, we are willing to work extremely long hours for an employer if we feel a genuine connection to the company or its mission. At one online education company I visited, the Gen Y employees were working seven days a week, and some were taking showers in the office building in order to meet deadlines. One of the Gen Y employees told me, "That's just what you do when your company is counting on you."

2. A feeling of entitlement along with big expectations -- The biggest complaint I get from employers of all ages -- including Gen Yers who manage other Gen Yers -- is that many in Gen Y feel entitled. We show up to work and act as if our boss owes us something for our presence. I know how off-putting Gen Y's attitude can be, but before we condemn my generation as a bunch of spoiled brats (something that I find personally offensive and plan to tell my mom about) we should consider for a moment that entitlement is 100 percent a learned behavior. You are not born entitled. You have to be raised that way. This might hit a bit close to home if your twentysomething child is still on your car insurance and carries one of your credit cards for emergency use only, which could mean a sale on cherry-flavored Pop-Tarts® at Target. In fact, many of us in Gen Y were told, "As long as you're in college, we'll help you out." Seven majors and one study abroad semester later, we're graduating with 196 credit hours and an Associate Degree -- and courageously entering adulthood by returning home.

3. A hunger for instant gratification and tangible outcomes -- Gen Y has come of age with almost instantaneous access to just about everything and everyone -- from instant meals to instant messages. This constant immediacy has taught us to have little patience, short attention spans, and to seek ongoing progress in every aspect of our life. We hate waiting in lines at the grocery store (Can you say self checkout?) and don't want to show our work on math problems, especially if you already told us our answer is correct. We will even walk into a fast food restaurant, see a line at the counter, and leave to go somewhere else. However, rather than brand us as the "instant everything" generation, my research shows we are simply outcome-driven. This observation changes the conversation, because it shows we are not about having everything now, we simply don't see -- and therefore we do not appreciate -- the steps involved in creating the outcomes we want. We literally do not connect the dots or consider our plans in terms of policies and procedures -- that's an older generation's way of approaching work. Instead, all we want to know is what you want us to do. Then get out of our way so we can get it done. In the workplace, this makes us extremely project-oriented rather than job-description focused.

4. A new relationship with technology and communication -- Since Gen Y grew up during the Internet boom and mobile communication revolution, technology has become an extension of ourselves. However, older generations have a big misconception when it comes to Gen Y and technology. Older generations think that Gen Y is tech savvy. This is 100 percent not true. Gen Y is not tech savvy, we are tech dependent. Important difference. We don't know how technology works. We just know we can't live without it.

5. A need for ongoing feedback -- When it comes to employing Gen Y, if your company only gives annual reviews, then you can change the name. Call them exit interviews, because Gen Y won't be there. We need feedback on a much more regular schedule, ideally twice a month, but don't confuse frequency with a major time investment. We don't want an in-depth 360-degree performance review, complete with personality assessment. Just a five-second check-in that says you notice we exist. All we need is for you to pause outside our cubicle and say, "Jordan, I saw how you helped Mrs. Booker solve the billing problem. Good job." That's it. Nothing more.

TURNING THESE GEN Y CHARACTERISTICS INTO A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

As a member of Gen Y, I admit that all five of these characteristics do not initially appear as workplace strengths. However, I have seen time and again how employers have made every one of these Gen Y characteristics into a workplace advantage when Gen Y is managed correctly. The key is to start with an understanding of our mindset, find a common ground with your company's goals, and build on it. In fact, the breakthrough moment for many of my clients who employ Gen Y is realizing that what their Gen Y employees want in order to put forth their best effort is often less expensive and easier to give than their current employment practices. Now that is something you will want us to text our friends about -- but not until our lunch break.

Author Bio: Jason Ryan Dorsey, author of Y-Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business is an award-winning entrepreneur and an acclaimed keynote speaker often referred to as "The Gen Y Guy"®. He has been featured as a Generation Y expert on 60 Minutes, 20/20, the Today show, and The View, as well as in Fortune magazine. For more information about the book, please visit www.JasonDorsey.com. ©2009 Jason Ryan Dorsey, author of Y-Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business

Motown, Music and Me

2009-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

The soundtrack of my life can be defined and cataloged by songs, songwriters and producers of record companies that gave us much more than hip-shaking music. One such company went far and beyond normal application -- Motown. There’s so much to say about Detroit and it’s legendary contribution to the music world. Motown Records and all of the icons, stars and overall aura that precipitated it all celebrates 50 years -- that’s half a century of music, some of which I have deep in my permanent files. Rhythm and Blues and any derivative of it, embodied talented singers and the producers who squeezed every ounce of ‘soul’ from anyone who stepped up to the mike, including the iconic record labels. Every noted urban center were represented, from Chicago (Decca, Vee Jay, Chess), Philadelphia (Philadelphia International, Cameo), New York (Atlantic), Memphis (STAX), Miami (Alston), et al. But Detroit had a magic and an unprecedented run that made stars of the teens and anybody in between that came across its threshold. I grew up on this music and wanted to share my sentiments of the first 50 years.

It all started in 1959. I was only 8 years old and didn’t grasp this phenomena until after my tenth year. By that time finger-popping primed me for what had become an obsession. Who would have thought that the soul of young America would emulate to proportions that transcended race. By the time Berry Gordy found a winning formula different persuasions found it not a crime to embrace, copy and spread the word that something special was on the horizon. Motown artists are credited with being among those who broke down these barriers so later audiences would no longer be separated by color. Witness the Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Dell Shannon and others of a different persuasion who wanted a piece of that magic. In my opinion I feel that the music that Motown created was a visionary force, and today it’s etched into the mindset and archives of legendary proportions. For me, I used the music to identify with every emotion that fueled my existence. When I needed a love song, I sought Smokey Robinson; when I wanted social consciousness complete with a soothing sense of sentimentality, Marvin Gaye was my surrogate; when I craved that sophisticated soul that possessed unique phrasing, The Temptations was there with a lead singer with charisma; when I felt that jazz overtones needed and upbeat with a groovy intonation, up jumped Jr. Walker and his All-Stars; and when I felt the need to be buck-wild and wanted to dance in the streets, Martha Reeves and her Vandellas along with the Marvelettes this was my elixir that kept me in rhythm. I cannot overlook Mary Wells, who gave me a chance to see how love could be requitted and regained for intrinsic value.

If you don’t know the history of Motown, know how important Smokey Robinson was to the early growth of this music, and you will then understand how and why the tandem of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland (Holland-Dozier-Holland) was so instrumental in its success. Listen to any song by the Four Tops, the aforementioned Mary Wells, et al and you will get to know who the Andantes were -- who historians say appeared on more than 20,000 recording sessions. They were the background singers that were expected to create that for high end falsetto-like technique found on every Four Tops, Mary Wells and Supremes recordings. Do I dare mention Motown without heralding The Funk Brothers? This rhythm section is credited with creating the Motown sound. Without them there would be no Motown! I distinctly remember that I purposely used to monitor how a record first started out in determining whether it had that unique sound I was looking for. I surmised that a hit record needed a signature line or something that would give it that preliminary hook, and those brothers brought the bacon home.

Now comes the 50 year anniversary and a unique compilation of talent that the world cannot overlook for what it meant to music in the Black community. Think Motown, and I’ll willing to bet everything I own that memories will take you back to those halcyon days of yore when you were a teeny-bopper looking for love, or a young adult that was captivated by how soul could serenade and color your world with melodious sound. When I first heard Stevie Wonder sing “Fingertips” at 9-years old I felt that no other musical genius would come to fore again in my lifetime, but just a scant five years later we were introduced to a pint-sized James Brown (spins and all, along with the verve to manipulate a microphone) out of Gary, Indiana along with his four other brothers! Yes, the Jackson Five was a part of that legacy in 1969. My favorite group at Motown was the Temptations, which I also include in the same breath as The Platters and The Drifters. Because of Motown’s success and the type of artists they spawned, I’ve tended to be most critical in how I appraised singers, groups and record labels. I realize too, that this is a new era -- a generation where music to them is not the same, nor is the music they’re making. I can readily say that the music of today is a far cry from what GOOD music is supposed to be. You see, I judge groups by the persona that style and substance produces within (the group). I always ask myself can they dance, does the lead singer has more than just a good voice, do they possess tight harmony and that the phrasing is indicative of what would make them unique?

I truly miss Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Barry White and others who have been influenced by that motor town sound. But Studio A at Hitsville, USA was where legends were made. Motown has come and gone, but the memories are here to stay. I learned a lot about Berry and his empire -- flaws and all, but now that we can sit and enjoy the old school flavor that those songs inspired I can always relive, relax and retrieve it all, for I have my ipod with 10,000 songs securely in place. I’m proud to acknowledge that the celebration of Motown 50 continues around the globe with events, special programming, exhibits, etc. With uncanny timing while changing the dynamics of musical lore, Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry but society at large, with a sound that has become the soul of America. Suffice it to say, there have been other successes in Black music, but no other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. That influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop, as Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company’s founding. If you’re a baby-boomer you will remininsce back to your teen years and know when and where good music was made; if you’re read about and heard people talk about, know that it was real and the music will never die -- go and relive it!

The Soul of THIS Man!

2009-08-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

There's a seminal new anthology out now, and you should read it and add itto your bookshelves. Men the world over has responsibilities that are unique onto themselves, as well as for their homes and the communities they live in. Lifetimes of experiences may not have had us on the same radar for doing what we should have been doing to uphold our honor. Thus, men in general and Black men particularly have been feeling the pangs of angst in societal circles. We've been much maligned and as a result we have suffered and shouldered the blame for a litany of problematic issues. Women who love us have tolerated our actions, gave us a plethora of chances, and for the most part have taken on quite a bit of the responsibility that is ours!

Last year a colleague of mine asked me a question that I had to ponder a bit. She asked me: " What is exactly is in the minds of men, nowadays?" And I shot back -- "how well do you know YOUR man?" To answer both queries and to shed light on the situation, there's a unique and important book that does just that, it's called The Soul Of A Man. It presents an admirable collection of inspirational stories that share and shed the innermost thoughts of real men and real issues. You should endeavor to read them...our stories reveal how faith is used to handle day-to-day struggles, pains and temptations to show what the rest of manhood is all about. I'm one of them -- hear my cry to know my story by joining us on this literary journey. One of the two essays I have in the book answers the topical issue, and later on you will want to read the seminal essay, 'Adam Where Art Thou?' In a generic sense I will ask all the questions now: What do you think would be on the minds of men; and for the women, just how well do you know YOUR man? What SHOULD he be thinking about?

This is an anthology that gives different views on the ways to fathom the mindsets of a few good men. Albeit, I'm writing this blog to ask a few questions of my own and to get feedback on your interpretative feelings on the state of men in your midst and beyond. In today's wacky and weird world, what exactly are in the minds of men? Should we be worrying about our families more, attuned to what's happening in our communities and most importantly, should our self-esteem be way beyond levels of how we're normally depicted in our Diasporas? I opine that the souls of men truly wants to be understood and not undersold. Individually and collectively throughout history time has measured the successes and failures of us and have judged accordingly. We've had to deal with stacked decks and unbalanced scales short of what's right to account for our actions. In some quarters society may not have treated us well, although a lot of it may have been our faults...but we definitely have something to say about it!

Making the Right Decisions in Selecting a Soul Mate

2009-08-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you are just confused as to whether you really love the person you are dating or it is mere attraction, and it is difficult to make a decision. Questions abound and you don't know how can you be so sure that you’ve picked the right one? Well, the first thing that should be done is ask yourself why you have the love for the person you’re with? A better understanding of your heart and what it says should not be understated. For instance, does your heart beat for your partner? Do you feel totally devastated when he is not around? You should know the difference between love and infatuation. Blind love is not an option and shouldn’t be part of this equation.

More often than not there comes times when we see in our paths that one person that seemingly is for us, and we put ourselves in position to allow what we see to believe without full scrutiny. In all aspects of life we are generally judged by the choices we make, and in some cases by choices we DON’T make. Discernible options that are ours places us in precarious positions when we are not equipped to be prominent in those choices, and not positioned favorably to take advantage. With this in mind, we have to live in harmony with Christ’s mandate for holy matrimony. This is part of His Divine plan for our salvation. The gist of this essay then, are lessons derived at how we should make the right decisions, live the type of life that would exemplify good works, and allow self, family and community to be part of all of the aforementioned. The lessons gives opportunities for reconciliation and a better understanding choosing partners for life! But how can we go about the business of finding the ones apropos for good lifetime relationships?

Throughout history time has shown us what happens when we don’t go beyond status quo or look deep within in lieu of opting only for surface matters to color our palette. Having the right person in your life is liken to relating to that which is a deep metaphor for your soul to reverberate and be sharing of the things that God has envision for that person to be one with you. I will refer to thematic overview for subjective interpretation as ‘soul mates’ when referring to those that should align themselves for a congruent relationship.

Our soul mates are not progenitive to just the opposite sex, but can come from all walks of life. All things are not equal in degrees of development. There’s differences in the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of how we choose our friends and acquaintances. Sometimes these relationships can be intense depending on our souls connecting from the past without allowing it to undermine the advantages of futuristic progress as opposed to possessing a regressive mind. So the question still remains, how do you choose the right partner? I’ve formulated a few tips that I find to be important to help one understand the true essence of love and help you make decisions as to choosing the right soul mate.

Common Interests -- For a compatible relationship the couple should have common interests...interests that both find engaging. There should be no inhibitions or compromises. When two people have different interests, one person usually ends up sacrificing their desires for the other person in order to live a happy life, or end up living completely separate lives. Therefore to avoid any future complications and creating egotistical issues, it’s better to analyze your interests and desires for a perfect match.

Ambitions -- Never let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t pursue goals that may be ordained from God. Healthy ambition can help any relationship prosper. I find it so necessary to preserve your individuality and make it clear that you too, have a life and ambition worth the sake of the relationship. Find out whether your partner are comfortable with dual goal-setting initiatives. Would your partner be willing to let you have that career you have always wanted?

Intellect -- This is important and should be one of the things that you look for in choosing your soul mate. Does the intellect levels match? It is very difficult to communicate with a dull or insensitive person who may not be willing to reason. Ask these questions to yourself: when you talk to him/her, are the wave lengths the same? How long does it take for questions to be answered adequately? Can the both of you really talk about absolutely anything? This may sound crazy but imagine living your entire life with someone who doesn't understand you and who frustrates you to no end by lack of communication?

Principles -- Deep-seated morals and ethics should be inherent in forming a base for truth and spiritual resolve. If one of you are resilient in this mode without your partner sharing the same sense of being, there will be problems in your relationship. Establishment in a strong belief system is paramount to stability and must be straightened out before plunging into marriage.

The key to a better understanding in our choices is to know beyond reproach that having the ability to discern whom shall you trust, to what degree and how to manifest ‘thus sayeth the Lord’ precepts are important. I’ve come to believe that all of our soul mates have one thing in common -- they come into our lives to teach us lessons in compassion, forgiveness and in an unconditional love of ourselves and each other. Sometimes these relationships are challenging and painful; sometimes we are victimized; and sometimes we are the very ones who are prone to show the other person how to find the path back to the Godhead. Once we know the definitive aspects of how soul mates can be positive and progressive in our lives, we will be better off in all things spiritual!

Through the Magnifying Glass

2009-07-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

Running for the presidency and winning is one thing, but a Black man doing it is another! American reeling from the Bush years needed a better winning solution, and one American in particular sprung a surprise coming out of nowhere and thrusting intellect up in the mix coupled with a magnificent campaign strategy. It was unheard of and unprecedented in political lore. Defying all odds, he made it and his persona is bigger than life -- like that of a magnifying glass! There's quite a bit to be said about scrutiny and all of its elements. Social value that signify acceptance is different among people of other persuasions.

They are not prone to forget that racism is institutionalized by their ignorance and stupidity...they would be content in defying proverbial status quo by seeing Obama uphold the legacy of the Black Panthers, raising a defiant fist with a "Black Power" ideological pathos. I wonder what would be their response if he appeared at the next press conference wearing a dashiki and his hair in cornrows? Will the bill for reparations suddenly take on more meaning than they'd want to give it credit for?

It's not a foregone conclusion that tolerance is only as effective as the time allowed for him to be successful in all things that the Bush administration screwed up on. The magnifying glasses are out in earnest! The man is under scrutiny for everything he seemingly detracts from promises he made during his campaign for the presidency. Mentioning race is an apparent no-no as his numbers plummets in the polls every time he does so. I long for the moment when the field is open and he's running toward the goal line for a touchdown. He scored because he deftly and with aplomb snuffed out the fires of iniquity throughout the world, and did everything imaginable for people to give this man much more than the chance he deserves without the ridicule while looking for the next mistake to harp on!

My Ode to Black Women

2009-05-22T00:57:00.000-07:00

Ladies, I was out and about when I came across a brother acting in ways unbecoming of a gentlemen in the presence of a woman. I approached him and after engaging him in conversation I found to my chagrin that comments disparaging to her was equally humiliating to me, as he uttered that she was only good for one thing. This brings me to ask a question of you: Do you think men give you more or less respect due to what they see on the surface? While you lament that thought, check out my personal homage to Black women:

Oh, for the beauty and bodacious embodiment of women of color, for the essence of your regal bearing and the essentiality of your being -- you have earned my respect. You have been my wife, my sister, my mother, my niece, my daughter, my granddaughter and my aunt. These roles are yours and you have out did yourself in them all! I salute you and bow to your good graces, and feel that God made you to be beautiful with much charisma, substance and style. I’ve loved you and lost you, only to pick up the pieces to become a better man for you...and in my quest to protect, honor and obey you, I want to be that virtuous man to serenade you and keep you forever. God made you comely with attributes that I admire that is unique to you.

We struggle together and live within our means. You will flaunt your spirituality and be that siren to walk hand in hand as we do ‘this’ in remembrance of Him. Will you open up your heart and pour out to me the flavor and juices that’s within your soul? Will you let me continue to be a pheromone to the delights of your scented presence? I’m addicted to you and want to revel in the charms and enchanting bliss of your chambers. I want to continue to hold, kiss and caress you in an Agape way.

...And along the way to Eden I promise to remember all that the Good Book says about you, and give you my all. You are strong and resilient, and the world knows this! I will hold you up in highest esteem and will not abandon you. I will train up our children so that they will know the way to go; self, family and community will be the triad that transpose a willingness to make our calling and election surest; and surely I will look upward and thank Him for sending you me, for the windows of your soul are your beautiful eyes that yearn to see me keep the faith and keep my promises. Ladies of the world and Black women hither to yon, know that I care and carry you around always -- in my heart!

My Tribute to National Poetry Month

2009-04-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Poetry and the creative mind have always shared the same stage words are choreographed to dance and glide smooth across our sensibilities. We embrace wit and dress it up to express deep within the moxie that measures lines of accomplished value. There's something about the ability to give it personal touches and significance. We've all come to love how it permeates our lives when they are timely and timeless. We reach for them when we are in those melancholy moods and need an uplift. American has taken notice and decided to honor them -- to the tune of a whole month to coddle them. Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

I started my writing career writing poetry. I studied the best of them and wondered exactly what it was that spurred the great poets to write as they did. Was it a certain sense of creative spunk that can be called upon at random? What makes a great poet? If you were to ask at the spur of the moment a few dozen people, you would probably get a plethora of different answers. I would imagine that some would say that a great poet are sensitive to their needs, or makes them laugh and cry. Others would say that a poet is only as good as the last great poem he wrote. To me a great poet makes me want to read a poem over and over again, each time seeing something new. I want to see the passion in their selections and compassion for the craft; I want expressionism to jump out and slap me and keep me attentive and captive. I read poetry for many different reasons and find that no one poem is the same. Or is it? What then, makes a good poem? I always look for a standard that bode well for structure and stability, which can make or break poetry for me. And all of my favorite poets through the annals of time had it. Phyllis Wheatley had it; Paul Lawrence Dunbar perfected it; Edgar Allen Poe demanded it; Walt Whitman wore it as a medal of honor; Rita Dove taught it; Maya Angelou defines it and Nikki Giovanni IS it! That common denominator that all of the above resonates with is -- Style, Substance and Charisma.

The reason I feel that poetry should be depicted as an adjective because it describes my rationality in all things definitive to it. I've always considered a poem "good" if it is allowed to have longevity and stays with me; when I want to think back on what I read, I want to reminisce knowing that there are words, images, feelings, or ideas that will move me beyond my current state. "Great" poems are ones that are memorable for reasons closer to the heart -- like Wr. Whitman's OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN; Poe's ANNABELL LEE and THE RAVEN; Nikki's LIKE A RIPPLE ON A POND; or Maya Angelou's ON THE PULSE OF MORNING. It's all about having the caged bird to sing out in a liberated way and vociferously all good with poetic verve. What sets me to flowing is when euphoria is indicative of sheer elation knowing that the poet wrote profoundly and with emotional compassion. So-called good poems, as well as the great ones vibrate with alarm and energy that can't be passive, forgotten or ignored. As I celebrate National Poetry Month, I salute, celebrate the poignancy of poetry, and what it means to the lexicon for the humanities!

Shame On You, NY Post!

2009-02-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

A colleague of mine, fellow author Donna Hill has echoed the sentiments of an entire race of people who was appalled and dismayed that a major newspaper would stoop so low to further enshrine racism at the core. It gives me great pleasure to reprint her letter to the NY Post, and for good reason. I applaud her action as she beat ME to the punch! This unforgettable act goes to show you that blatant racism is still part of the Amerikkkan train of thought in keeping people of color from ascending to equal parity. President Barak Obama, notwithstanding, clearly will be a target that they will want to discredit.

But you know what? Our time is NOW! God has already ordained us to finally have opportunities to balance the scales. My hope is for Black America to wake up and move in unison to a different beat! Now back to my sister, Donna Hill. You will want to read what she had to say about such a despicable act. To wit:

"Your obscene, offensive, incendiary cartoon in the NY Post is below the lowest standards that the NY Post already hold themselves to. Not only should Black America be appalled, but the world should be appalled at this blatant, racist cartoon. I never made it a practice to buy our bigoted newspaper that continues to promote divisiveness and narrow-mindedness that does no more than incite the bigots of American. Now, I will not only buy it, but will encourage any and everyone I know to do the same through all of the outlets available to me, which are many!

Rupert Murdock and his ilk are the cancer that continues to eat away at this country form the inside out. A disease that would prefer to see itself replicated...hurting and damaging everything in its wake rather than allowing societ to heal from the ravages of your diseased self!"

Donna Hill

Rising To The Occasion for A New Birth of Freedom!

2009-01-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

FSB Associates (www.fsbassociates.com) are in a unique position, one that they are used to in providing internet marketing services by seasoned publishing professionals. If it's sales, marketing and internet experience in providing a total package for the ultimate literary experience they are preeminent in this field. Alas, the clock is ticking with a different view of history fast approaching, and what an exciting time to be an American brimming with anticipation! On January 20th Barack Obama will become the President of the greatest country in the world, with his mantra that "change can happen!". We will be in position to witness a day that will illuminate a new awareness that will resonate in time. What an appropriate time to introduce to you an outstanding book definitive of this time - 'STILL I RISE' by Roland Owen Laird Jr., Taneshia Nash Laird, and Elihu Bey. More about this book, the authors and others who are touting it is as follows:

"As a contribution to illustrated history from a Black point of view, " writes acclaimed foreword author Charles Johnson, "Still I Rise is a unique achievement, one that will be valued - like Art Spiegelman's Maus: A Survivors Tale...by students, educators, collectors, and general readers for a long time to come." Newly available in an updated edition, the compelling and irreverent graphic history that recounts the entire scope of the African-American experience, now concludes with Barack Obama's groundbreaking 2008 Presidential candidacy.

Still I Rise traces the epic struggles and victories of African-American in the face of racist obstacles and unfathomable hardships. It follows the rise of slavery the Nat Turner Rebellion; military contributions of African-Americans; the birth of modern integration; Freedom Summer; the emergence of the Black Power movement; the Million Man March; and Hurricane Katrina. Cultural milestones are also found here, from the Harlem Renaissance and the Invisible Man to heritage festivals and artists who illuminate the complexity of African-American life. Heroic notables and visionaries are introduced such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Madame C.J. Walker, Ida B. Wells, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. Lesser-known luminaries are featured too, including Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black Studies, and Deadria Farmer-Paellman, who campaigned for restitution from modern companies that played a direct role in the slave trade.

The insightful text is sometimes acerbic but does nothing to lessen the impact of the book. Other times there's humor with a powerful if not honest demeanor. Taking its title from a Maya Angelou poem, STILL I RISE is a moving and inspirational account of the rich history of African-Americans. Now, about the authors: Noted African-American entrepreneur Roland Laird is a co-founder of Posro Media, a Trenton, New Jersey-based company that produced the comic book series MC Squared: A Man With a Serious Game Plan, and the syndicated comic strip The Griots. The company has worked and continues to develop a number of animated and documentary projects for film and television. For this book, the authors' first rate scholarship s supplemented with a healthy dose of attitude, and Bey's illustrations are both energetic and uncompromising. If you are a true comic book fan you will want this book!