Morphological Confetti

I’ve had a "crook" in my neck ever since I heard the news about Michael Jackson's death. No, MJ’s news alone didn’t give me this "crook." After hearing about MJ, I got a call that an extended family member died of a heart attack as well and on the same day. I don’t know what hour, but the same day; I couldn’t believe it! The first news about MJ caused tension in my right shoulder as I listened to the report on CNN and I thought back over the past couple of months and remembered having thoughts of him dying. Don’t ask me why? My wife asked the same question, but I thought of MJ dying and how terrible it would be. Anyway, the tension and stiffness begin to ease a little as I watched his famous “Rock with You” video on BET – That song and video are both classics. So, as I mentioned, I got the news about the extended family member yesterday as well. The news caused my head drop into my chest as tension went up the back of my neck. By the way, I distinguish him as “e...

THE SLAVE'S COMPLAINT A m I sadly cast aside, On misfortune's rugged tide? Will the world my pains deride Forever? Must I dwell in Slavery's night, And all pleasure take its flight, Far beyond my feeble sight, Forever? Worst of all, must Hope grow dim, And withhold her cheering beam? Rather let me sleep and dream Forever! Something still my heart surveys, Groping through this dreary maze; Is it Hope?--then burn and blaze Forever! Leave me not a wretch confined, Altogether lame and blind-- Unto gross despair consigned, Forever! Heaven! in whom can I confide? Canst thou not for all provide? Condescend to be my guide Forever: And when this transient life shall end, Oh, may some kind eternal friend Bid me from servitude ascend, Forever! by: George Moses Horton (c.1797-c.1883) Sources: poetryarchive.com and unc.edu, and ncarts.org Happy Juneteenth Everyone!

As some of you may know, June is Caribbean Heritage month. Now, when many of us (Americans) think of Caribbean heritage or culture, we think of the festive carnivals, Reggae music, the phrase “Yah Mon,” a “Booze Cruise,” and let’s not forget Jerk chicken. This is especially true when it comes to Jamaican culture. How many times have we heard someone do a terrible imitation of a Jamaican accent? This is ususally followed with a stereotypical persona sometimes accompanied with locks/dreads, a Bob Marley or tie-die t-shirt, and lots of Marijuana. I like to call these types, “Fakin’Jamaicans.” Good or bad, this is a testament of Jamaica’s influence on the world. People love Jamaicans! However, there is more to Jamaican and Caribbean culture than curried goat or tasty fruit drinks mixed with rum. Let us not forget the people of Jamaica who love, laugh, and cry just like everyone else. This leads me to the main subject of this post: Geoffrey Philp’s new collection of short stories, Who’s You...

On June 16, 1976, 700 people, many of them children, were massacred for standing up for their rights as human beings. I want to dedicate my blog today to the memory of those students and others who have put their lives on the line for what should be basic freedom for everyone. I want to send a special thank you out to my wife, my brother Moorosi, and many others who were on the ground risking their lives for this basic freedom. Amandla!!!! Awetu!!!! Peace to everyone. Click here to learn more... Source: sahistory.org

It just doesn't seem like summer without spending at least one summer evening at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast Washington, DC. It's a beauitful amphitheater and park set in historical Fort Dupont Park. The crowd is always nice and the shows are always a treat. The best thing about it besides the huge friendly crowds is that it is FREE! I've been going since I was a boy and the memories just keep builiding. Check out the 2009 line up listed below: July 18th -- Original "P" featuring Fuzzy Haskins and Grady Thomas (Ken Staton and the James Brown Review) July 25th -- Ray, Goodman & Brown (Formerly The Moments) ["Pookie Hudson's" Spaniels] August 1st -- Radio "WPFW" Night W/Blue Magic and Force MD's & The Legends August 8th -- Rose Royce (Julia Nixon) August 15th -- Mother's Finest (Derek McKeith Featuring Alyson Williams) August 22nd -- TBA Special Surprise Guest Concerts are on Saturdays and they are free and open to the ...

Happy Friday! Well, it's wet here in DC, but I am very excited to announce that I will be reading selected poetry from my new Blues-Inspired chapbook, Liquid Lunch. This will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Baha'i Center in New York City. So, if you are in or near the NYC area please come to check out what promises to be a great show, which will feature over 10 poets and artist. I'd like to thank Cathy Delaleu for inviting me to read my work on stage in front of an live audience...whew! It is truly an honor. God bless you, Cathy. Check out the flyer below: Let the rhythm flow with spring fever at our fingertips. Come and enjoy this unique event you won’t want to miss. Poets, artist, and musicians are uniting in one special space to create magic. Hosted by: Maurio Brown and Jean Valerus Poetry reading starts at 6pm sharp. Two open mics will be selected from the audience Your $5 donations will get you a raffle ticket for a chance to win some cool artsy priz...

Mark 9:29 "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." On June 2, 1899, African Americans observed a day of fasting called by the National Afro-American Council to protest lynching and racial massacres. Source: blackfacts.com