Morphological Confetti

Today, I read an article in the Washington Examiner that the Washington, D.C. Public School system (DCPS) will start referring the parents of frequently truant students to child-protective services.  In reading about this, I could not help but think back to my elementary school days at Washington Highland  (now Ferebee-Hope)  Elementary in southeast Washington, D.C.  Back then, I don't think my case would've been referred to as "frequent," but I definitely spent time "ducking the paddy wagon" as we used to say.  In 1978, it seemed like a part of growing up in DC.  Unlike today, the school system didn't have the automated service that would call your home when a student was absent, and if they did there was no answering machine and definitely not a voice-mail.  African American single parents like my mother depended on older siblings to keep the rest of the children in "check" because she was working full time at the hospital. Ther...

Every year I look forward to the concert series at Fort Dupont Park in Washington, D.C.  It has become widely popular and it tends to be very crowded.  However, there is nothing like the visual of a huge crowd [mostly African American] of people from the DMV getting together to celebrate music from the soul.  It is really a celebration and expression of culture -- American culture.  This years promises to be a nice one.  I hope to see you there this summer.  Concerts are free and opened to the public. Note:   Shows are every Saturday as indicated below and usually start around 8:00 pm; however, get there before the time because places on the lawn fill up fast.  This is especially true in front of the stage.   Check out the 2012 lineup: July 14 American Noiz': A celebration of American Music featuring a Motown review by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; Accompanied by Joel Coleman, Dr. Guy Ramsey, Ju...