Zora and the Haiti Connection

This is a short video on Zora Neale Hurston and her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ms. Hurston was an anthropologist, folklorist, historian, and writer to a name a few, but I am sure that there was more to her as a human being and a woman. Thank you, Ms. Hurston. 

Thoughts and Writing update

I haven't commented lately on my progress with writing. I have been writing periodically over the month of June, but I have taken a break to finish summer grading and spend time with family. Now, I am getting back into my writing mode. I'm still searching myself for direction concerning a theme or focus for my next collection. I feel that this will make me more focused with my writing. Then again, that approach may hinder. Perhaps I will just write (not rush) and allow things to just fall into place. What do you think?

Nonetheless, I will write. In fact, I must write. When I search my intentions, I find that my desire to continue writing is based on my need for creative expression. I love the reaction that readers give to my words. Sometimes, I think of those words being adapted for screen or stage. That would be the ultimate manisfestation of creative expression.

Well, I hope that my next update will show progress. Until then, take care, stay cool, or stay warm depending on your location on this planet. ~Peace

Photo: Alex Haley statue in Annapolis, Maryland

Poetry and Me

Poem/Line count: Two poems

Hello. I've been on blogger since 2005. When I first started, I posted many blog journals that 

expressed my interest as well as my hopes and dreams in this journey we call life.  A great deal has happened since then.  For example, in the past 10 years, I've been married; I've published one book of Blues-Inspired poetry (Liquid Lunch); and I have secured a full-time job teaching college English.

Well, today I have started writing again. I am putting together another collection of Blues-inspired poetry and I want readers of MC to be involved. I think that this will encourage me and also keep  MC readers informed about my progress. So, each day I will post even if I write only one line. The progress will be at the top of the post. Thank you and enjoy your day.

History: The Great Negro Plot

Today in history:

May 11, 1741
The execution of 31 Blacks and 4 Whites begins for their alleged conspiracy in the “Negro Plot”. 70 other enslaved Blacks are transported out of New York City.

Book on Subject: The Great Negro Plot: A Tale of Conspiracy and Murder in 18th-Century New York by Mat Johnson (2007).

I own a signed copy of Mat Johnson's book. I had a chance to attend his book reading in early spring. He seems like a really nice guy and I'm looking forward to reading his book. It's part of my summer line up. I have an idea of what I'll be reading this summer, but I need to "line" them up and get started. If you're like me you like to stay on the subject. In other words, if I'm reading about slave mutiny then I'll read about three other books on the subject. I don't know...I guess I'm hooked on African American history and the past. I mean, just look at my screen background at work. Yes, a field of good ol' southern cotton. I don't keep this picture as my background, but today was as good a day as any. Besides, it is part of my past and also part of my attire today because I'm wearing jeans. Enjoy your weekend. Peace~

Friday Bookish Tag

Good morning! I was tagged by Michael J. West. That’s cool because he wants me to talk about my favorite subject, books! Thanks Michael. So, like da here it go!

1. Book that changed your life: That book would definitely be After Hours, by Edwin Torres. It was 1986 and I was in the Navy. We had been out at sea for more than 3 weeks when I picked up this book in the ship’s library. This was the first book I read that was not assigned by a teacher. I was 19. I’ve been intrigued ever since.

Honorable mention:
How Can Man Die Better?: The Life of Robert Sobukwe, by Benjamin Pogrun. This book is the reason that I met my wife. That’s another blog.

2. Book you've read more than once: I write what I like, by Stephen Biko. I first tried to read this book as a freshman (1990) in college. I put it down out of frustration because of all the grand words and ideas concerning Apartheid. I revisited the book in 1996 and I actually thought that it was changed because I understood so well. I guess that I learned something in college.

3. Book you'd take to a desert island: The Bible. That’s why Gilligan and the crew never got off that Island. They didn’t have the Bible. I am a preacher's son and besides, the Father might be reading this.

4. Book that made you laugh: I can think of funny moments in books, but never one that made me laugh all the way through. I guess that I need to read something funny?

5. Book that made you cry: Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye, by David Ritz. I love to read about my favorite entertainers. Also, Where The Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. I remember reading this book in middle school. A boy and his puppy is enough to make anyone cry.

6. Book you wish you had written: Cane, by Jean Toomer.

7. Book you wish had never been written: I can’t think of one in particular, but any literature that spreads a message of hate towards any group.

8. Book you're currently reading: Caribbean Race Relations: A Study of Two Variants by H. Hoetink (1967) It has a textbook feel to it, but a really interesting read that takes a close look at race in the Caribbean and southern United States.

9. Book you've been meaning to read: Half the books on my bookshelf and others that I haven’t bought yet.

Top of my list:

I am looking forward to reading Geoffrey Philp’s books, Benjamin, my son and Uncle Obadiah and the Alien.
Michelle Buckley’s books, Bullet Proof Soul and Trippin’.

Stephen Earley Jordan ll book, Beyond Bougie (http://www.sejordan.net/)


10. I hope that you enjoyed this. Please feel free to tag yourself if you’d like to share with us your favorite books. Also, please let me know so that I can read yours. I know that I’m going against the tag rules, but hey…
Anyway, have a great weekend and be safe. Peace~