From The Editor – Issue 4 Volume 1

~~~ Some people wonder why dedicate a specific month to the celebration of Black history? While others think why celebrate Black history for only one month? In response to the first question, quite simply the majority of ancestors of individuals from African descent, did not come to this continent by choice. They were captured, bound, […]

Poem on the Eve of Bob Marley’s 66th Birthday

~~~ Awoke this morning Rain upon the window Syncopated music of ancient ways Crying tears for the oppressed Offering water for the thirsty Looking for redemption on the way back to the sea Bob Marley rose up in a poor village Part Africa – part England – brewed in Jamaica Strong coffee mixed with […]

Jay’s Jerk Chicken

INGREDIENTS: 6 green onions, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 3/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast […]

Between The Lines

~~~ Standing strong by staying seated to help right wrongs. Walked for miles until their feet were tender and torn. Praying and singing hand in hand seeking justice. Needing to be seen as people not just colored. Marching in the day getting showered by hoses. Not cowering in the night covered in crisp […]

Lilly’s Pride

~~~ In Alabama during the early to mid 1800’s, by the grace of God, my family was fortunate enough to not have to share crop. Unlike most blacks in that region recently coming out of slavery, the Turners were entrepreneurs and quite wealthy. They were blessed to have a lovely home and a beautiful horse […]

Atlanta, GA – Business Trip

~~~ The little brown girl inside me wonders will those around me acknowledge my presence? Should bellhops be hailing me taxicabs and I the one tipping the staff? Yes madams thrown out to me easily, while I look out the window, to see a rag woman. She pushes a cart clinging with cans people looking […]

DrMartinLutherKingJr – And Being Black History

~~~ I remember exactly where I was: Ms Janda’s 4th grade class, Feb 1977. “DrMartinLutherKingJr” a classmate sang/responded to Ms Janda’s question (Ever notice that only adults say Dr. Martin. Luther. King. Jr?). All the students knew the answer. They all knew who the great Dr. King was. Everyone that is, except me. I felt […]

From The Editor – Issue 3 Volume 1

~~~ February is a month that is associated with a number of observances. There is the remembrance of Black history past and present; remembering U.S. Presidents; and of course celebrating love. Because I believe the greatest emotion is love, is the reason I have selected it as the theme for this month. ‘Love’ can lift […]

Bread Pudding Love

~~~ Bread pudding has arrived in high-style it’s the latest vogue fashion food. Dressed in a coconut shell covered with amaretto and white chocolate. Six years into the new millennium they line up in Atlanta for a taste. Nobody had to tell my mama how to make gourmet bread pudding. She’s baked memories for […]

To My Parents With Love

~~~ From various people in my personal life as well as in books and television, I have heard the comment better to have loved once than not at all. I agree with this sentiment but what I think should be added is loving well. In the dictionary love is a noun defined as “an intense […]