My Southern Heritage

My southern heritage includes enslaved blacks working for white plantation owners in Clarendon County located in South Carolina. This is my response to those who say the Confederate battle flag that flies on the South Carolina State House grounds is part of southern heritage. Every story has two sides and my side traces back through […]

Woman Wearing Red Glasses

Standing on stage with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just a few weeks ago has brought some interesting conversations. Most common questions are “Did I see you on TV standing behind Hillary?” or “I know you must have been excited standing on stage with our next President?” I humbly respond yes that was […]

I MISS MY MAMA

My mom died today. Well actually today is the anniversary of her death. It has been a few years now. It has been enough years where the deep ache in my chest and gut has dulled but still enough to be noticed. Yet no matter how many years pass, I will miss her. She was […]

Guilt Tripping

I’m feeling guilty today. It is one of the holiest times of the year in Christian faith. This weekend is the time when Christians remember the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. On Good Friday the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Christ, I attended the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus […]

Looking For Nothing In Return

This past Friday, March 6, 2015, The President of the United States, Barack Obama held a Town Hall meeting at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Benedict College is a historically Black college in the state that he, others and myself know helped propel him to the White House by winning the South Carolina Democratic […]

My Dr. King Holiday Weekend

This past Dr. King holiday weekend was mixed with many activities. On Friday, I went to see the movie, Selma. After seeing it my heart was full. Full with the fact that I need to be sure that I am present in my own existence. What that means is that I help bring solutions and […]

A Poet Renewed

When I left for The Watering Hole 2nd Annual Poet’s Retreat held at Santee State Park in South Carolina, I just wanted to simply be a better poet. I didn’t have any other way to say my goal than to be better at my craft in addition to making connections with other poets of color. […]

It’s Complex

~~~ Yesterday, I attended the initial performance of a play titled “The Black Man…Complex” held in Columbia, SC, created by Terrance Henderson and presented by Trustus Theatre & Jasper Magazine. The play covered various complexities of the black man, including race, sexual orientation, and spirituality as well as other situations. The audience was taken through […]

On The Radio Waves

~~~ This past Saturday, I was afforded the opportunity to give my liberal opinion on a local radio program. In a few years I will approach the half century birthday milestone and have been reflecting on my purpose in life. My belief is as humans we should always seek to be better people and evolve […]

Mercy Mercy Me

~~~ Recently, I had my six month dental visit. I do not have an aversion to the dentist, thanks to my mom locating a gentle pediatric dentist during my childhood. Sadly, my mom did have horrifying childhood dental experiences including extractions without the benefit of Novocain. Thank heavens, I only learned of her tragic […]