PAISLEY PERSPECTIVE TURNS 4!

Today is the 4th anniversary for PaisleyPerspective.com, which was launched 1/1/11 at 1:11am. There have been a number of life events that have been documented over the years within the blog.

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. […]

The Birth of Jesus

Today is Christmas Day; the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus is estimated to have been born 2,047 years ago. There is so much I could say about this day but my faith leads me to simply allow the Holy Bible to speak for me. 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued […]

PROTEST WITH PURPOSE

~~~ This past Monday, November 24, 2014 the decision of the Grand Jury to not indict Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot to death unarmed teenager Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, MO was released. Sadly, I was not surprised by the decision. However, I like many in Black communities around the U.S. as well […]

VOTE TODAY! NOV. 4TH

~~~ In the United States today is Election Day. The elections today are called mid-term because they are between U.S. Presidential Election years. Across the nation there are citizens you will have the opportunity to vote for federal, state, and municipal positions. Here in South Carolina there are numerous positions on the ballot including Governor, […]

Why I Vote

~~~ I am the product of generations of activists. African American along with Native American ancestors who consistently fought for their civic, civil, and human rights. It is in my blood to be active and present in my own existence. I first became aware of the political process in the third grade, while attending William […]

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 […]

Love Begets Love

~~~ I have become that adult who says, “I remember when times were better back in the day.” That term ‘back in the day’ is relative because to some their youth may have been filled with struggles, fear and sadness. Watching the news it seems like the youth of today are surrounded by struggle, fear […]

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 […]

When The Funny Ends

~~~ Today, I learned that actor and comedian Robin Williams died by apparent suicide. It may seem odd that I am posting something about his death but there are those celeberties that impact you in unexpected ways. I adored the late Maya Angelou and have posted about the late President Nelson Mandela when he was […]