Take a look at award winning author Cheryl Lacey Donovan as she discusses the Culture of Spanking with Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston.

http://www.khou.com/greatday/family/?nvid=258160&shu=1

What does freedom mean to you? Are African Americans really free?

Join author

Cheryl Dononvan

as she discusses

the issue of freedom in American

Saturday, July 5, 2008

3:00pm CST

www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies

646-595-3716

Check out my recently published content on AC:
<br> <a href=”http://www.associat edcontent. com/article/ 818019/heating_ up_a_relationshi p_how_to_ set.html”>Heating Up a Relationship: How to Set Sparks in the Bedroom</a>

This month, PassionScape catches up with Xpress Yourself Publishing’s romance author, Victoria Wells, to discuss her bestselling contemporary romance novel, A Special Summer. I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria in May during Afr’Am Festival held in Norfolk, Virginia. She is a remarkable woman who is very passionate about her work. Victoria is not shy when it comes to talking about her latest release or about sharing her experiences in the publishing industry.

VICTORIA WELLS is a Philadelphia native. In 1991 she graduated from Community College of Philadelphia under her legal name Gaye Riddick-Burden with an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences majoring in Nursing. She furthered her education and went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Nursing from LaSalle University.

Wells (Riddick-Burden) is employed as an adult nurse practitioner at a center city hospital. She has dedicated her fifteen year career as a nurse to taking care of patients with sickle cell disease.

In 2005, Wells was nominated for the Nursing Spectrum’s Nursing Excellence Award in the category of Clinical Care for her work with sickle cell patients. On May 10, 2005 Wells became the regional winner of the 2005 Nursing Excellence Award in Clinical Care. On October 24, 2005, Wells was awarded the Nursing Spectrum’s National title, “Nurse of the Year” in Clinical Care at the Chicago Ritz-Carlton. Nursing Spectrum wrote, “Riddick-Burden is a strong advocate for patients with sickle cell disease. She was instrumental in designing and implementing the outpatient Sickle Cell Day Treatment Unit for these often underserved patients. The program is driven by Riddick-Burden’s desire to provide timely and effective care to patients with sickle cell crisis, decreasing long waits in the ED and avoiding inpatient stays that separates patients from their families.”

On March 19, 2006, Wells was awarded the Movers and Shakers Award presented by the American Women’s Heritage Society, National Association of University Women, National Association of Phi Delta Kappa, Top Ladies of Distinction and Two Thousand African American Women. This recognition was bestowed upon Wells because of her dedication to the nursing profession and community outreach.

Wells has been a lover of books since childhood. As a child she would spend hours reading. To this day reading remains a favorite pastime. Wells’ favorite genre is African American romance.

While taking a creative writing course in college, Wells became interested in writing. The final assignment for the course was to rewrite the last chapter of The Color Purple. Wells received not only an A for the assignment, but for the course as well. Professionally, Wells has written and lectured extensively on sickle cell disease. However, in 2005 after being encouraged by family and friends, she decided to pick up her pen and write her first romance novel.

A Special Summeris Wells’ first novel which she self-published and will be re-released by XYP in 2008. Wells is married with three children, she and her family live in the Philadelphia area.

HM: I have just finished reading your book, A Special Summer and it is wonderful. Tell us a little about the book.

VW: A Special Summer is a romance about a love that is all consuming. It’s also truly a story of redemption and forgiveness. The heroine of the story Summer is experiencing her first encounter of being in love with Nick who happens to be a much older, powerful, successful businessman. Because of demons and unresolved family issues from Nick’s past life, Summer is literally flung into a world of pandemonium when he believes she’s betrayed him. When he finally sees things as they really are, Nick is in jeopardy of losing the only woman who has ever truly loved him unconditionally. 

HM: What inspired you to write A Special Summer?

VW: I loooove African American romance novels. After reading so many great stories over the years I wanted to write my own story about us being in love. With so many negative stereotypes floating out there I wanted to create African American characters that were strong, positive and self-sufficient. My desire was also to be another voice in this genre that let it be known we are capable of loving and respecting each other. We do work through our relationship issues and take our responsibilities seriously. Speaking from the perspective of an African American woman it was important for me to say loud and proud that our men do know how to cherish us and love us. In addition, we as women do love and support our men when all isn’t perfect in our relationships.

HM: How long was the journey from concept to publication?

VW: The process took me about a year and a half. Initially, I toyed with the idea of writing a romance novel. I got up the courage after numerous friends and family told me. “Girl, you go can do it.” After writing my story I decided to self-publish it. After receiving overwhelming positive feedback I submitted my manuscript to three publishing houses, two were interested. In August of 2007 I accepted an offer from Xpress Yourself Publishing.

HM: Who are a few of your favorite authors?

VW: I have several! LOL My all time favorites are Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Leslie Esdaile, J.D. Mason, Rochelle Alers, and AlTonya Washington. Gwyneth Bolton and LaConnie Taylor-Jones are also authors that I’ve recently begun reading this year that’s pretty good.

HM:  What three pieces of advice would you give an aspiring author?

VW: First, I would tell them not to let anyone steal their dreams. There will be a lot of folks who may pretend to be happy for you one minute and then the next discourage you in every way possible. Second, I would advise them to do research on the genre they wish to write. Finally, stay true to who you are as a person and as an author.

HM: What can we expect in the future from Victoria Wells?

VW: By God’s grace a ton of exciting romance novels! I’ve just recently completed my second manuscript, When Love Comes Around which is due for release early 2009 by Xpress Yourself Publishing.

Ten Victoria Wells Quick Facts

1. Hometown: Philadelphia

2. Favorite Color: Black

3. One item you can’t live without and why: My bible. I need God’s strength everyday of my life. God speaks to me through His word.

4. Last CD you purchased: Robin Thick

5. Favorite department store: Macy’s

6. Best childhood memory: Spending time with my grandmother.

7. Teen celebrity crush: Michael Jackson

8. Favorite snack: Pepperidge Farm Cookies

9. Favorite holiday: Christmas

10. Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: Stay in bed alternating every few hours between reading and watching Lifetime .

Visit Victoria Wells online at www.victoria-wells.com

Victoria Wells has set a new standard for contemporary romance with “A Special Summer”. I was drawn instantaneously into the lives of the two main characters, Nick and Summer. The storyline is dramatic and captures the essence of the joys and pains of love. I laughed and I cried with each turn of the page. This book is not the usual “cute” romance novel. Wells has artistically sculpted a very realistic view of relationships. I eagerly await her next creation.  Hazel Mills, author

Family Secrets Lies & Alibi’s — Another 4 Stars!!!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Family Drama At Its Best!!, June 24, 2008
Review by- Author Tia Marie Boykins

DQ Mince may have passed on, but he has left quite a bit of disorder behind. Although he took great care to assure that his family would be provided for financially in the event of his untimely passing, he left them in the dark as to how to handle the results of his indiscretions while he was living. DQ’s oldest son Rell has been left as the executor of his estate, unbeknownst to Derek, who has been led to believe throughout his entire life that he was DQ’s ONLY son! The information is being kept confidential until the reading of the will, but that is not stopping everyone from trying to find out who’s getting what. Darryl, DQ’s gambling brother, needs Rell to help him re-establish money he lost in his company, but he doesn’t neccesarily want him to know that. Tonya, the deceitful wife, not only wants to know what DQ left her, but has been doing some detective work to try to find out what, if anything, was left to Rell’s mother, Nikki, the true love of DQ’s life. Nana, the matriarch of the family, is doing her best to hold it all together and keep everybody in check, but there’s only so much she can control. The secrets that DQ kept begin stirring up a storm that will soon reach the point of no return!

Nanette M. Buchanan has a page-turner on her hands for sure with this spicy, intriguing novel. She has found a way to connect with her readers using the most personal element possible- FAMILY! This book definitely takes family drama to the next level. I highly recommend this book for purchase, and I’m looking forward to the sequel. The excerpt looks great!

The Sketch of a Man

I watched you enter the room from a distance
you see you were a mere fantasy
Someone I envisioned only in my mind, never a reality.
From your shoulder length dreads to the soles of your feet
A sketch a silhouette, never really complete

I watched you enter the room from a distance
as a vision in a dimmed romantic light
Your aura brings erotic warmth
I close my eyes pleased to sketch with no sight
I await for your touch, your passionate embrace.
I use my hands tenderly outlining the features of your beautiful face.
Your skin, your pores, the rhythm as you breathe
My fingers touch your lips as you whisper, “Baby Please”

Your biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest,
The sketching of your sculptured body is my imagination at its best
I feel myself tremble in anticipation as your presence lays me on my back
I watch your moves as you join me
God’s creation, man, my man in fact.

Your hips rise slowly allowing your body to touch mine
The heat increases from the friction as we become entwined.
There is no sounds of discomfort though my vision is beginning to fade
I pull you closer wanting you, loving you, “I love when you love me this way”

Our pace is increasing as the sweat beads on my breast
My imagination is bringing on that climax, “Please make me say yes.”
My thighs are quivering, I want to take it slow
You’ve touched my g spot more than once,
I know I’m going to explode.

I close my eyes knowing we are both satisfied,
And though I watch you cross the floor I can still feel you inside.
The aura in the room is peaceful, as I doze off to sleep
You’ll always be that sketch of a man, never really complete
I hear the door closing behind you
A real man wouldn’t have to creep

Copyright 2008
Author, Nanette M Buchanan

We are just a few days away from marking the 143^rdanniversary of Juneteenth, the day, which represents the true end to slavery. Many think that slavery ended with President Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1^st, 1863, however, the slave’s way of life continued in many areas including Galveston, Texas until June 19^th, 1865.

On this date, General Granger and his men rode into Galveston spreading, enforcing the word released from the executive branch of government that the Civil War was over, and the enslaved were free.

 At that moment knowledge was empowering as numerous former slaves left the plantation to embark on a new way of life. They became the latest territorial explorers. As they moved to states such as Louisiana and Arkansas, many continued to uphold June 19^th, later affectionately referred to as Juneteenth, as a day of celebration. The cause for rejoicing was not limited to the end of slavery but also encompassed an appreciation for all cultures. Juneteenth honors where we have been and sheds light on where we were are going. It supports self-improvement through attaining education and building personal and moral character.

Akin to the nationally recognized Independence Day, Juneteenth represents the independence of African American people. The growth of these celebrations fell in step with several civil rights marches and although its popularity dwindled with the Great Depression, it resurrected with the civil rights movement of the 1960’s.

Honoring Juneteenth is becoming a grassroots movement with events crisscrossing the United States and abroad.

Due to the inadequate and, in many cases, the blatant lack of Black history Education, pride of Juneteenth is just touching the consciously of many inside and outside the African American community.

With this article and through the efforts of such sites as Juneteenth.com, the honor for this day will live through us for generations to come.

Resources:

http://www.juneteenth.com/

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/juneteenth1.html

Oprah Winfrey has enjoyed temendous success. No doubt as a result of blessings and favor from God. But now, her success may be diminished. No doubt she will never in this lifetime be broke or fade away as a household name. Nevertheless, her new found religious beliefs are causing quite a stir. It’s all over the internet and other media outlets. Is Oprah starting her own religion? Is that even possible? Are people being too judgmental? Take a look at these two opposing views and you decide.

Sandra Thomas
A Virtuous Woman-31
11601 Shadow Creek Pkwy
Pearland, Texas 77584
(832) 615-1197 ext. 702
sthomas@avirtuouswoman-31.org

June 15, 2008 Coming from a legacy of preachers, Cheryl Lacey Donovan is walking in her destiny. An anointed woman of God, her mission is to challenge you to look inside yourself for change, to identify the strongholds in your life, and to tear them down with the help of the creator. Once you have crossed her path, your life will never be the same. Cheryl hit the scene with full force when she penned her award winning book Women What the Hell are You Thinking. Cheryl shows no signs of slowing down as she travels the country speaking to women about issues that resonate within their souls.

Cheryl’s internet radio show Worth More Than Rubies reaches thousands of women each week with educational, inspiring, and thought provoking programming that gives women a platform to discuss their issues and design a plan for change. The show will soon go into production as a 30 minute cable TV talk show.

On June 26, 2008, at 9:00am CST, Cheryl will appear on Great Day Houston with Debra Duncan to discuss issues related to child rearing practices. “Titus 2 admonishes older women to teach younger women how to love their children.” Cheryl has taken up the mantle to do just that. Her articles, “Are African American Child Rearing Practices a Direct Result of Slavery” and “Discipline vs. Punishment”, give amazing insight into the art of balancing discipline and training. Her upcoming release “The Ministry of Motherhood” delivers a bold message about responsibility and accountability by explaining the keys to the ministry involved with being a mother. Use these keys to unlock the secret and discover the real truth. It is through the gift of the written word that Cheryl ignites flames, delivering a powerful message of hope and inspiration, through faith and family, you will be inspired to change, forced to make a difference and will realize the importance of motherhood, through and through.

About The Author

Cheryl Donovan is an acclaimed author, inspirational speaker, and compelling advocate for personal empowerment. Her book Women What the Hell are You Thinking remained in the top 10 of Amazons Hot New Releases during its first two months of publication.

Cheryl believes in Psalms 11:25 which says, She who refreshes others will herself be refreshed; therefore, she tries to be transparent as she speaks and writes about her valley to mountain experiences

Cheryl has been recognized nationally for her work. She has been the featured author on radio talk shows such as Artist First, Power Talk FM, An Hour to Empower with Mo and Mickey, and Urban Echoes Voices and Vibes. Her interviews have also appeared in Empowering African American Women Magazine, AA Kulture Zone, The Book Suite, and Women’s Self Esteem. She was awarded the 2007 Literary Power Award and was nominated in several categories for the Infini Awards. Cheryl will be featured for the inaugural season of What Shall We Read, a literary program which airs on CAN-TV in Chicago. She will also be inducted into the 2008 Who’s Who in Black Houston.

Book Trailers seem to be the in thing nowadays. Some good, some bad. A good book trailer will pull a reader in and leave them wanting more and hopefully purchasing your book. Even for those non-readers, a book trailer is another promotional tool to leave a positive planted impression in someone’s mind.

Check out book trailers for ASA authors (Authors Supporting Authors). www.freewebs.com/asanetwork

The word bitch should be used solely in conjunction with the word grief. I promise you, if I ever hear another man call a woman a bitch, I don’t care who he is, I’m going to hurt him. If I ever hear another woman call a man a bitch, I’ll release a few choice words that will touch her core, but she’ll be able to continue. Neither a man nor a woman can make you feel as sickening as grief can. I don’t care what they do to you - cheat, lie, steal or slam you to the ground and run. Grief is the only bitch I know.

Grief intruded into my life June 4th 2008 at 4:20pm. That’s when I received a call from my father’s wife informing me that my daddy, Bobby James Hudson, was gone. She said it as calmly as she could. “Niecy, we lost Bobby today.” That’s when my procession of one began.

I proceeded to cry. I proceeded to yield to the shit feeling that was ravaging my body, because I couldn’t fight back. I proceeded to collapse and let myself be gutted by grief. Grief cuts your insides and churns them at the same time, runs them over, burns them, and leaves them there expecting you to function as if oh well should be the next words you say.

The first steps of my procession were to see my daddy lying in his coffin. Simply visiting my daddy became viewing his body. I was at a wake that would never allow for sleep. This wake wanted tears and I obliged…boy did I oblige.

My procession kept going strong with then next day being more forceful than the first. The funeral told me to say goodbye. I only did so after God told me to hold onto His hand. He said that I will see my daddy later.

Next, the cemetery. Grief began to slither around my throat. It’s hold grew tighter and tighter but I still saw the coffin which held my daddy - even with my shades on and my eyes closed.

I know we all go through this but it doesn’t diminish the fact that my daddy broke my heart. I know he didn’t mean to. I know he loved his babygirl. When I was younger my father told me that he wouldn’t always be here. His words - “Babygirl, ya daddy ain’t always gone be here.” My words - “Well, where are you going to be?” Together we’d laugh. Lawd, I miss my daddy.

A father’s love for his daughter is priceless. Fellas, you all can step up your game and you still won’t measure up. My daddy made me feel SO special. His encouraging words to keep on babygirl, stick with it, success doesn’t come overnight. Man, this hurts.

I wanted my father to see me make it. To him, I already did. He saw something different in me. He saw that I stepped out on faith and did what my passion told me to. I know that he was proud of me.

Bobby James Hudson was the first black man to work at the TAM Plant in Niagara Falls NY. 1968 didn’t have a civil rights march for him - he was just being a provider for his family. Tuskegee Institute and Niagara Community College taught my daddy a few things. He took that knowledge and eventually opened his own store, Hudson Tile and Carpet in Ocala Florida. But that was after he showed others how it should be done at the Color Tile store in Niagara Falls NY.

My daddy and his ideas! I smile just thinking about them. Shaklee, Amway, Omaha Steaks and BARD (Bobby, Alice, Ronny, Denise) Security. His favorite food - fried chicken. Once my daddy told me that he could eat fried chicken every day! Why? “‘Cause I was raised on it babygirl.” Oh… I miss my daddy.

He taught my brother to keep a handkerchief in his pocket. My brother now has taught that to his sons. Something so simple. but something to be proud of still. He taught me to be me, and ain’t nuthin’ wrong with that

Golf, golf, golf. Why did I say that golf was a dumb game…that all you do is walk around hitting a ball. Lawd, did I get a LECTURE on golf! I was a teenager. I’m 42 now and I have NEVER said a bad word about the game of golf since!

I’ll hurt, I’ll cry and still talk too much about my daddy. My procession will continue with me working it out and being the woman that Bobby James Hudson knew I could be.

I love you daddy.

Wanda D. Hudson
Wait for Love: A Black Girl’s Story
LuvMe
http://www.wandadhudson.com

Often rejection seems to be the final answer. In reality, it is just a temporary response. Such was the case in the baseball career of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. Born in the mid-1930’s South, Johnson developed a love for baseball that prejudice could not extinguish.

At the age of 17, Mamie confronted the obstacles to playing the sport she loved at a time when professional and minor league sports practiced segregation. Since the White Female Baseball League declined Johnson the chance to try out and no Black female equivalent existed, Mamie found her place in the men’s Negro Baseball League. This being the first time Johnson experienced racial ignorance directly, she fondly looks back on its outcome instead of dwelling on the experience itself. She was quoted in an article honoring her contribution to baseball and South Carolina’s Black history, ” If I had played with white girls, I would have been just another player, but now I am somebody who has done something that no other woman has done.”

Johnson’s career lasted from 1953 to 1955, as one of three women who played in the Negro League. She won 33 games and only lost eight. “Peanut” became her nickname when an opponent doubted her pitching abilities because she “…was no bigger than a peanut”. She swiftly struck him out. While her playtime took place shortly after Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, Peanut’s career quickly evaporated as females regardless of race were not included in major league play.

Mamie went on to earn a nursing degree from NYU and embarked on a 30-year career of helping others at their weakest. Although her baseball career may have ended after only three short years, Peanut Johnson maintained her link to America’s favorite pastime by managing the Negro Baseball League Memorabilia Shop in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Even though Peanut played ball in an era that did not appreciate her talent on a large scale due to her race and her gender, on June 5th, 2008, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson joined 29 surviving members of the Negro Baseball League in Orlando, Florida where several Major League Baseball teams drafted the former players in an honorary pre-draft ceremony.

Thanks to Dave Winfield and others who respect and appreciate the Negro League’s contribution, rejection was temporary and acceptance is eternal.

Sources:

http://www.minorleaguenews.com/mlnkids/articles2003/072403.html

http://www.scafricanamericanhistory.com/currenthonoree.asp?month=6&year=2001

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1164167

http://www.nlbpa.com/johnson_mamie.html

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-winfield060408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Here’s my opinion. We (parents and the adult society) accepted the rules of those who didn’t have or never had children years ago. Today we are reaping what we’ve sown. I by all means do not agree that we all fit into this category but enough of us do. Bear with my thought. There was a time when schools held account to everything that went on with our children in school including attendance and discipline. Yes, there were cases of abuse reported and for that we allowed the court system to make the rules that governed not only discipline in the schools but in the home, the church and just about everywhere. Children are literally hands off. Today due to years of this type ruling there are no rules for them to abide to. They say anything, wear anything, and do anything to everyone. The parents can’t control them in the homes, they don’t control them in the school and we don’t let them and church is a fairy tale in the homes where there is more fear of the system then fear of losing the child.<br style=”display:none”/><br />
You might ask yourself what am I saying. When we as parents neglect to monitor our children in the home we assist in the failure of their growth and productivity. This is what these prom pictures present. What parent monitored them in the home? I knew what my daughter’s gown was going to look like. I paid for it so of course I knew what was being made. When we as parents don’t monitor them in the schools we assist in the failure of their growth and productivity. When we go to the school and threaten to beat, cuss, and abuse the very people that are hired to educate and monitor our children. Threaten them with violence. The same violence our children display. Why would we expect them to stop them from wearing the gowns or outfits we let them leave from home in. We want everyone else to be responsible for the children we are the parents of. As a teacher why should they look out for our children when we neglect to look out for them. Yes they look like they’re going to a pimp’s ball. What do they look up to in the video’s? What are the women wearing, how are the men treating them, and what do they see in the movies, the streets and in some of their homes.<br style=”display:none”/><br />

You reap what you sow!!!! What’s your comment?

Nanette M. Buchanan
Author, Family Secrets….Lies & Alibi’s

Wondering why I’m a little late posting for June? Okay, I’ll tell you. With all that is going on in the world of politics, I have been on edge because whatever the outcome, groundbreaking history was inevitable with the possibility of either a woman or a African American man as the Democratic Nominee for the 2008 Presidential Election.

After what was a sometimes heated race, Senator Barack Obama triumphed as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. On Tuesday night, I shed a tear as I reflected on the wealth of pride our ancestors must feel as they enjoy the view from heaven. I wondered what Harriett Tudman or Malcolm X would say if they were asked to share their thoughts on this great milestone. When I learned that Senator Obama is slated to accept the nomination for President of the United States on August 28, forty-five years to the day after our most notable Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered what is perhaps the most famous speech in American History, I couldn’t have been more proud.

PassionScape is usually dedicated to romance and erotica but it is also about the passions that fuel our everyday lives. During the month of June, we will celebrate Father’s Day. In light of the enormity of recent events, I will spend the month celebrating all Black men. Not only will I uplift and celebrate my own husband, father and sons but I will also contemplate the entrepreneurial spirit of the brother hustling on the corner, trying to make ends meet for his family or the young man imprisoned and discarded by society for a crime he may or may not have committed.

Will you join me? How will you celebrate Black men this month? Who will you pay tribute to?

I want to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the coming election and on our beautiful Black men.

Hazel Mills, author

Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion

www.hazelmillsstories.com

Review from OOOSA Books

Family…Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Category: Writing and Poetry

The Family Drama

DQ Mince is a sophisticated and prosperous man. What woman wouldn’t want that? However, DQ is married to Tonya. Even so, he doesn’t let that hinder his relationship with Nikki. Both women have learned to accept the infidelity and their relationships eventually progress over time, producing children: Rell, Dershai, and Derek. The children grow up never knowing about one another, until…death strikes.

DQ’s death leaves his son Rell executor of his estate. Little does Rell know of all the secrets, lies, and alibis that were created by his father. Grandmother Nana is the only one that really knows the truth. Will Nana’s news be too unbearable for the family? Will it destroy what is left of the family?

“Family…Secrets, Lies & Alibis” is the best drama I’ve read in 2008! Nanette M. Buchanan really did a good job - enjoyed every page! It’s a page-turner! This novel reminds me of the drama within my own family, and I’m sure others will relate as well. If you like drama, you’ll love this book! I’m looking forward to reading more books in the future from Nanette M. Buchanan.

Reviewed by: Tekisha

Trenton Book Fair

Friday June 6th and Saturday June 7th
The streets will be lined with authors, poets, book dealers and
private presses. In addition, both days will be filled with events.

Friday June 6th

Reception Honoring Women Writers

4:30 to 6:30 Oh My Heavenly Hair, 11 North Willow

Have wine and cheese, courtesy Oh My Heavenly Hair, and mingle with
women writers, including Nanette Buchanan, Theresa Bowman Downing,
Ellen Foos, Betty Kerr Orlemann, Mary Shaffer, Charisa Smith, Shaun
Stephenson and
Denise Turney Free event.

Book Sidewalk Sales 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Warren Street, from Front Street to Lafayette St.

The streets will be lined with authors and other booksellers.

Poetry Reading: Komunyakaa, Long and Micheleux

6:30 to 8:00 Gallery 125, 125 South Warren

Hear poetry from Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, Dante
Michelieux from Cave Cannem and Doc Long, author of Timbuktu Blues and
Rules for Cool. Free event.

Poetry Jam

8:00 to 10:00 Gallery 125, 125 South Warren

J. Simone of the 449 Room Poetry Jams will host. Please bring your
best groove and win cash and prizes. Jam royalty, Narubi Selah, an HBO
Def Poet, will be in attendance. Free event.

Saturday June 7th

Heritage Days

11:00 to 9:00 pm

State Complex, State Street

Trenton’s annual celebration of our cultures features music, food,
crafts and kids events. Free event.

Come and Join me……I will be signing books both days……For full
event information visit www.myspace.com/ipendesigns and read my blog.
The sequel “A Different Kind of Love” is Coming Soon!!!

“While you are young, you better have your fun. Because when you get old your fun is done. Let the kids dance. Let the kids dance.” Lyrics of a rock and roll legend who showed his generation that the fun could keep on coming. Born in McComb, Mississippi on December 30th, 1928, Bo Diddley, aka Otha Ellas Bates and Ellas McDaniel died June 2nd, 2008 of heart failure at the age of 79 in Florida where he lived. 

His career started when Diddley, with his mother’s cousin as his guardian, moved to Chicago at the age of seven. Like most black entertainers, Diddley first developed his talent for music in the church. Boxing and music kept him focused when not in school, where classmates christened him ”Bo Diddley“. Known for marrying the sound of the bluesy South with the gritty streets of Chicago, Diddley became a rock and roll icon, known for his guitar and vocal sounds. His square home-made guitar became legendary in its own right, spawning many imitators.

Perfecting his craft in an era where artists were paid a flat fee for their contributions, Diddley continued to create and perform well into his 70’s. His music not only influenced the American generation through Buddy Holly and Bruce Springsteen that followed, he also amassed a following in the U.K. impacting such bands as the Rolling Stones, U2, the Clash and many others. While continuing to tour, Bo made guest appearances in movies like Blues Brothers 2000 and Trading Places with Eddie Murphy. Diddley made his mark on a newer generation with the well known “Bo Knows” sneaker commercials he starred in with athlete Bo Jackson.

In many of the video clips of past performances being posted online in homage to a musical talent who planned with his soul, there is a glimpse of what music was meant to do. Teenagers both white and black dancing uninhibited appreciating the source with little regard to the color of the outlet. Regardless of its origin, good music is good music.

Otha Ellas “Bo Diddley” McDaniel, is a fine representation of the lack of segregation in music. Often as a society we try to categorize art by its creator. The likes of Bo Diddley and many others like him show the impact of art and its inability to be bound by color lines. In that light, we all knew Bo Diddley.

Resources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=979rwnVPG4A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfUni4-5-GA&feature=related 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3753553.stm

Someone called him “Nigga”, they yelled it from the door.

His grandmother heard it in her bedroom, the pet name ripped her to the core.

“Hold up”, he yelled from the window, “Need to tell Grams, I leaving.”

He approached his grandmother quietly, tears were flowing, he thought she was grieving.

“Gram, are you okay?  What has upset you so?”

She looked in her grandson’s face only hoping he could see their souls.

The souls of the heritage she knew, her raising was from the deep south,

The souls that would cringe from the pain they suffered from the whips and chains, as the Masta’s spit the name “Nigga’” from their mouths.

“Gram, why are you crying so?  Are you hurt, what can I get for you?”

The souls that took it all, in spite of it all, those who stood tall so you can do what you do.

“Gram, nod your head please speak to me, tell me what you need.”

The words of her grandson hit her heart he was a part of their seed.

She patted her face with her tattered dress, calming herself to speak.

He waited patiently, as the name “Nigga, yo Nigga” was spoken as tough it was a beat.

His grandmother shook her head and wept again, her grandsons feelings were touched.

The love his grandmother had for him had been destroyed in one word, her teachings crushed.

She taught him from the time he was able to walk he was the descendant of warriors and kings.

If he answered to the call of “Nigga” or “boy” what did her teachings mean.

She taught him that although his father and uncles were not what they were deemed to be.

God would see her in the grave before she would let the streets take  another from the family tree.

“Nigga you comin’ or what? What you want me to do”

Her grandson spoke ever so softly, “Gram you know I love you.”

“Go head man and don’t yell no more……by the way my name is Raheem.”

He returned to his grandmother and opened his arms.

“Gram, tell me more about those kings.”

]]> http://edc1creations.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/someone-called-him-nigga/feed/ ipendesigns http://edc1creations.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/open-letter-to-juanita-bynum/ http://edc1creations.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/open-letter-to-juanita-bynum/#comments Sun, 25 May 2008 21:05:15 +0000 donovancheryl http://edc1creations.wordpress.com/?p=307