Forward Movement Means Never Going ‘Back’

Picture it: elementary school, sixth grade homeroom, sometime during the 1980’s. I say something to friends that a white male classmate (I’ll call him Tim) disagrees with. The context of the conversation escapes me now, but I will always remember his loud and hostile response: “Well why don’t you move back to Africa then?” Gasps… Continue reading Forward Movement Means Never Going ‘Back’

That Ol’ Black (Girl) Magic: Halle Bailey’s “Ariel” Already Swimming In White Tears

In a world full stress and tribulations, people look for ways to escape the harsh realities of life….if only for a little while. Entertainment is usually one of the simplest, yet most compelling ways that folks of all ages can allow themselves to be absorbed in, especially films. Nothing transports us as quickly, or as… Continue reading That Ol’ Black (Girl) Magic: Halle Bailey’s “Ariel” Already Swimming In White Tears

The Remix to Conviction: Surviving, Side-Stepping & Sanctioning R. Kelly

Once upon a time, I used to be a fan of R. Kelly. With his catalog of catchy R&B grooves, smooth-as-silk tenor and a ‘Midas Touch’ in the studio that produced hits for himself and dozens of fellow performers, the Chicago native became one of my generation’s most successful artists. Few disputed his self-proclaimed moniker… Continue reading The Remix to Conviction: Surviving, Side-Stepping & Sanctioning R. Kelly

Becoming: Michelle Obama & The Power of Our Stories and Truths

During the spring before last, I hosted a presentation as part of the DFW Writer’s Conference entitled “Blogging for a Better World.” Weeks were spent preparing the slides, condensing their contents and deciding where to narrow the scope with such a nebulous topic. Although I consider myself an experienced writer, I felt uncomfortable with the… Continue reading Becoming: Michelle Obama & The Power of Our Stories and Truths

C’mon Dawg: Fall Into Some Common Sense.

Cool winds, warm cider, hot boots and and the crunch of dry leaves….autumn is my favorite time of year. Nestled between the scorch of summer and the chill of wintertime, the season offers a brief respite before the madness of the holiday season and the sharper focus we need for the upcoming New Year. But… Continue reading C’mon Dawg: Fall Into Some Common Sense.