Nonfiction

Well, it’s begun.

We’re in the second month of a new year that has slapped many of us in the face with its obvious challenges and almost unbelievable developments. The key word however is almost, since many of the events of the past few weeks will continue to percolate and reverberate throughout America and the world in the months to come.

In the midst of these serious societal changes, The Burning Spear newspaper paid tribute to a Chicago-born entertainer who used his art as a weapon against injustice. His name was Oscar Brown Jr. – a talented actor, captivating singer and dedicated activist.

The Burning Spear article examined Brown’s life (1926-2005) and his link to a mentor/friend who inspired him – Chicago writer Richard Durham.  In a review of my book Word Warrior one writer called Durham “a post World War II literary action figure.”

To read and be inspired by this fascinating Burning Spear article, click on the title below:

Oscar Brown Jr. Walked and Talked Self-Determination

Enjoy!

This month, many of us may find ourselves sitting on the edge a virtual cliff,

staring into the vast unknown of the coming new calendar year. While we sit there, anticipating what feats we plan to tackle and the challenges to be slayed, we might first want to take stock of where we’ve been in 2016.

For me, this year has been a whirlwind of teaching, learning and sharing. Since December 2015…just three months after the publication of my first book Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio, and Freedom…I’ve traveled between America’s East and West coasts, enjoying the warmth of southern hospitality and the kinetic energy of book lovers in northern, midwestern and western cities. I’ve even crossed the Atlantic “pond” to experience the sights and insights of new friends and associates in London and Oxford, England.

Blessings all.

Of course there have also been setbacks, not the least of which has been living through an extremely ugly and divisive election year. Yet I will remain vigilant and cautiously hopeful as 2017 approaches.

I want to thank everyone who read any of my web posts, attended a book reading/signing event or just shared words of encouragement. I’m so happy that Word Warrior was identified as a one of the top ten books by journalists-of-color last December by theroot.com. My book also made the Washington, DC-based Teaching for Change organization’s recommended reading list, and Word Warrior was a 2016 Phyllis Wheatley Book Awards finalist.

How wonderful it has been to talk about writer Richard Durham’s life and pioneering work in private homes, theatrical venues, colleges, libraries and museums. So please feel free to click on the following links to view my featured appearances at the Museum of the African Diaspora (San Francisco, CA) and the Library of Congress (Washington, DC).

And have a bountiful, peaceful, book-filled and joyous holiday season!

Last month I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with the director and staff of the Studs Terkel Radio Archives based at WFMT in Chicago. While sharing good food and stimulating conversation, we talked about Terkel’s decades long contributions to the art of radio interviewing and writing, as well as his long-term friendship with fellow radio scriptwriter Richard Durham.

Interested in hearing my conversation with Director Tony Macaluso?

If so, click on the image below. There you can also hear Durham’s Destination Freedom episode about baseball great Jackie Robinson, featuring Studs Terkel as the drama’s narrator and actor Oscar Brown Jr. as Robinson.  Enjoy!

Do you live in or near Baltimore, Maryland? If so, please join me on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Morgan State University.

The University’s School of Global Journalism & Communication, along with the Women’s National Book Association of Washington, D.C., will sponsor an evening of dialogue and celebration of new works by dynamic authors. Three African American authors will offer their diverse insights on life, professional enrichment, networking and overcoming career obstacles.

So on Nov. 18th from 5:00-8:00p.m., come to the MSU School of Global Journalism & Communication, 4905 Perring Parkway (at corner of Hartsdale Road) in Baltimore. To RSVP or get more details, email jacqueline.jones@morgan.edu or Majeedah Johnson, shebefearless@gmail.com.

And just who are these guest authors? They are:

Marja Lee Freeman, an award-winning, professional employment coach and author of Career Building: How to Stand Out, Get Ahead & Get Noticed!

Valerie Graves, a major advertising exec, and author of the memoir, Pressure Makes Diamonds: Becoming the Woman I Pretended to Be.

And yes, I’ll talk about Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio and Freedom.

Hope to see you there!