While working on some poems about Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till, I came across this public domain photograph from 2009, of Bryant’s Gorcery & Meat Market in Money, Mississippi. This is the store, where in 1955, the 14 year-old Emmett Till supposedly flirted or whistled at the white owner’s wife. Later that night, [...]

There is one practice that undoubtedly leads to a more gracious life. It’s gratitude. I know for me, when I deliberately practice the habit of gratitude, it’s much easier to see the connectedness of all people and things. No matter how much America wants to celebrate rugged individualism, in truth, we all rely on one [...]

Naomi Shihab Nye’s newest book of poetry, “Transfer,” from BOA Editions, stands as a remarkable remembrance to her father, Aziz Shihab. This book recalls his life, his loves, and his lands, in ways no one poem or elegy could do. In what is really a book-length elegy, Naomi Shihab Nye evokes the generous, passionate, yet [...]

My neighborhood library, the Takoma Park DC Library, turns 100 years old next week. The first of many celebrations takes place next Thursday, November 17th at 6pm. The library is located at 416 Cedar Street, NW, Washington, D.C. just a two block walk from the Takoma Station on the Metro’s Red Line. Take a look [...]

I received some terrific news over the last couple of weeks. My poetry manuscript MEETING BONE MAN was accepted for publication by Main Street Rag Publishing, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Main Street Rag is a respected poetry publisher in the United States so I am delighted this book has found a home. Needless to [...]