Under the Gun
So the argument goes something like this: Policemen come into contact with any number of violent, criminal black men during the course of their careers, and so it is only reasonable that they should view all black men as potential threats, and should have their loaded guns at the ready, whenever, wherever, and under whatever […]
What a Word is Worth
Letter writing has become a lost art. I’m sure you’ve heard that before. I wish it wasn’t true. Beyond simply languishing in a sea of despond over the matter, though, I do my best to hold the line. I write letters, at least randomly, if not routinely. No matter how much time I need to […]
A Question of Perspective
November has come crashing in, with advertisers’ early and relentless push for Christmas. I, on the other hand, am struggling to stave off the end-of-year book award season blues that follow on the heels of this holiday. I love Christmas but, for now, I’m corralling my thoughts to keep them focused on, say, Thanksgiving. Besides, […]
The Problem with Poetry
For the record, just because a particular notion is repeated, over and over again, doesn’t necessarily make it true. The earth is not flat, nor is it the center of the universe. People of African descent are not intellectually inferior to the white race. And contrary to what you may have heard, over the years, […]
The Prince of Peace
Every now and then, someone in my life nudges me to write my memoir. I nod and make reasonable excuses for putting it off. I’ve got this children’s series to finish first; my comprehensive workshop notes require all my attention; I’ve got a conference keynote to prepare; my car needs a tune-up; the windows need […]
The Chick-Fil‑A Fiasco
The question must be asked: What is America coming to? A private citizen who owns his own business, albeit a large one, makes a statement about his personal opinion on a hot-button issue, and those who hold a differing point of view respond by organizing a movement to put said citizen out of business. Really? […]
Censorship
Banning books, ripping them from classroom shelves, de-facto censorship at the point of publication—what the bleep is going on, here? Okay. I’ll try to calm down, but the effort required is tremendous. Deep breaths. Let me begin, again. When I was a little girl, I was an avid reader. The library was my sanctuary, and story […]
An Award by Any Other Name
My latest novel, Planet Middle School, was nominated for an IMAGE Award, the only award for which it was nominated, in fact. It didn’t win. Planet Middle School received wonderful reviews including one star. It’s gotten great feedback from fans. Everyone who has read it loves it. But the novel did not win an award. Does […]
The Color of Character
For the record, I’ve never had a nose job, or tried to bleach my skin. I do not straighten my hair—not that there’s anything wrong with that. The fact is, for decades now, I have worn my hair natural in celebration of my African heritage. I am now, and have always been, black and proud. That […]
The Push to Publish
While channel surfing the other day, I came across a reality show about child beauty pageants. A four or five year old contestant was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, and her answer was “famous.” Her parent seemed pleased with that response, never once suggesting to her daughter that, perhaps, she […]