Madea Comes to FAMU
Recently, I sat on a discussion panel in Florida A&M University’s Writing Resource Center where three other colleagues of mine & I were invited to discuss our literary contributions to the English department’s required Freshman Communicative Skills II reader, Writing from the Hill. The custom text, which includes an anthology of poems, short stories, creative non-fiction, visuals, & a play, reflects a literary genius that … Continue reading Madea Comes to FAMU
A Tweet A Day Keeps The Brain Cells Away
Source: A Tweet A Day Keeps The Brain Cells Away Continue reading A Tweet A Day Keeps The Brain Cells Away
Teens Carry Smartphones, But Are They Getting Smarter? A Response to My Fresh(wo)man Student
My fresh(wo)man composition students were charged with blogging reader responses to their chapter readings in Robert Atwan’s America Now text re: social media. In his first chapter, “Social Media: What Do We Gain? What Do We Lose?” authors Andrew Santella (“This Is Not About You,” 2013); Yzzy Gonzalez (“Technology Taking Over?” 2013); and Clive Thompson (“The Parent Trap: How Teens Lost the Ability to Socialize,” … Continue reading Teens Carry Smartphones, But Are They Getting Smarter? A Response to My Fresh(wo)man Student
From Cairo to Compton: a self reflection
I traveled to Cairo, Egypt this summer. But by no means am I a “deep” siSTAR belonging to an Afrikan consciousness group whose members have changed their names to something that reflects their Kemet energy. As a matter of fact, besides the commercialized ankh—which I’ve tattooed thrice on my body; the pyramids—which I throw up to express my sorority affiliation; and Queen Nefertiti—whose 18k gold … Continue reading From Cairo to Compton: a self reflection
who decides this shit?: a classroom discussion re: profane language
I am a cursing teacher. Hell, I’m a cursing colleague, friend, and sister, too. I curse, often. Not because my vocabulary is weak, or I am angry and/or sad. I curse because profane words are linguistic expressions that make up my human language. It’s as simple as that. Words are neither bad nor good–unless you are a Christian who believes: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word … Continue reading who decides this shit?: a classroom discussion re: profane language
Random Thought: “Breakfast will be served.”
Why do workshop coordinators, particularly Black ones, think a variety of pastries is a sufficient breakfast for folks 35 years old & older? I am attending an academic training/workshop today that began at 8:30am; it is scheduled to last until 3:30pm. According to the invitation, “Breakfast will be served.” But I knew better: “Breakfast” included pastries. Why? Why are you (workshop coordinator) serving only pastries … Continue reading Random Thought: “Breakfast will be served.”
a concise response to Morrison’s God Help the Child
My response to Morrison’s most recent novel, God Help the Child, will be as brief as the 178 pages that comprise it; I am aiming for 178 words. & so it is: Undoubtedly, brevity is (one of) Morrison’s genius. From exploring the Middle Passage to the supernatural, racism, feminism, & Christianity to nature, memory, & touch, Morrison’s fiction is as thorough as Homer’s epics & … Continue reading a concise response to Morrison’s God Help the Child
from “Women Sweet on Women” Atlanta to Riots in Baltimore, Maryland: Love Is All There Is
I’ve been struggling with how to begin this blog post. I want to gush about the magic I experienced last weekend at Atlanta’s ZAMI NOBLA & OLOC’s “Women Sweet on Women II.” But, I also want to describe the war scene I’ve witnessed driving thru downtown Baltimore today. My mind is racing, & I am high & low. HIGH: Just three days ago, I was … Continue reading from “Women Sweet on Women” Atlanta to Riots in Baltimore, Maryland: Love Is All There Is
rEVOLution Haikus: A Class Assignment
If I could, I would teach a poetry class. Although I have a certificate in creative writing, I cannot teach poetry because academy culture prefers I teach within my discipline: rhetoric & composition. It’s like checking a box named “African American” when you are also Native American & Hispanic. I’m light-weight trapped. Anyway, if I could, I would teach a poetry class. & today, I … Continue reading rEVOLution Haikus: A Class Assignment
Beyond an Abecedarian Knowledge of Martin Luther King (w/regards to dp)
No one could have prepared me for the lackluster attitude regarding Civil Rights and Black History that I have faced amongst students attending an HBCU. Some (& way too many) of my students believe King is an overrated, trite icon whose non-violent philosophy created a stagnant Movement. Students have claimed (loudly & proudly) that they have neither read nor heard the “I Have a Dream” speech … Continue reading Beyond an Abecedarian Knowledge of Martin Luther King (w/regards to dp)
