Is Youth Wasted On The Young?
It’s one of those things you may have heard a while ago. One of those… “that’s what they say” things, full of both merit and jade. It’s an apt observation on mankind doubling as a humanistic theory on time itself.
Read full storyWhy Reading is Fundamental to Creativity
My granddad is 93 years old. Throughout the majority of my life, we’ve talked on the phone maybe once a week, and I’ve seen him at least once a year. Out of all of those conversations, he’s asked me one question more than any other: “How’s that car running?” It’s always top of mind for him; it’s his thing.
Read full storyHAVE Fun, Y'all
I remember this one time in college leaving a party with my buddy at 4AM. We were headed to Waffle House (because duh), tired and sort of out of it, but he began pontificating about the finer points of life. He wanted to talk about the party we’d just left. Now, in the years I’d known him, this friend of mine had always maintained a very keen social lens (even in the wee hours of the morning), so when he started talking I was all ears.
Read full storyThe Big Red Couch
I used to sleep on a big red couch. Well, it wasn’t all that big but it was red as hell; especially when the light hit it during the day time. I remember it well. It was one of those shiny couches that made noise when you moved around on it. Kinda fancy, chic, and definitely made more for sitting than sleeping, that’s for sure. But I slept on it. We all did.
Read full storyDART Dodging
Ok, so as you may know, I was home less in Dallas. And by home less, I mean that I simply did not have one. And, like most people without a home, I didn’t have a car either. Sad story, I know. This was made alright, however, by a few things.
Read full storyWould You Like Half of my Sandwich?
... because I want half of yours. I’m not gonna say I was sleep, but I damn sure wasn’t up. Awake? Sure. Alert? Sorta. Tired? Absolutely. I’d been running around Dallas all day trying to make some money (and was better than expected at it, too… by my standards at least). It actually wasn’t much cash, in retrospect, but with no rent to pay (seeing as though I was home less)… let’s just say it was a good day! And this particular good day ended with me riding the DART train, through Dallas, searching desperately for some shut-eye.
Read full storyHomeless in Dallas
I used to be homeless in Dallas. Yeah, seriously. It was tough, but it was fun. It taught me a lot about a lot, but mostly it was just hot. I mean, it is Texas after all. But after the summer, it got extremely cold. There was an ice storm and everything! I bet you didn’t know that about Dallas, did you? Yeah, that was news to me too; I didn’t even come with a coat.
Read full storyEat Your Burger, Drink Your Beer
I used to be homeless in Dallas. And by home less, I mean that I simply did not have one. This was my life and to say that it taught me a lot about a lot would be a grave understatement — But I said it anyway.
Read full storyThe Texas State Fair
... because everyone is trying to keep the lights on. You know how they say that everything is bigger in Texas? Right, right. Well, whoever they is ain’t never lied. If you’ve ever been to any state fair, you know it’s a huge giddy-up, and if you’ve been to the Texas state fair in Dallas’ Fair Park, you’ve seen some things. Me? Well, I’ve never been there. Well perhaps once but let’s just say I… never made it to the door.
Read full storyThe New Harlem
That was the question bouncing up and down the streets of Harlem during my most recent trek to Uptown. One half Homecoming day party and the other half housewarming fundraiser, a lot of people were invited to descend on to the neighborhood for what would be quite the celebration. His old rooftop terrace in Harlem was where it was at that weekend and thus, so was I.
Read full storyI Used My Voice Today
and understand my friend. and all of where he’s been. and held a righteous tone. as my friend started to speak.
Read full storyRAP: Rhythm and Poetry
The recent passing of Jazz musician Bob Dorough struck a chord with me and I didn’t even know who he was until he died. He was the musical composer of Schoolhouse Rock! and thus, when he passed away he took a part of all of our childhoods with him.
Read full storyGood Day, Bad Day
I used to work on one side of the street; and it seemed like everyone that I’d meet, in every moment in every way, was having one of their very worst days. They called the phone to yell in my ear. Loud enough for my boss to hear! Looking for this, or looking for that. Demanding I come and pick up their slack.
Read full story8 Days A Week, 24 Hours A Day
It was our second year playing baseball in the 9–10 year old league at Browns Mill Park in Decatur, GA. Everyone was one year better, bigger, and more excited to compete than the season before — we knew we had a chance to win it all that year so we were hype.
Read full storyScience vs. Art
“Science is the unlocking of things we haven’t yet imagined. Art is the imagining of things yet to be unlocked.”. What the hell does that mean? I’m talking about that quote right up there. I mean, really. Perhaps most of us can more easily ingest things as opposites, but when it comes to art and science, we seem to insufferably separate them. I mean, if I had a nickel for every time I heard someone describe something using the difference between the two… let’s just say I’d have a lot of damn nickels.
Read full storyAll Hail The Queen!
As I sat down to write this piece I was taken aback a bit. Queen Latifah’s talent, longevity, and brilliance is something I think we all overlook at times, and it’s a shame it took me so long to do this.
Read full storyHmmm...
How does the moon feel in the bright light of day?. Or that kid on the bench that really wants to play?. Or my ball point pen when I can’t write for shit?. Or my New Year’s resolutions when February hits?
Read full storyYo, I Saw Rainbows
Yo, I saw rainbows right after the rain. And I vowed to never ignore these colors again. As I sat there simple, humbled, and plain. They painted me thankful to see them again. Proud of its hue, so boastful, was Blue.
Read full storyDecades of Excellence in Black Music: Philadelphia
Ah, the city of Brotherly Love. Known for Rocky and the Liberty Bell, and where cheese steaks are worth their weight in gold. A city with some of the most maniacal sports fans you’ll ever meet and the home of the U.S. Constitution. There’s a lot to love about Philly, but what if I told you that one of the oldest cities in the country was one of the coldest when it came to Black music?
Read full storyThe Sugar Shack
I don’t know when the last time you’ve been to Dallas, or this little area in Dallas called Deep Ellum, or this little place in Deep Ellum called Prophet Bar, but when I was there Wednesday nights were slamming.
Read full story