BEAUTY OF OUR HISTORY IN BOOKS

JAMES BALDWIN (May 6, 2025)

When we talk of literary giants, few stand as boldly as James Baldwin.  His voice was unmistakable - sharp, lyrical, and uncompromising.  Baldwin didn't just write stories - he challenged the soul of America.  Whether through essays, novels, or interviews, he forced readers to confront hard truths about race, identity, sexuality, and justice.

What's remarkable is how timeless his work feels.  The Fire Next Time, for example still reads like a letter to today's world - urgent, poetic, and full of both rage and love.  His gift wasn't just in what he said, but how he said it.  Baldwin's prose sings.  He wrote with the rhythm of a preacher and the precision of a poet. 

And yet, for all of his brilliance, he was deeply human.  Vulnerable.  He once said, "you think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read."  Baldwin gave us that kind of reading - one that makes us feel seen.  In the end, James Baldwin wasn't just a writer.  He was a witness.  He documented a nation's contradictions and peoples resilience - with honesty, elegance and an unwavering demand for truth.

Please join me in reading James Baldwin's - The Fire Next Time

Bold.  Beautiful.  Unapologetically true.  The Fire Next Time is a soul-stirring call for justice and love.  Through a letter to his nephew and a powerful essay on race, religion, and identity.  Baldwin challenges America to face its truth.  A must-read classic that still speaks loudly today.

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FOOD IS HISTORY (April 24, 2025)

More Than A Meal

In the African American Community, food is a powerful connection to our roots, our stories, and each other.  It's how we celebrate, heal, and pass down traditions - from soul food classics to the warmth of Sunday dinners.  Every bite holds history, love, and a whole lot of flavor.  

Jubilee by Toni Tipton-Martin is more than a cookbook - it's a celebration of African American culinary history.  Drawing from over 400 years of traditions, the book features recipes passed down through generations, from elegant Creole classics to comforting soul food staples.

Tipton-Martin blends storytelling, historical context, and beautifully photographed dishes to highlight the depth, diversity, and sophistication of Black cooking in America.  Jubilee honors the creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of African American cooks - making it both a delicious read and a meaningful resource.

FROM OUR EXPERIENCE:  LETS EXPLORE FOOD - please join me in reading the following book - "Jubilee" - by Toni Tipton-Martin -  This book is available at most places that book are sold.

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"What we do for ourselves depends on what we think of ourselves, what we think of ourselves depends on what we know of ourselves, and what we know of ourselves depends on what we've been told about ourselves"  ~ Nana Renoco Rashidi - Ghanaian Activist and Author

You must be aware of your self perception and how it is shaped by external factors.  Our very actions are a direct reflection of our self image, which in turn is influenced by our knowledge of ourselves - and ultimately, the message that we have received from the environment and society - is what we apply to our lives.

So - if you don't know who you are - where and whom you came from - then you have no choice but to believe what 'they' - the negative voices, the establishment, statistics, stereotypes etc...  - your choice is to believe what those voices say about you. 

THIS IS THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING YOUR HISTORY 

This page is dedicated to the beauty of 'Who I Am' - an American of the African Diaspora - the beauty in the story of "Me and Mine' - of my ancestors - and my generations to come....  

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"We should all know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." - Dr. Maya Angelou 

The Black experience is what I know best - I have been blessed to spend 64 years in this melanated skin.  My history is strong, it will always stand - even if it is removed by legislation - it will never cease to exist, it simply is!  It was unlawful for my ancestors who were slaves to read and write.  Therefore the Slaves carried our history in their hearts and on their lips. The stories were carried down through the generations by the Elders.  When I was child the Elders of my community were constantly telling me the stories of our history.  I was ALWAYS interested, and they had my full attention. I would sit and listen to my Mom while she cooked, I'd assist her.  When I was around 12 years old I had learned to prepare complete meals from scratch.  Soul food comes from the soul - my Mom put her heart and soul into our families meals - as she taught me to cook - she told me of those who had gone before me.  She would talk of her love of music, She was Choir Director at our church, She played the piano and organ and could sing like an angel.  My Dad was also a storyteller, I'd sit with him while he graded his students papers.  He would tell me the stories of history, life, travel, music etc...  I was blessed to have many Elders in my community - even after I I became an adult, there were older people that took the time to continue to teach me.  Most of them are no longer in this realm - but those stories, teachings - their guidance will always bind me to them.  I am now an Elder - it is my pleasure and privilage to carry on the tradition. In honor of my Mom and Dad who loved books and taught Us from them. I would like to take you on a journey of the history of a people through the beauty of our history in books.

FROM OUR EXPERIENCE:  LETS EXPLORE MUSIC - please join me in reading the following book - "Music is History" - by Questlove - click link below

https://questlove.com