The Mount Rushmore of Black Inventors From Soap to the Super Soaker The Mount Rushmore series continues with a look at black inventors that changed the culture. So far, we’ve covered comedy, The Mount Rushmore of Black Comedy and dance, The Mount Rushmore of Black Dance. Admittedly, I didn’t know much about any of these genius pioneers, …
Lift Every Voice Black History is American History When I was 15, I took my first trip to New York City from Los Angeles with my high school drama class. From December 26 to January 2, we explored the Big Apple and saw 4 Broadway shows. 42nd Street, Amadeus, Woman of the Year (Lauren Bacall) and a …
The Bodyguard turns 30 Like sand through the hourglass Do you ever wonder why time flies? Tonight, in the United States, we have daylight savings time (DST). As a result, Benjamin Franklin’s original essay concept that changing the clocks twice a year could maximize sunlight and increase productivity, is now just annoying. My body won’t …
It’s the Fourth! Independence and Relaxation Firstly, where does the time go? Secondly, is that an old persons saying? I feel like my parents used to say that all the time when they were the age I am now. We’re 6 months done with 6 to go. Halfway. Halftime. This weekend, I only want to …
The Accused Black Women “These black women raise our children. We love them and they love us.” That’s a quote from the movie The Help. Did you ever see it? As I sat and watched the congressional hearings on the January 6, 2021 insurrection, I seethed with anger and thought of that film. How …
10 Great Movies about Dads Why is it always “Hi Mom!”? A Son’s first Hero, A Daughter’s first Love He wasn’t a movie star, although he did have the looks. My Father, Ulysses (pictured above with his daughter, Rosetta, and granddaughter, Michal), epitomized a great Dad. The eldest of 7, he was the first to …
It’s already June? June, the most important month? Growing up in Southern California, June meant 2 things. School’s out for the summer and my birthday. Being of a certain age, however, they no longer carry the significance they once did. Especially after crossing the century mark, which I did many years ago. I’m not kidding. …
Inclusion The Power of Representation Since 1992, the month of May has been designated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month. The United States is a country of immigrants. Everyone, save for the Native Americans, comes from somewhere else. We’re living in a time where many influential people are desperate to rewrite history. Repression, …
Winning! Most Memorable Day Ever “Stay in the world and don’t die.” Those prophetic words, by my great grandfather, Papa Clabe, have so much meaning to me, it’s why I include them so often on these blogs. “Staying here” means one gets the opportunity to see more, to feel more, to experience more. Good and Bad. …
The Mount Rushmore of Black Dance And those that changed the culture “I am the hopes and dreams of slaves.” Maya Angelou’s profound words have circled my mind and will in perpetuity. Every job fulfilled, every country visited, every opportunity to live life as a free man humbles me in knowing that those whose DNA I …