Dad spoke frequently about President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. Dad served during WWII when Roosevelt was president. He seemed to hold him and his wife in high regard. This encouraged me to read more about this beloved president. Many authors described him as having temperament, personal charm, and luck. He was often referred to …
One of my older brothers was a professional artist. On the weekends, he drew portraits on Beale Street. He was also a musician, he played alto and tenor saxophone. For over 20 years, he was surrounded by the excitement and sounds of Beale Street. He wrote about Beale Street and before he passed, gave me …
Beale Street is a colorful street in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. When I was a child, because of legal segregation, it was the only street where Black people could shop. In return, Black people made the street their own. It was more than a collection of saloons, stores, pawnshops, lodge halls, lawyer’s offices, insurance offices, and …
I was nearly fifteen years old when Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Once again, it felt like the world had come to a complete stop. We were in shock and disbelief. For years, he stood in the shadows of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy, but his presence was well known in the …
The second oldest Kennedy son was born in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts. He came from a long line of Democrats. His grandfathers served in politics. His paternal grandfather served in the Massachusetts state legislator, and his maternal grandfather served as a U.S. Congressman and Mayor of Boston. All four of his grandparents were …
I grew up during the civil rights era. My parents spoke highly of the Kennedy family. They represented hope for Black people living in poverty in the segregated South. Many Black people had pictures of Jesus, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and President John F. Kennedy hanging on their kitchen walls. Over time, Robert F. …
In the book, The Power to Prevail, by David Foster, he wrote “Climbers prevail because they never lose heart. They push back, not with their hands, but with their hearts. They refuse to relent, retreat, or resign themselves to the way things are. They don’t rely on their emotions. Developing their heart muscle gives them …
We all face adversities in life. No one is exempt. As Christians, we know we will have trials and tribulations. We are called to be more powerful than opposing forces. We are called to be victorious. Adversity can be helpful. We grow strong as a result. The key in prevailing in the face of adversity …
When I was a young girl, my Dad and other Black men in the community went to a meeting in a lodge. The brick lodge was located off the street on the main road for Black people. It was located within sight of houses but no one talked about it or ventured near it. There …
I grew up in the segregated South and attended church with my family. My mother was a member of a Baptist church, and my father was a member of a Methodist church. They never changed their religious denominations. I learned the culture of the Black Baptist church was birthed in the South. The Baptists were …