I reviewed Regina Anderson Andrews:  Harlem Renaissance Librarian by Ethlene Whitmire, for the Winter 2017, Volume 102, No. 1 edition of The Journal Of African American History (JAAH).  Here is an excerpt from that review.

“Mention the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance and the names of certain notable African Americans currently celebrated in Black History Month programs, and African American Studies courses immediately come to mind: poet Langston Hughes; scholar-activist W.E.B. DuBois; anthropologist and novelist Zora Neale Hurston; and novelist and literary critic Jessie Fauset.  Regina Anderson Andrews’s name would probably not be mentioned, but she was a contemporary of these luminaries, and in her position as librarian at the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) she was, like them, an important contributor to Harlem’s New Negro movement.  Ethlene Whitmire’s Regina Anderson Andrews:  Harlem Renaissance Librarian is the first full-length biography about Andrews, though she is mentioned in articles and important books about the artists and writers of the period, such as Nathan Huggin’s Voices from the Harlem Renaissance (1976) and Cheryl Walls’s Women of the Harlem Renaissance (1995).”

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I was torn.

If I cry,

Won’t you hurt for me?

If I don’t cry,

Won’t you feel unwanted, unloved?

Mama, don’t go, I said-And I cried-You don’t want to go.

I know:

You, like me,

Want the cancer to be cured.

You, like me,

Want the nourishment flowing through the tubes

To make it possible for you to eat again,

Mama, don’t go, I said and I cried.

You could be a cancer survivor,

If there is time to care,

To show love,

To lay on hands.

Mama, don’t go, I said

And I cried.

My tears, falling on my side of the shared hospital pillow.

Lana Mitchell

Great Poets Across america: A celebration of National Poetry Month (VII)

Copyright (C) 2012 by Great Poets Across America as a compilation.

A miracle,

It seems,

The strange new thing

That your body is doing.

In one day,

Taking you from child

To novice.

In one twenty-four hour period,

Your known world of play and carless fun,

Gave way to an unknown

Place of grown-up wisdom

And responsibility.

Cherish the wonder of your blessing,

The power to bring forth life

Has been added to your life’s possibilities,

Creating a place for you

In the future of humanity.

by

Lana Mitchell – Stars in Our Hearts: Finesse

(C) 2012 by World Poetry Movement as a compilation

“Books are meat and medicine and flame and flight and flower, steel, stich, cloud and clout, and drumbeats on the air.” – Gwendolyn Brooks

I am completing the manuscript for my second children’s book. I’ve been searching for a name for one of the characters.  The father in one of the piece.  I think I found a name, but I don’t know if the decision is final.

Also writing an essay  to submit.

Will let you know how these projects turn out.

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Good evening Reader,

I just paid the fee to end the problem with the platform.  Posting resumes.  If you have been reading my Facebook page, you know that I have been posting there in the meantime.  Thanks to you who have visited this page looking to read my lastest post about my writings, book sales, etc.  (hahaha)  Next time you are on my Facebook, please Like the page.  I’m keeping it short today, visit amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com, Beaverdale Books.com to pick up a copy of my children’s book, A Birthday Story. 

Thanks for your visit.

Correction from last post:

Sherman Alexie, was not the poet from whom I learn about November being Native American Heritage Month.  I owe a thanks to Winona LaDuke for that information.

November is Native American Heritage Month said Winona LaDuke”  in an article titled “I am Tired of Being Invisible to you all” –  Inforum, inforum.co,  November 11, 2017.  LaDuke, an Ojibwe writer and an economist on Minnesota’s White Earth Reservation is also an executive director of Honor the Earth.

Simon Moya-Smith, CNN Opinion, “Some uncomfortable Truths about Thanksgiving” tells the story of the naming of November as Native American Heritage Month.  Simon is a citizen of the Ogala Lakota Nation and culture editor at Indian Country Today.  In 1990 President George H.W.  Bush decreed November as Native American Heritage Month.  George W. Bush signed into law legislation by Congressman Joe Bach designating the Friday after Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day – October 8, 2008.  See the CNN Opinion site for additional information.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCCBD) – January 27, 2018

Multicultural Children’s Book Day,  an online event that 1) “works” to get the books of multicultural authors reviewed and;

2) to get free diversity children’s books into the hands of young readers.  Multicultural Children’s Book Day is January 27, 2018.  See more information on multiculturalchildren’s bookday.com.

Women and Children First

Women and Children First’s Annual Wishing Tree Kick-off & Storytime Book Drive starts, December 2nd 11:15 a.m. to December 22nd.  The event’s goal is to put diverse books in the hands of area elementary school students.  If you are in Chicago drop by the store at, 5233 N. Clark Street, 773-769-9299, Chicago, Ill.

  A Birthday Story is my diversity book that would fit with their goal.  (smile)

Showingcasing:

Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts has renamed the College of Media, Arts and Humanities in memory of Journalist and Alumna Gwen Ifill. Ifill died in 2016.  Gwen joined Public Broadcasting System(PBS) in 1999 were she was working when she died.  A co-anchor of the News Hour moderator of  Washington Week, Ifill was the author of the nonfiction book The Breakthrough Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.  Simmons College President Helen Drinan in her announcement renaming the college said, Gwen’s example of leading a meaningful life and building a successful career stands tall in the mission of Simmons.  She further honored Gwen by stating “We are extraordinarily proud of her and so pleased to formalize her legacy at Simmons this way.”  goodblacknews.org.

Condolences

My condolences to the friends, family, and Ojibwe people of Warrior Dennis Banks, co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and Civil Rights Leader, who on October 31, 2017, at the age of 80 years, died of complications from pneumonia after open heart surgery. “One of the most influential Indian leaders of our time-” Tevye.   (KOS Liberation League) and dailykos.com – Ojibwe Warrior American Indian Movement Co-Founder And Civil rights Leader Dennis Banks Has Died, Tevye, Tues. Oct. 31, 2017.

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“Poetry seems especially

like nothing else. 

Poetry is not like,

it is the very lining

of the inner life.”  C. D. Wright

Black Friday

I started this post yesterday,  November 24, 2017, “Black Friday”, a commercial day that has become as big as some holidays.  I want to mention,  before I get into that short discussion, however, about the poem above by C. D. Wright, which I received on a post card from the Academy of American Poets, with the greetings “Happy Holidays”. It, C. D. Wright’s poem,  is a good fit for this post since I’m also discussing poetry.

The term “Black Friday” according to an article in the newyorktimes.com, was first used in a New York Times article in 1870.  The 11/23/ article by Hilery Stout, “Why Do We Call It ‘Black Friday?” also discussed other uses of the word black in reference to days.  A good read.  “Black Friday” has changed since the first Times article, from a day with a negative meaning,  to a day when businesses, professionals, etc.  celebrate the end of the day,  if they  are in the black or have made money.

I came across a poem “Happy Holiday” by Sherman Alexis, a Coeur d’Alene Native American in Washington, state which asks, “Do Indians Celebrate Thanksgiving?”  Alexis says in the poem, he gets the question a lot.  I found the poem on versedaily.org or put his name in your address bar and you can probably get it.  Sherman says that “Black Friday” falls on Native American Heritage Day.  Good to know Sherman.  Thanks.

Shop Local

Today is another day to help small businesses.  I was selling A Birthday Story, my children’s book in Beaverdale Books, an independent bookstore yesterday.  John Warner, Biblioracle, a feature in the Chicago Tribune, says “When you buy at a local business, think of it as buying not one gift, but three:”  the recipient, the business from which you purchased, and you, because the stores remain part of the community for the “foreseeable future.”

Spirit Sampling

Spirit Sampling, the title of my manuscript that I submitted to The 17th A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize.  The winner will be announced in the spring.  Will be back with you with the name at that time.

Showcasing – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder wrote the lyrics to the songs on Talking Book, a cd that I picked up last week.  I’m a fan of Wonder’s and like Talking Book, and most of his recordings, a lot of which are like poems to music.  Stevie was born blind in May of 1950.  He won 15 grammy awards during the 1970’s, which says that others like his music too, especially Jeff Beck on drums.  On reference.com the Arts & Literature section they talk about his many hits, his signing to Motown Records in 1961, the fact that he is father of seven and his work with Mrs. Coretta Scott King, to establish the federal holiday to honour Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He released “Happy Birthday”, which became a hit, and celebrated Dr. King’s birthday. kingcenter.org  also has information about his life.

Condolences

Condolences to the family, friends and fans of Della Reese, Singer and Actor who died this past week at 86 years old.  Della Reese  played an angel on the T.V. series Touched By and Angel, and received four grammy nominations, seven consecutive NAACP Imaage Awards and 1998 Golden Globe nod.  Win she passed she was the pastor of “Understanding Principles for Better Living,” church.

Habari Gani!!

“Our crown has already been bought and paid for.  All we have to do is wear it.”  James Baldwin.

It has been a busy time since I last posted.  I’ve been selling A Birthday Story and preparing a poetry manuscript. ( I mentioned the poetry competition last week.)  The books I sold  for gifts to some young people who are in a YMCA program. A member of the Y’s  AARP Silver Slippers  program, a fitness program for seniors, thought the group of seniors could provide books for the children. This group is continuing to pay for the crown that Baldwin talks about.   You can get more information about the Silver Slippers program at silversneakers.com.

The poetry manuscript is being prepared for the 17th Annual A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize.  The deadline for submission for the competition is the end of this month, November 30, 2017.  I will know the winner, spring 2018. Wish me luck.  I will tell you the winner when I find out.

CABA – Children’s Africana Book Awards

Africana Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Assn. (ASA) presented its 25th CABA – Children’s Africana Book Awards on 10/31/2017.  The award is given to the authors and illustrators of the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published or republished in the U.S.  The awards were created by Africana Access and the ASA to encourage the publication and use of accurate, balanced children’s materials about Africa. Afro.com.

Booklife Prize – 2017

The seven finalists for the 2017 BookLife Prize have been announced. OK, Booklife first.   Booklife.com is a blog for self-published authors.  It was previously posted on the  Publisher’s weekly blog.  It now has its own site.  Booklife is awarding $5,000.00 to the grand prize winner of its competiton to be announced December 18, 2017.  The seven book finalists  are six novels and a memoir.  The categories and authors are General fiction, A Hundred Veils by Rea Keech, Mystery/Thriller, Face Value by Ian Andrew, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror Transference, Kate Jonuska, Romance/Erotica, A Scandelous Matter, by Margaret Locke,  Memoir, Beautiful Hero by Jennifer Lan, YA (Young Adult) Faithful and Devoted by Jenna Rose Robbins and Middle Grade, The Accidental Pirate by Denise Dugan.  The BookLife judges or guest judges who are  award winners or best-selling authors.

The Great Cursive Writing Debate:  Lost Art or Vital Skill?

Then there’s this debate about cursive writing that I know those of you who are my age or older or somewhat younger, are sure to be interested in.  Kelly Gurnettt, a writer for “The Write Life, google.com wrote about the debate on “The Write Life .com.  If you would like to join the debate go there and comment.

Showcasing:  Freedom’s Journal 

First African-American owned and operated newspaper published in the United States.  The journal was a weekly tabloid founded by Rev. Peter Williams, Jr. and other free black men in New York City according to en.wikipedia.org.  The first issue was published March 16, 1827.  The founders of the journal selected Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm as senior and junior editors.  Russwurm and Cornish were community activists.  African American journalists irvine Gaarland Penn says that Cornish and Russwurm’s objective with the journal was to oppose New York newspapers that attached African-Americans and encouraged slavery.

Colin Kaepernick Signs a $1 Million+ Book Deal with “One World.”

Colin Kaepernick, football quarterback signed a one million dollar plus book deal with Random House imprint “One World”.  The former San Francisco 49ers player was signed by Editor-in-Chief for “One World” Chris Jackson.  “One World” was relaunched by Jackson after several years of inactivity says Wiki-leaks.  Its initial launch in 1992 met the demand for books telling stories written by and featuring African-Americans.  Jackson with his new title is currently the most powerful black man in mainstream publishing.  Troy Johnson, troy@aalbc.com.

Buy books for gifts this season.  They can also  be learning “toys.”  I will be reading and signing at Beaverdale Books on “Black Friday” between 11:00a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Come and listen.  I was by the store today and there were mountains of books.

Comments at the bottom please.

Lana Jean Mitchell

Habara Gani!!

Bustle Magazine published the Sadie Trombetta article that is the title for this blog,  in a November 7, 2017 post.  It’s an article that as an author/writer I’m recommending because I agree that self-care is one of the benefits of reading.   Read the full article on Bustle.com. I shared it on my Facebook page also.

“Jackson Elementary bench honors beloved principal”

Another thing about reading is that you can do it almost any place.  The family of former principal Robert Langbehn commissioned a bench in his honor at Jackson Elementary school to “serve as something of an outdoor library”, according to Michael Wellman, in an article for the Des Moines West Register.   The bench features slats designed to resemble book spines.  The area where the bench has been placed will also have “Two Little Free Libraries” when it is complete.  Mr. Langbehn who has been resting in peace since 2016 has been remembered with this “piece of art” that will provide a resting place where  students and staff at the school can read.

“New York University Study Shows Diversity in Schools Has Positive Impact on Student Achievement.”

A report by David E. Kirkland and Joy L. Sanzone  posted on, goodblacknews.org says  that a “New York University Study Shows Diversity in Schools Has Positive Impact on Student Achievement”.  One of my blog post last year discussed the importance of diversity to student achievement, and thus the need for diversity in literature.

The title of the report by the metropolitan center for Research on Equity and Transformation of Schools at New York University, is Separate But Unequal:  A Comparison of Unequal Outcomes in New York City’s Most and Least Diverse Schools.  David E. Kirkland, the lead author for the report, said that the data analyzed, suggests that increasing equity in New York city schools, significantly decreases gaps in some student outcomes such as high school graduation.  New York plans to stimulate the diversity in its schools, which can pay off for its most vulnerable students.

Showcasing: “Civil Rights Icon Roger Wilkins Honored with Building at George Mason University”

Angela Cabrera, President of George Mason University, announced the naming of North Plaza at the university, in honor of Roger Wilkens, a former long-time faculty member who died this past March.  goodblacknews.org’s post said that Wilkens’ served as a special assistant to the director of the Agency for International Development during the Kennedy Administration.  In 1965, he was appointed an assistant attorney general by President Johnson.  Wilken’s was author of Jefferson’s Pillow:  The Founding Fathers and the Dilemma of Black Patriotism  ( Beacon Press, 2001.)  Roger Wilken’s was a native of Kansas City, Missouri.  He moved to Harlem at the age of 9 and later settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Wilken’s earned a Bachelor’s degree and a law degree at the University of Michigan.

The season’s for gift giving are here.  Please remember that books are good gifts for the young and for helping them to achieve.  I recommend my children’s book, A Birthday Story.  I replenished my supply for sale this week.  Please consider the Kwanzaa stamp to recognize the Kwanzaa celebration.

Until next post.