As a well-read child, I wrote a mini-novel for a classroom assignment in elementary school.  My teacher red marked it for spelling errors but I still earned an "A" for creativity.  I began seriously writing all of my free time when I was eleven.  My Dad, a career Army Sargent, was ordered to Viet Nam while my Mom marched with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  I was desperately trying to make sense of what was happening outside in racist 1968 Memphis and what was happening inside my family with Dad leaving for a war and Mom marching in the streets.  I was 19 when I began a life-long career working with children by working with children at the local community center.  All of these childhood events grew me into the poet, educator and activist that I am today.  The hope and joy that I have kept inside no matter what happens to me. comes from my faith and love in a risen Christ.  

I work and write "to encourage, inspire and remind."  I am happiest teaching literary arts and African American culture and history.  I remember a defining moment when I was teaching poetry on a beautiful summer day and I paused mid-sentence and thought, "I feel wonderful when I am sharing poetry and helping others to write."  It was if I could see myself as exciting, sparking and pulling creativity out of people.  I experienced a deep sense of emotional satisfaction.  I am equally as committed to a balanced, inclusive and affirming education for children.  As an educator. I am determined to work tirelessly on behalf of African American students in our school districts until we see their talents and genius acknowledged and rewarded.  Wisconsin is better with its inclusion of other Americans; African, Asian, Bi-racial and Spanish speaking.

2012 is a break-out year for me.  I am being more of a risk taker because I am braver now than I have ever been.  I am looking at the world through a double lense of wisdom and experience.  I am sought after for poetry-in-residences.  I get to travel in the country and out, and to conduct research about Mary Lou Williams to complete a poetry manuscript about her life and music.  I am loving myself enough to improve my physical, emotional and spiritual health.  My friends and I are creating a business to encourage literacy, publish the life-affirming books that we want to read and have decided collectively to enjoy ourselves and our gifts.  What a great time I am having being me!  I'd like you to be on the journey of discovering how precious you also are and enjoying yourself too.

Fabulous Fabu