Monday, August 25, 2008

SeneAfrique . . . Pictures From My Visit On July 25, 2008 . . .
Mary Oluonye , Lori Johnson
& Guest
at SeneAfrique / July 2008
*From Lori's Picture Collection*

Mary Oluonye (pronounced alone-yay) and her husband, Waly Sene are the proud owners of SeneAfrique Trading Company, located at 12206 Larchmere Boulevard, Cleveland OH 44120. Upon learning of my pending visit to the Cleveland area, Ms. Oluonye, who is also a Shaker Heights librarian, invited me to her store and graciously hosted a reception in my honor.

If you are ever in the Cleveland area, I strongly encourage you to visit SeneAfrique. The section of Larchmere upon which the store sits is home to a number of quaint businesses, antique shops and eateries and has a distinct "artsy" feel about it. The store itself offers a wide variety of imported African art, crafts, clothing and other cultural items. In addition to author signings, the owners intend to host art exhibits and other cultural events which promote African & African-American culture.

I had a great time at SeneAfrique and definitely plan to visit again the next time I'm in the area. The following are a few of the pictures from my July 2008 signing in the cozy little courtyard behind SeneAfrique. Just so you know, I'm the one in the hat (smile).

Lori's Visit to SeneAfrique
July 2008
*From Lori's Picture Collection*
Lori Signing After The Dance
in SeneAfrique's Courtyard
July 2008
*From Lori's Picture Collection*
SeneAfrique
July 2008
*From Lori's Picture Collection*
My Reading in SeneAfrique's
Courtyard
July 2008
*From Lori's Picture Collection*

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Thursday Thirteen #24 . . . 13 Memorable Food Moments . . .

Baby Boy's First Meal Out
from Lori's Picture
Collection

For me, the smell, taste and even the sight of certain foods conjure memories--some good, some bad. The following are some of my most memorable food moments.

1). Hot tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches on a crisp fall or winter day

2) My Dad's stove popped popcorn, which he served to me and my younger brother in those little brown lunch bags

3) My M'Deah's homemade ice-cream on the 4th of July

4) The beautiful cake the hubby surprised me with upon my winning first place in a short story contest

5) My son's first restaurant meal--pancakes at the IHOP (see picture above)

6) The sight of chitlins soaking in the sink and the overpowering stench of them simmering in a huge pot on the stove

7) My grandfather standing out in the cold and barbecuing ribs under his carport in November just so my little brother could get one of his birthday wishes (a dinner of barbecued ribs) fulfilled.

8) Munching on candied apples, corn dogs and cotton candy at the Mid-South Fair

9) Gagging on okra at the dinner table when I was 3 or 4

10) The hamburgers my Aunt Doris would fry for us some Saturday evenings

11) Cooking and serving my grandmother one of her favorite meals--macaroni and cheese and fried chicken

12) My grandmother's sweet potato pie on Thanksgiving Day

13) The first time I ever prepared a meal of salad, baked potato, grilled steak and iced tea for the man I later married

Well, what about you? Do you have one or two memorable food moments you'd like to share?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Series And/Or Sequels . . . What's Your Take?

Late last week, I got a call from an old friend who works in a hair salon. She and some of her customers had been discussing my novel After The Dance and wanted to know when they could expect the sequel or part II. These ladies were serious as all get out and even had a list of things they wanted me to do in the next book (LOL).

Okay, a part of me fully understands and appreciates where they're coming from. The truth is, I deliberately left a few things hanging/unresolved at the end of After The Dance. Why? Well, primarily because tidy (everyone lives happily ever after) endings make me GAG, but also because a small part of me felt the need to leave open the possibility of doing something else with these characters.

For the record, I'm not a big fan of sequels or serials, when it comes to books or movies. It's been my experience that most of the time the follow-ups aren't anywhere near as enjoyable or entertaining as the first ones anyway. So I'm saying, besides the potential financial gain, what's the point? Yeah, I know for some folks, that's the only point (smile).

Anyway, my son reads a lot of stuff with dragons, wizards, fantasy and the like and lately, just about every book he drags into the house is part of some 6-book, 12-book or 20-book series. Dang! What's up with that? No, I didn't read the Nancy Drew series as a kid and not more than a couple of the Three Detective series. Okay, I did sorta kind get into the Henry Huggins and Beezus crew. But as an adult, I can barely stand the thought of reading about the same set of characters for more than one--possibly two books. In addition to boring the hell out of me, writing about the same jokers book after book after book would no doubt turn me into a raving lunatic.

So, while I listened to my friend and her customers' advice and laughed at some of their suggestions, I didn't make any promises. I do love the characters in After The Dance and I probably wouldn't mind writing about them again . . . at some point . . . in the future. But for now, I'm still weighing all of the pluses and minuses.

What do you think about sequels and/or serials in general? Do you love them? Hate them? Can take or leave them? If you've read After The Dance would you like to read about those same characters again? If so, which characters and what sort of things would you like to see me do with them?

Friday, August 15, 2008

Charlotte Author . . . CHERIS HODGES . . . An Old School Mix Q & A . . .

Cheris Hodges

Joseph-Beth (Charlotte, NC)

Fall 2006

from Lori's Picture Collection

The following is an interview I snagged with the talented and driven, yet humble and extremely nice Cheris Hodges. Ms. Hodges is a journalist and and author who hails from Bennettsville, South Carolina, but who currently works and resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I don't mind admitting that I'm a bit envious and in total awe of Cheris' ability to churn out one novel after another. She's written and published an impressive eight titles since 2001, the most recent, Let's Get It On (Kensington/Dafina) tumbled onto the shelves a couple of weeks ago.

Tell us about your latest novel. My latest novel, Let's Get It On, is a story that I had a lot of fun writing because I got to talk football! In this novel, fictional Wide Receiver Maurice Goings is on top of the world. His team just won the Super Bowl and he's about to get married in a lavish wedding. But his bride jilts him at the altar. Maurice and his brother James take his honeymoon at a singles resort and while he's there, Maurice runs into Kenya Taylor, the woman whos heart he broke nearly a decade ago.

Kenya doesn't want anything to do with him, but she knows that she's going to have to face him because after her vacation is over, she's moving to Charlotte, the same city Maurice lives in.

Sparks fly between the two, but is Kenya willing to give Maurice a second chance?

I know you've written and published a number of novels--eight to be exact. How are you able to be so prolific while maintaining a day job that also requires you to write? About 20 cups of coffee a day. (LOL) I love to write. I think it's just in my blood. Sometimes I'd rather be writing than hanging out with friends or going out and enjoying a lot of the nightlife in Charlotte. When I start a story, I connect with the characters and I have to finish it. I also love journalism. I used to think I was going to be a real life version of Lois Lane, but there is no Superman to save me, so I have to keep myself out of trouble.

Have you ever considered writing outside of the romance genre? If so, what other type of writing might you consider in the future?I would love to write a mystery. I've started on a few and I have a few mainstream fiction projects that I've worked on as well. My first book, Searching For Paradise, wasn't a romance and I'd like to revisit those characters.

What has been the most difficult or challenging aspect of maintaining a career as an author? With the price of gas, sky high, getting to book signings is a problem. I'd love to go all over the world and to every store that has a Cheris Hodges book, but I can't.

Who do you read? Or, do you even have time to read? I love Phillip Margolin. He writes legal thrillers. Brenda Jackson is another of my favorites. I have to make time to read because the more you read, the better writer you become.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you think new writers/authors make? I think the biggest mistake we make is, we think once the book is on the shelves, the work is over. It's just beginning when your book is in stores among thousands of others.

What one/single picece of writing and/or marketing advice has helped you the most? Never give up. I got a lot of no's before I heard one yes. I took all of that rejection in stride and promised myself that I would do everything I could to sell books.

Are you working on anything new? If so, are you at liberty to share? My next book, More Than He Can Handle, will be out in February. Here's what the back cover says:

HE'S ONE MISTAKE SHE PLANS TO FORGET

As maid-of-honor to a friend who's gone Bridezilla, Winfred "Freddie" Barker is dealing with minute-to-minute drama from her crazy-extravagant wedding. So when the ceremony is over and the reception starts heating up, Freddie blows off steam with a little champagne--and a lot of the best man, Cleveland Alexander. It was definitely going to be just a one-night fling, 'cause no woman in her right mind would fall for that man's arrogant, self-centered self, no matter how caramel-fine he is . . .

SHE'S THE ONE WOMAN HE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

As a hard-core bachelor, Cleveland Alexander was strictly all about beddin' and forgettin'. And the only reason he let Ms. Winfred Barker call his bluff was to put her stuck-up attitude in check. But once he sees how complicated and caring she really is, he'll do anything to help solve her problems--and convince her that the love between this is a lifetime of real . . .

I have to thank one of my readers and friends, Louise Brown for inspiring me to write about Cleveland Alexander. His brother, Darren, was a character in my novel, The Business of Love.

Is there anything else you'd like readers to know about you? If I could have anything in the world, it would be a 1967 Mustang Fastback, baby blue.

Thanks Cheris for taking time out of your busy schedule in order to answer a few questions in the Old School Mix. As hard as you work, something tells me you may be closer to that baby blue Mustang than you think (smile).

The following is a list of Cheris' other titles: Searching for Paradise (2001); Revelations (2003); Cautious Heart (2004, reissued in 2008); A Love of Her Own (2005); Second Chances At Love (2006); The Business of Love (2006); Just Can't Get Enough (2007) and Let's Get It On (August 2008).

If you' like to read more about Cheris or read excerpts of her work, visit her web site: http://www.cherishodges.com/

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

More Cleveland Pictures . . . from the Joseph-Beth Signing . . . of After The Dance . . .

Okay, here are a few more pictures from my signing of After The Dance at the Joseph-Beth Bookstore in Lyndhurst, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland). Yes, I am rocking the Rebecca from Sunny-Brook Farm hat (A cousin gave one of my hats this tag years ago / LOL) 'cause the hair ain't tight. Next time I'll just leave the holiday hair in the salon and rock it NATURAL like I do when I'm at home (smile).

Lori & "The Cleveland Crew"
at signing of
After The Dance
Joseph-Beth (Legacy Village /Lyndhurst, OH)
July 2008
*from Lori's Picture Collection*
Lori laughing it up with some
Cleveland Church Members
at signing of
After The Dance

Joseph-Beth (Legacy Village / Lyndhurst OH)

July 2008

*from Lori's Picture Collection*

Lori & Cleveland Relatives
at signing of
After The Dance
Joseph-Beth (Legacy Village / Lyndhurst, OH)
July 2008
*From Lori's Picture Collection*
Lori & A Few New Friends
After The Dance (signing)
Joseph-Beth (Legacy Village / Lyndhurst, OH)
July 2008
*from Lori's Picture Collection*

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Slavery & The Civil War . . . A Personal Connection . . .

This past Saturday afternoon, instead of turning on The Best of Soul Train and spending an hour reliving the '70s, I tuned into a segment of CSPAN'S BOOKTV and allowed myself to be taken even further back in history. How far? Well, the US Civil War period, to be exact.

The program I made a point of watching this past Saturday on CSPAN's BookTV featured a segment on Andrew Ward and the material in his new book. Mr. Ward is an author & scholar who has researched the US Civil War recollections of former slaves and compiled some of his findings in a book entitled The Slaves' War: The Civil War in the Words of Former Slaves (Houghton Mifflin).

Mr. Ward's research is right down my alley. I love read, studying and listening to oral histories and only wish I had more time in which to immerse myself in such pursuits. One of the best things I ever did (years ago, before I got so darned busy and my story-telling grandmother got seriously ill) was sit down with my M'Deah and record her recollections of our family's history in an area of South Memphis (Whitehaven) known as Johnson Subdivision (Johnson Sub, for short). Without those cassette tape recordings, which I later transcribed, I may have never known about my own family's involvement in the Civil War.

As luck or fate would have it, my grandmother had lived in close proximity to her grandparents, interacted with them on a regular basis and knew a number of details about Margaret and Charlie Cannon, whom she affectionally referred to as "Grandma and Grandpa."

Charles Cannon (or Charlie Cannon as my grandmother called him), was a name I'd stumbled aross years later, long after my grandmother had passed and while I was in the public library one day, trying to find information on another one of my ancestors, the man and former slave said to have founded Johnson Sub, Prince Johnson. One of my great aunts had told me that Prince, who was her grandfather (and my great-great grandfather) had served in the Civil War. So, I'd been researching pension records trying to document Prince's service in the Union Army when I came across the pension record of a one Charles Cannon.

All of the details in the Colored Man's Application for Pension, which had been filed on April 11, 1927 (approximately sixty-two years after the Civil War) made me think he just might be the "Grandpa" or "Charlie Cannon" of whom my M'Deah had spoken so fondly, but I KNEW he was "my" Charlie when I saw his wife's name "Margaret."

But most shocking to me was that the five page document--witnessed, notarized and signed with his "X" contains extensive details of Charlie's service alongside his owner James (Jim) Cannon in the 154th Tennessee Infantry Regiment Company B of the Confederate Army.

Yes, y'all, my great-great grandfather, a former slave by the name of Charles Cannon served in the Confederate Army and two years before his death in 1929, drew a pension for his service. Truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction sometimes, ain't it?! (LOL).

What do I make of Charlie Cannon's service in the Confederate Army? Well, he was a SLAVE owned by a one James Cannon. To be honest, I don't really think poor Charlie had a choice in the matter, one way or the other. In any case, I do know his application for a pension in 1927 was based on absolute need. The application records his and Margaret's combined yearly gross income as one hundred dollars and their two room box house, which was situtated on a half acre of land had an assessed value of two hundred dollars.

So, are there any other weekend genealogist out there? If so, how far back can you trace your ancestors? Have you collected any oral histories? If not, what are you waiting for? (smile)

Thursday, August 07, 2008

A Cleveland Celebrity . . . In The House . . .

Judge Jean Murrell Capers
and Lori Johnson
from Lori's Picture
Lyndhurst, OH 2008

She was the first person I spied when I strolled over to the area in the bookstore where I would be signing and discussing my novel, After The Dance. She was a well-dressed, little old lady who'd taken a seat in the very last row and who from a distance put me in mind of the one and only Ms. Rosa Parks. The expression on her face was pleasant and inviting and as I approached her in order to say, "Hello," I immediately recognized that she was someone other than just a curious visitor or a weary senior citizen in need of a seat . . . she was most definitely somone of stature and importance.

I didn't reside in the Cleveland area long enough to learn all its history. I'd be hard-pressed to come up with more than a few names of the areas movers and shakers, African American or otherwise. But even I had heard of The Judge. While still residing in the Cleveland area, I'd following the news story about the senseless theft at her home and I'd shared her sadness and outrage.

So, as I was walking toward the dignified woman seated in the back, who'd from the looks of things, had arrived early for my event, my brain was working over-time trying to process what kept popping to the forefront of my mind--Hmm, she looks an awful lot like that judge I saw on TV years ago. Why on earth would a judge, who has to be well into her 90s be interested in attending my book signing?

Well, turns out it was indeed the retired Cleveland Municipal Court Judge, Jean Murrell Capers, who, by the way is a good-looking, sharp-minded 95 year old and who, believe it or not, had driven herself to my event (smile). To give you a bit of history--in 1949, Capers became the first African American councilwoman for Cleveland and from 1960 to 1964, she was an assistant Attorney General. In the late '70s she was appointed by the then Governor James A. Rhodes to an unexpired term as Cleveland Municipal Judge. Later, she won election to the post and went on to serve a full six-year term.

Anyway, The Judge had indeed come to see me--though I'm guessing my good friend and busybody (LOL) Dr. Sara Wilder must have personally invited her.
The Dear Judge waited until most of the other guest had left before approaching me, offering me her congrats and insisting we pose for a picture together. I volunteered to make it easier on her by coming out from behind the table, but she wouldn't hear of it. According to her, I was the celebrity that day (smile). Well, I don't know about all of that, but for a few minutes, I certainly felt a little larger than life knowing that I was in the company of such a dynamic and still quite spirited trailblazer.
Judge Jean Murrell Capers
and Lori Johnson
from Lori's Pic Collection
Lyndhurst, OH 2008

Thank you Judge Capers for being such a sweetheart, a woman of substance and a role model. I was truly touched and honored by your presence.

(In the coming days, look for me to share a few more of the pics from my Cleveland visit).

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

So What's In Heavy Rotation . . . On Your iPod / MP3 Player / Computer / CD Player?

One of the first things I did upon my return from the Cleveland area was go out and pick up Lalah Hathaway's lastest, Self-Portrait (2008). Making the purchase has been at the top of my "to do" list for the longest, especially after listening to Ms. Hathaway speak and sing live on some BETJ program, not too long ago. The only reason I hadn't picked it up before now is because I've just been too busy.

I've enjoyed Lalah's music since she first appeared on the scene. But I didn't become a real fan until one night in Cleveland, several years ago, while I was standing at the sink, washing dishes, listening to the radio and wishing I was elsewhere, when I heard this breath-taking cover of "Forever, For Always, For Love." While listening to the song, which in my book had long been a "Luther" song, I literally froze, cocked my head to the side and muttered, "Good Lord, who is that?!" before wiping my hands dry and rushing over to crank up the volume.

Before I left for my most recent trip the Cleveland area, I'd been jamming to The Song Lives On, a Joe Sample cd, featuring Lalah Hathaway and that came out in 1999. The cuts on The Song Lives On are nice enough, but trust and believe, the songs on Self-Portrait and Lalah's skillful handling of them are on the other side of FABULOUS.

Very seldom do I buy a cd (or album) and find myself reaching for the repeat button for more than two or three songs. But when it comes to Self-Portrait, it's been difficult to come up with a short list of favorites. No lie, there are 12 tracks on this cd and I've found a little something about everyone of them to love.

Of course, I can't get enough of the single that's been getting the most radio play, "Let Go," and the song which follows it, "Breathe" ain't half bad either. Lalah's voice on the 6th song on the cd, "Learning to Swim" is so perfect and pure, it's haunting. "Little Girl," the 8th song is touching, not only because it contains an excerpt from an interview with Donny Hathaway (Lalah's father, for the one or two of you who don't know), but also the following refrain: "just a little girl in a big world / hiding in the shadow of the light/ just a little girl in a big world/ listen to the voice of your divine." Everything time I hear that refrain, a voice inside of me shouts, "Have mercy girl, go 'head and preach then! (smile).

If we lived in another day and time (say like back in the '70s and early '80s) the 9th song, "What Goes Around," would be copping plenty of radio air time, if only because it's a "message" song that contains some hard-hitting universal truth. But the icing on the cake, as far as the song is concerned, is you can hear Lalah's daddy, Mr. Donny all up in this song. It's almost as if she's found a way to reach up into the heavens and musically channel him and his genius.

If you think I'm done, PLEASE (LOL). I'm just now getting to my favorite section of the cd, which at this point in time, are those last three songs, #10, 11 & 12. Song #10, "Naked Truth" is typically where I start the cd. I'm saying, this song, which is actually a duet of sorts with Rahsaan Patterson, has a real funky, juke-joint, slow-grind feel about it. Yup, something about it appeals to my nappy edges and deep southern delta roots. The song after it, #11, "Udo" is one of those jump in your car and ride songs. You ever looked over in the car next to you and seen a lone woman who has her window rolled up, but you can tell by the steady bob and sway of her head and shoulders, she's really into whatever she's listening to? Yeah, "Udo" is one of those songs (smile).

And #12, the last song, "Tragic Inevitability" is another one of those cuts owning that "haunting" quality about it. The song's mood reminds me of something from Terri Lyne Carrington's Real Life Story . . . Yeah, I know, most of y'all young'uns are saying WHO?! WHAT?! Anyway, Ms. Terri Lyne is a drummer and who, back in the day, was the house drummer for Arsenio Hall's show (remember him?). Not only can Carrington beat the hell out of some drums, her vocals aren't half bad either. If anyone knows where I can cop a cd version of Real Life Story to replace my worn-out cassette tape, let me know (smile).

Yes, the songs from Lalah Hathaway's Self-Portrait are what I'm jamming 24/7 at the moment. I'm impressed that she had a hand in penning just about all of the tunes in the compilation. Also, y'all know, the STAX connection is right down my alley (Memphis in Da House!) And sistergirl's voice, WOW, it's so smooth it reminds me of melted caramel . . . you know, creamy, bearing a hint of brown and owning a buttery sweetness that stays with you for a long time.

So . . . what's currently bumping through your musical rotation?

Friday, August 01, 2008

I'm Back . . . From Cleveland . . .

I'm still recuperating from the eight days I spent in Cleveland. Given that there was no snow on the ground nor a frigid chill in the air, I had a lovely time (smile). I reunited with a number of old friends, met some new ones and sold plenty of books. Next week, if all goes as planned, I'll share a few of the pictures from my various events.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to all of the folks who came out and supported my efforts as well all of the kind and generous people who hosted my events and assisted with publicity and promotion. The latter list includes the following individuals: Christina Dziak (PR & Events Coordinator, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Legacy Village); Mary Oluonye & Waly Sene (owners of SeneAfrique Trading Company); Elayne Jackson (Public Services Assistant, Cuyahoga County Public Library); Emanuel Carpenter (writer, reviewer and all-around cool guy) and Rhonda Crowder (General Assignment Reporter, Call & Post).

All of my Cleveland events included a discussion segment and in the coming days, I hope to share some of the comments and insights I gained, not only about my novel (After The Dance), but reading, readers and African American Literature in general.

Emanuel Carpenter, who did an excellent job of giving voice to "Carl" at the public library event in Warrensville, posed a question that I don't think I answered properly during the discussion portion of my library event. His question was, "What do you miss the most about Cleveland?" In truth, I could write a book about what I don't miss about living in Cleveland (LOL) and I think I said as much, BUT there a number of things I do sincerely miss about the area. I'll share exactly what those things are in a future post. If anyone cares to guess, feel free to give it a shot. But I doubt if you'll succeed or even come close.

For those with an interest in knowing where I plan to turn up next, check out the sidebar on the right where you'll find a list of my upcoming events.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

After The Dance . . . The Audio Version. . .

The audio version of After The Dance is scheduled for release in September. Don't worry, I'm not one of the readers (LOL). They actually recruited some real actors (Caroline Clay & Ezra Knight) for the task. I'm eager to hear how others give voice to the two main characters--Carl & Faye. I'm sure it will be quite the experience (smile).

At $72.75, the audio version of After The Dance is a bit pricey, but hey, there's always the library. If you're interested in hearing the novel, but with these high gas and food prices can't really afford to shell out those kind of duckets, why not ask your local librarian to order a copy? Anyway, if you're interested, the audio version is available from Griot Audio. (Click on the highlighted links for details).

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Black Men Read & Discuss Books . . . The Renaissance Men's Book Club . . .

Johnnie Mosley,
North Branch Youth Librarian and
Moderator of the
Renaissance Men's Book Club
in Memphis, Tn
*from Lori's Picture Collection*

As I've mentioned before on this blog, I find it difficult to buy into the notion that Black men don't read. I owe, in part, my own reading habit to my father who regularly fed my craving for the written word.

When I was a little girl, I'd often sit by the window and wait for my dad to come home from work. Truth be known, it wasn't so much that I missed him or was all that hyped to see him (smile), I was much more interested in what he'd brought home with him. If I spotted the right sized bag, I'd smile in ready anticipation of the new Jet, Ebony, Black Stars, Sepia Magazine, Reader's Digest or National Geographic, I knew was about to be added to our family's sizeable collection.
Quite naturally, I ended up marrying a man who reads and in turn giving birth to a little boy who, when he's not engaged in some sporting activity, has his nose stuck in a book.
So when I met Johnnie Mosley, 17 or so years ago, the fact that he read, didn't surprise me all that much. After all, like myself, at the time, he was gainfully employed at our city's public library. But I can't say that I would have ever guessed that years later Johnnie would be heading up a men's book club--nor, do I imagine, did he ever think he'd be reading and leading a discussion about one of my books (smile).

The Renaissance Men's Book Club 0f Memphis, TN meets on the third Saturday of the month at the city's North Branch Library. The group boasts a membership of 25 members, ranging in ages from 21 to 60 and has been active since 2003. In honor of my upcoming teleconference with the club (and the branch's women's book club), I convinced my old friend Johnnie to address a few questions about the club, as well as one of his other community projects, in which he's actively involved, the Citizens For Better Services' Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Award Program.

Lori: Tell me a bit about the Renaissance Men's Book Club. Johnnie Mosley: The Renaissance Men's Book Club is composed of role models, gentlemen from both blue collar and white collar jobs. Besides meeting once a month, these men are involved in a number of community service organizations. I often call on members of the club to participate in career day, rap sessions and other mentoring programs at schools around the city of Memphis. We are a major force in the Memphis community. The Renaissance Men get a lot of invitations to talk with young people about the importance of reading throughout the city of Memphis.

Lori: How do you choose your books? Johnnie Mosley: We make suggestions ourselves. We also seek suggestions from the general public. After we come up with some titles, we discuss the suggestions and narrow them down until we come up with books that reflect real life issues.

Lori: What do you think of the commonly held belief that men, African American men in particular, don't read? Johnnie Mosley: I am not offended by this school of thought. I often run into people who are surprised that the Renaissance Men's Book Club exists and that we have been together for 5 years. The truth of the matter is we exist because men do read. Men read books, magazines, and newspapers. All you have to do is look around and you see men, including Black men reading on the public buses, barbershops, pool halls, libraries and in the malls.

Lori: Does your group read and discuss street lit or erotica? If so, why? If not, why not? Johnnie Mosley: We do not make it a point to make street or erotica a major focus in our book discussions. We focus on real life issues--relationships, marriage, divorce, faithfulness or not so faithfulness in a relationship, politics, history, money, community ethics and other community issues. We have read books by Donald Goines, Walter Mosley, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Parry Brown, Michael Baisden and Travis Hunter.

Lori: Tell me little bit about the annual youth awards program in which you're involved: Johnnie Mosley: I am chairmain of a civic group called Citizens For Better Service, which deals with public transportation issues. I founded this group in 1993.

One of the things we've done since 1993 is honor outstanding young people at our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Award Program. The program is held the 2nd Sunday in January each year at a local church in Memphis. The program is so popular tha people show up 1/2 hour before it starts. We honor young people who are chosen by schools, youth organizations, churches and other community groups because they have the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We also present plaques for youth choir of the year, teacher of the year and student of the year. Although it takes a lot of work to put this program together, I enjoy it. There are special musical guests and guest speakers who volunteer their time towards the program. Also, the television media always covers this event, which puts the young people in the spotlight.

If you're interested in learning more about the Renaissance Men's Book Club of Memphis or getting in touch with Mr. Mosley, click on the highlighted link.

Monday, July 07, 2008

A Bit Of Love . . . For My Cleveland Crew . . .

I guess I started something with my previous post (smile). Late last week, I received an email from Elayne Jackson, my contact at the Warrensville Branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library. Among other things, she informed me that nearly all of the 50 or so copies of After The Dance owned by the Cuyahoga Public Library had been checked out. This past Saturday I checked CPL's online catalog for myself and discovered a grand total of 53 copies of my book had been checked out.

WOW! I can only hope the apparent interest in After The Dance translates into folks showing up for the reading/discussion/signing of the novel scheduled for Saturday, 2pm, July 26, 2008 at the Warrensville Public Library (call 216-464-5280 for more information) as well as the other two promotional events currently planned for my Cleveland visit (Thursday, 7pm, July 24 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village Shopping Center and Friday, 6pm, July 25 at SeneAfrique).

If you live in the Cleveland area and you're in need of an extra incentive to attend the Warrensville Library event, well, check this out--I won't be reading alone. No, stepping forward to read the part of "Carl" (from After The Dance) is none other than Cleveland native, Emanuel Carpenter.

In addition to being an Air Force Veteran and a Capital University graduate, Mr. Carpenter is a talented author in his own right. Little Brown, The Midwest Book Review, Forest Wade Press and African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) have all featured and/or published his work. Regulars of this blog might also recognize Emanuel Carpenter as someone who drops by the "Old School Mix" every now and then in order to contribute a bit of his wisdom and wit.

Elayne and Emanuel are just a few of the Cleveland folks I'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks for their on-going kindness, generosity of spirit and interest in my work. Equally deserving of props and acknowledgement for their tireless efforts on my (and my novel's) behalf, particularly with regards to my/our upcoming Cleveland visit, are folks like Sharon J., RadioGirl, and Mary Oluonye.

One of the best things about this journey has been the opportunity to join forces and or/reconnect with folks who share my joy, delight and reverence for the beauty and the power of the written word. Yes, it's all good, y'all (smile).

Monday, June 30, 2008

ALL OF THE HUMBLING REMINDERS . . . Along The Way . . .

It never fails. Whenever I find myself on the verge of crossing my arms, frowning, shaking my head and muttering, "To hell with it all" some tiny spark appears along my path and shines a bit of much needed light my way.

Sometimes these sparks appear in the form of fan letters from folks I've never met before. One kind reader wrote, "Hi Lori, I just finished reading your book After The Dance and wanted to let you know how much I truly loved it. I don't know if Carl was really a beggin brother or if he was just a man who had no problem showing his feelings. I need me a brother like that . . . Thanks again, I think I'm gonna read this for a 3rd time." Oh yeah, you best believe I grinned behind that for days (LOL).

Other times the spark will appear in the form of comments from friends. Recently, a dear old friend shared with me how much his father enjoyed After The Dance. For the record, my friend's father is 76 years old and he's experienced a number of health issues of late. But according to my friend, not only was my novel the first book his father had picked up in years, but it appears to have aroused within him a desire to read other things. Wow! I'm telling ya, for a debut author, it doesn't get much better than that (smile).

In the early part of last week, a trip to the mail box revealed that one of my sisters-in-law had sent me a couple of my books and a request to sign them and send them back to her. Similarly, just this past Friday, one of my father's retired miltary buddies shot me an email in which he informed me he was having three more copies (over and beyond the three he'd already purchased) of After The Dance sent to my PO Box and he wanted me to sign them and send them back to him.

And truly, for me, one of the coolest things about this whole experience has been being able to visit various library websites and get a glimpse of just how many folks are interested in my book. At one point last week, 27 of the 28 copies of After The Dance owned by the Memphis Public Library had been checked out. Even better, upon browsing my title at the public library here in Charlotte, I discovered that not only were all 15 copies of my book in circulation, but there were 7 requests currently on file which meant that 7 additional individuals were eagerily awaiting a copy.

I said all of that, not to brag, but to remind myself and any other newbie author out there that this is a journey, one that will be full of ups and downs and more than a few confusing round and arounds. Rather than get bogged down, side-tracked or deterred by any of the numerous insults and disappointments (oh yes, there have been plenty, I'm just not gonna give voice to any of them here . . . well, at least, not yet anyway *smile*) my/our primary task is to learn what we can from it all while staying humble, remembering always to give thanks and keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

THE HISTORY LESSON . . . (More On Name-Calling) . . .

Back in high school, I had a favorite teacher, who, with his big grin, jerky movements and small, wiry frame, reminded me of a cricket--Jiminy Cricket to be precise. He was a older fellow whose wisdom and intellect I'd accepted without question until the day he opened his mouth and spat out the words, "Those dirty Japs!"

The first time I heard him say it, I was stunned. I thought to myself, Surely, I must had misheard him. I didn't want to believe that my favorite teacher, a man whom I'd admired for his quick wit and keen sense of humor, not to mention his command of American history, had actually made such an offense comment.

But it was true. Again and again, while covering the U.S. involvement in WWII, one of my high school teachers used the terms "Japs" and "dirty Japs" in reference to the Japanese. And each time he uttered the words, I squirmed in my seat, made uncomfortable not only by his use of the ethnic slur, but by my own hesitancy when it came to voicing my objections.

Some memories stay with one always.

No, I'm not Japanese. I'm not even Asian. (Well, as far as I know *smile* According to the hubby, I do sorta kinda look Asian when I'm asleep). By self-definition, I am an African American of the female persuasion. But if it matters, and in this instance it did, there was a young woman of obvious Asian ancestry in that particular high school history class. I don't recall her name. She and I weren't friends or even acquaintances. The possibility exists that she was no more Japanese that was I, as does the possibility that she took no offense to our teacher's comments. But the fact remains that we were both young women of color, bound together in one sense by our vulnerable status as the only two visible minorities in a classroom full of young, White students, and bound together in another sense by our silence.

I can't help but think we should have said something, if only to one another. Why didn't we? Was it youth? Shyness? Fear? Ambivalence? Embarrasment? Or was it simply too far an emotional distance for either of us to cross. Twenty-plus years later, I still don't know.

Looking back on the incident, I now find it both unnerving and somewhat ironic that the teacher in questin reminded me of a cricket. The truth is, I have a fear of crickets, a fear that involves my not knowing where the little critters are bound to jump next.

And indeed, it is a small jump from Jap to nigger/from faggot to coon/ from spic to jigaboo/

If I, as an African American, wait until the slur turns from slanty-eye bastard to big-lipped baboon, then have I not, in fact, waited too late? Of course, I have. I think even way back then, I somehow sensed it was so.

"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't Communists. Then they came for the Jews and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I was Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up for me."
(Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1892-1984)

"If they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night."
(James Baldwin, 1924-1987)

And for those who still don't get it, the "History Lesson" here is--just as there is no safety in silence, there is no safety in drawing the lines of intervention around our own ethnic, racial, sexual or religious identities.

(Written while listening to Erykah Badu's "Honey," "The Healer" and "Master Teacher" from the CD entitled New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War). Check the refrain from "Master Teacher":
"What if there was no niggas only master teachers?
I stay woke . . ."

Monday, June 23, 2008

TRASH-TALKING CELEBRITIES . . . I JUST DON'T GET IT . . .

What's up with the recent rash of racist, sexist and just plain ole idiotic name-calling? Wait, did I say idiotic? I guess that makes me guilty too, huh? Nah, I hardly think so.

I'm talking about all of the truly foul and low-brow utterances that have recently been captured on tape and spouting forth from the twisted lips of folks like Duane Chapman (aka The Bouty Hunter), Amy Winehouse and Charlie Sheen. To be honest, the antics of Winehouse and Chapman don't surprise me. Besides looking like they could both stand a dunk or two in a big tub of scalding hot water and a good old fashioned scrub-down with some of Granny's lye soap, as of late, neither one of them acts or appears as if they're wrapped too tight.

But Sheen's profanity-laced rant, really shocked and disappointed me. Yeah, I know about his past problems with substance abuse, but still, this was a guy who purportedly had one of his African American buddies serve as the best man in his wedding. In the transcript I read of the call, not only does Sheen call his ex-wife (Denise Richards) an "f---ing c---" (you fill in the blanks), he also tells her in one breath, apparently, "You're a coward and a liar and a f---ing nig---." Wow! Isn't it fascinating and incredibly telling how Sheen juxtaposed the words coward and liar with one of the most offensive racial epithets for Black folks?

Pardon me if I don't come off as particularly sympathetic or forgiving when it comes to instances like these, but I JUST DON'T GET IT. I have a number of friends whose race, religion, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation differ from mine. I can't think of an instance, whether in jest or in anger when I'd ever refer to anyone of them by a slur specifically aimed at their race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

Hell, I don't even malign my enemies in that manner. Seriously, if I feel the need to call someone something worse than the non-discriminatory "f--ing idiot" or the all purpose "dumb-a$$ or "a$$-hole," I'm not liable to waste my breath in his/her direction. I'm saying, what's the point?

Monday, June 16, 2008

MY RADIO DEBUT . . . Lori Johnson (author of After The Dance) on WYPL FM89.3 . . .

The following is a link to a 30 minute interview featuring yours truly. The interview took place on April 11th of this year at WYPL FM89.3, a radio station that operates out of the Central Branch of the Memphis Public Library. The show, which is one of the station's regularly occuring features, is called Book Talk.

The podcast is a pretty decent one, thanks to Stephen Usery, the program director, who did an excellent job on the editing and Lynette "Teddi" Williams who interviewed me. If you take the time to listen, even if only for a couple of minutes, please feel free to share your comments. Thanks!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY . . . TO ALL OF THE DADDIES IN MY LIFE . . .
My Daddy
Lori & Father
From Lori's Picture Collection

My Granddaddy

Granddaddy & Baby Boy
From Lori's Picture Collection

And My Baby's Daddy
From Lori's Picture Collection From Lori's Picture Collection
From Lori's Picture Collection
I Love You All!!!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #23 . . . 13 PLACES TO ACQUIRE BOOKS . . .

Any book lovers in the house? The following is a list of places where I've acquired books. Where do you aquire most of your books? Where are you least likely to acquire a book?

1) A Chain Bookstore (s) (Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc.)

2) Amazon.com

3) Borrow from Library

4) Street Corner Vendor

5) Small Independent Bookstore

6) Yard Sale / Garage Sale

7) Used Bookstore

8) Library Used Book Sale

9) Friend and/or Family Member

10) Drug Store

11) Grocery Store

12) Book Club Membership

13) Dumpster / Trash / Discard Bin

If you'd like to suggest a few other places, be my guest . . .

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


Sunday, June 08, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY . . . GRANDDADDY!!!
Edgar, Mae & Aunt Snooks
From Lori's Picture Collection
The handsome dude you see in the picture above is my grandfather, Edgar Hawkins. If you look closely, you'll notice not only is he standing in-between two nice-looking ladies (my grandmother & and my great aunt), but Ole Boy is holding a bottle of liquor in one hand and several bills in the other. This picture gives me a bit of insight into why another one of my grandmother's sisters tagged my Granddaddy with the nick-name "The Pimp." (LOL)
Today is my Granddaddy's 91st birthday! And I'll have you know, he's still
sound of mind, serves as an usher in his church, drives his own car, goes fishing and hunting, enjoys watching baseball and CNN and is still every bit of the character you see in the black and white picture above.
My grandfather was born in 1917 in Water Valley, Mississippi. He was the third of eight children produced by Alberta and Vernon Hawkins. He dropped out of school somewhere between the fourth and fifth grades and went to work in the saw mills. He served overseas in WWII and I'm mad at myself because I can't find his army picture (I'd fully intended to post it in this piece).
He played baseball in his youth and was decent enough to be scouted by a pro-team, but by the time the Jackie Robinson finally broke the color barrier, my grandfather was deemed too old to play.
After leaving the service, he eventually landed a postion, making crates at the Defense Depot in Memphis, a position he held until he retired in the '80s. Two of the highlights of his career while working at the Depot include, single-handedly filing a civil rights law suit against them in 1968, which he won (I do have the paper-work to prove it) and breaking the jaw of the White co-worker who made the mistake one day of calling Ed Hawkins out of his name (LOL). And for those of you who buy into all of those tv & hollywood sterotypes about murderous Southern White folks and scared Negroes, no my grandfather didn't get fired or run out of town or threatened with lynching for breaking his White co-worker's jaw. What he got when he returned to work the next day was standing ovation from his Black co-workers. Yeah, those are the stories from the Delta, ya'll don't hear . . .
Ed & My Son
From Lori's Picture Collection
Anyway, I think it's safe to say, I inherited a bit of my Granddaddy's hot temper (smile) and don't mess with me disposition. It takes a longer for mine to boil, but once I get there, oh, it's on, like pop-corn (LOL). I lived with my grandparents, off and one while I was a child and again, while intending college in Memphis. I am who I am, the good and the bad, because of them and I wouldn't have it any other way.
When the hubby and I finally settled down and bought a home in Memphis, we lived less than a 7 minute drive from my Granddaddy. As you can see from the picture above and the one below, the old dude proved a very capable baby-sitter. Of course based on the bill I see in my little boy's hand, I think he just might have picked up a little more from his great-grand than I thought or ever intended for him too (smile).
Ed and his great-grandson
From Lori's Picture Collection

So, I just wanted to send out a "Happy Birthday" shout-out to the Old Boy and congratulate him on reaching the grand old age of 91. . . not only because I love him and I want to honor him but because as one of Toni Cade Bambara's character's states in the short story, "My Man Bovanne"--

. . . "you gots to take care of the older folks . . . 'Cause old folks is the nation."

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #22 . . . 13 SIGNS OF A "FAKE" FRIEND . . .

Come on, we all have them right? Fake @$$ friends. You know, the type who . . .

1) is the first to show up at your house when it's time to eat, drink or party, but is no where to be found when you need help with a personal issue or a family crisis

2) smiles in your face while repeatedly dogging you behind your back or stabbing you all up in it

3) never has any money and always expects you to treat when you go out

4) is the last to congratulate you on your good fortune, but the first up in your face inquiring about the details when you have a mishap or misfortune

5) only calls or comes by when they need a favor or wanna borrow some money, your car or a kidney

6) typically gets all self-righteous and pi$$ed off when you don't take their advice

7) only hangs with you because they think you have money, influence or friends in high places and they need a "hook-up"

8) never thinks twice about wasting your time or inconveniencing you

9) routinely solicts your support on their projects and causes, but won't go out of their way to return the favor or even properly thank your a$$

10) consistently tells you what they think you want to hear, rather than the truth

11) will routinely standby in order to laugh, mock and ridicule when you get caught flubbing up or floundering about , rather than offer a hand or a word of encouragement

12) doesn't really know you, but insists on trying to make others think otherwise

13) NEVER apologizes or even feels the least bit guilty about doing any of the aforementioned.

Did I just about cover them all? So, which one of these really gets your goat? Do you have any others to add?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!