Tis the Season...Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a season of gathering, a time to be thankful, and an opportunity to serve others. During this time, we are mindful of those who are less fortunate and of those who need support to forge ahead through another day. In a meaningful way, have conversations and dialogues with your children about the spirit of thanksgiving and what it means to be truly appreciative of the blessings that have been bestowed upon them. Service projects are bountiful right now in feeding the hungry, in supporting clothing drives, in gathering toys and books for children, in working with the elderly, and more. Teaching sons and daughters to simply say "thank you" is a start of showing gratitude, but leaving a lasting impression comes in active participation and giving toward others. Have a joyous Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!

Literacy Matters: WWII Vet Conquers Reading

Ed Gray, a World War II veteran, holds numerous awards for his bravery and service in combat in the US military. Battling wars in the military was hard, but he says nothing has been harder than learning how to read. His goal as he states was to read just one book. Well at 89 years old, he achieved this goal and more. With assistance from a reading professional, Gray started with sight words which led to picture books which led to 3rd grade-level books. Proudly, he's reading books on a 6th grade-level today. Hopefully, this story will inspire the importance of reading at any age. For it's never too early or too late to learn how to read.http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57611600/wwii-vet-starts-new-chapter-after-conquering-illiteracy/

My Soul Featured in Pride Magazine

Tis the season to be thankful!!! I am so honored and privileged that my book, My Soul/African American Spirituals, is featured on page 44 of the November-December issue of Pride Magazine. As an author, I am super excited to share this amazing book with others on a broader scale. In the article, Season of Gathering and Giving: Author, Philanthropists Share Their Passions, it states, "The upcoming holidays are all about time with family and friends, Charlotte's African-American community counts its blessing and gives back in thankful praise." To my ancestors who provided this legacy of spirituals and history, I humbly say, "Thank you. Your gift has been timeless and priceless. I still pay homage to you." To order a copy of My Soul for the holidays and to view the book trailer, visit www.akclassicstories.com.www.pridemagazine.net www.akclassicstories.com

PBS: Many Rivers to Cross (Into the Fire)

Viewing online the PBS Series, Many Rivers to Cross. Into the Fire (the 3rd series) focuses on Reconstruction, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Contrabands of the Union. During this plight, it warmed my heart to hear the story of Mary Smith Peake, an educator of children of former slaves. In 1861, she taught children as well as adults to read/write on what is known today as the Emancipation Oak tree located on the campus of Hampton University. She taught over 900 people in hopes of preparing them for full citizenship. The Emancipation Oak tree still stands today.

Solomon Northup: A True Story

Just the saw the film, 12 Years a Slave! Chiwetel Ejiofor, who played the role of Solomon Northup (the main character) gave his SOUL to this true story!!! Once a free man, Northup became maliciously enslaved, lost all rights as a human being, was sold like cattle/purchased as property, and was trapped by the deplorable conditions of slavery for 12 long, enduring years before freedom sought him once again! In this man, I saw strength, determination, and resilience! His goal was to live and to be with his family and people who loved him. Please go see this film and if you can, read the book!!! The book is even more detailed, mesmerizing, and critical of Northup's harsh captivity and experiences as a slave. #12YearsaSlave #AmericanHistory #TrueStory #OhFreedom www.foxsearchlight.com/12yearsaslave

Celebrating National Family Literacy Day

"The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss --National Family Literacy Day was established in 1994 and is officially celebrated on November 1st and throughout the month. Schools, libraries, reading programs, and literacy organizations are geared to ignite reading in a special way with read-a-thons, book drives, and interactive activities. Even McDonald's is offering a Happy Meal Books promotion that will hopefully entice children to read more. To activate your joy of reading with your family, visit www.reading.org or www.familieslearning.org.

PBS Series: Many Rivers to Cross

Viewing online the PBS Special Series, Many Rivers to Cross. The Black Atlantic (the 1st series) reflects on the Middle Passage. A great rendition of the Spiritual, Wade in the Water, was soulfully sung to describe the heart wrenching journey. The Age of Slavery (the 2nd series) reveals the inhumanity of this time period. The Spiritual, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, that was poetically sung formulated questions and provided a beacon of hope for freedom one day.Spirituals like these are featured in my latest book, My Soul/African American Spirituals. To listen to a sample of these spirituals, click the book trailer on www.akclassicstories.com.