Gospel

(ThyBlackMan.com) Jean Toomer was a profound literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance and one of the most enigmatic poets of his time. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1894, Toomer straddled the lines of race, culture, and identity, crafting works that reflected a deep exploration of the human condition. Though best known for his groundbreaking novel “Cane,” Toomer’s poetry deserves equal recognition for its lyrical beauty and intellectual depth. His works […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Ratepayers beware. Team Trump’s eagerness to enrich his fossil fuel industry cronies with his “drill baby drill” (and export baby export) agenda is going to raise energy costs for American households. Burning fossil fuels is deadly on many levels. The pollution in our air and water from burning coal, oil, and gas kills people. The pollution from extracting fossil fuels from the ground and transporting them kills people. And the […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Alice Walker, a name synonymous with American literature, has left an indelible mark on the world through her profound contributions to fiction, poetry, and essays. Known primarily for her iconic novel The Color Purple, Walker’s body of work continues to serve as a powerful commentary on race, gender, and the intersectionality of identity. With her narrative voice, Walker taps into themes of survival, self-discovery, and social justice, offering readers […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Octavia Butler, a trailblazer in the realm of speculative fiction, remains one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. Born on June 22, 1947, in Pasadena, California, Butler shattered stereotypes and broke barriers as a Black woman writing science fiction—a genre traditionally dominated by white male voices. Her works, defined by their complex characters, intricate world-building, and profound explorations of identity, power, and survival, continue to resonate […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) I can’t begin to describe the exhilarating surge of relief and joy I felt when I stood in front of a family member’s home in West Altadena three days after the Easton fire ravaged the neighborhood. Her home was one of only three homes that stood intact on her block. I spent many hours over the years in her home at family gatherings, events, celebrations, and visits. The area […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Jesus Christ died for us all no matter whom or what we are. His death was motivated by God’s love for us that He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins. His death was the reconciliation we needed to God. We are living in the days of sin. There is no sobriety in anything anymore. People sin and try to rationalize what they are doing. It […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) James Baldwin remains one of the most essential voices in American literature and cultural commentary. His works, spanning fiction, essays, and plays, delve deeply into themes of race, identity, sexuality, and the human condition. Baldwin’s keen insights and eloquent prose make him a cornerstone of 20th-century literature, offering readers not just stories, but profound meditations on life and society. Here, we explore six essential James Baldwin books that everyone […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) holds an indelible place in American literary history. As one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition, Dunbar’s work traversed the complexities of racial identity, cultural pride, and the human condition. His poetry, which combines traditional poetic forms with the dialect of African American vernacular, offers an unmatched lens into the lives and struggles of his era. Here, we explore ten essential […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) The nation is just hours away from witnessing a historic moment in presidential history with the second, nonconsecutive inauguration of Donald Trump. Moments like these do call for pomp and circumstance but after confetti has settled and the last dances are called at inaugural balls, the real work of Trump’s administration officially begins. Call it “Trump 2.0” or whatever you prefer but there is no escaping the fact that […]