Good morning.
I often tell my kids that to learn self-advocacy, they have to practice it with me first. When I say I encourage them to “talk back,” some adults—parents and non-parents alike—balk. What I mean is: speak up if you feel I’m being unfair. Even if you’re nervous, say it anyway. That practice builds character and courage, and it teaches them how to navigate conflict with authority in a respectful, harm-reducing way.
Too often, adults don’t see...
Let's talk about social contracts within community. But first, what is a social contract? In layman's terms, it is an unspoken agreement (no one signed anything) we all make to live together in a civilized society. I'm going to use a story from my old neighborhood to show you what that looks like in action.
Sometimes I miss my old neighborhood. It was majority Mexican, with us Black folk bringing up the rear. We had ONE white family. Just one. Early on,...
First I must say, this book is most definitely one of Eric Jerome Dickey’s greater works. The Blackbirds is over five-hundred pages of greatness. Although you certainly don’t need to, I would suggest you read prior works of Eric Jerome Dickey’s before reading Blackbirds. While we are introduced to new characters like Indigo, Nancy, Eddie, and Cristiano, we’re also get reacquainted with old characters like Destiny and her father, Keith, from Chasing Destiny and Dr. Debra Dubois and Ericka...
Man, whew. I've waited so long for EJD to get back to this style of writing. Now don't get me wrong I love Gideon and the chick from A Wanted Woman, but I longed for the day EJD would get back to the Cheaters and Liar's Game style of writing. Once I read One Night earlier this year, I knew I was going to get Naughtier Than Nice. First off, let me say it did my heart some good to get an update on so many of my fave characters from EJD's earlier works. There was Dante (Thieves Paradise),...
I read this book in a matter of hours.I'm not quite sure how to explain this one. While the ending made me want to toss my laptop across the room, I know that Jackie and Mr. Orange County will stay with me for a long time. This story takes place over the span of twelve hours and I don't feel like anything was missing. I loved the way race was discussed. That "Welcome home"/ "Halfway home" thing made me chuckle a bit.
This book reminded me of the EJD of old. This type of writing is what made...
I first started writing this story back in 2005, and let me tell you, I had no idea what I was doing! I’m so glad I didn't touch it again until 2023, because the fresh eyes and life experience brought this story to life in a way my younger self never could have.
As a woman who has always had an older man skinning and grinning in my face (and at 41, y'all's uncles and granddaddies are still trying it, LMAO!), I knew I had to be real about the pitfalls of these relationships. But I also wanted...
