Dee Miller

@Lee Vining not real sure how to respond. Our history is endless, yet so much is suppressed, not surprised at our greatness, but saddened by the lifetime of struggle to be treated as human beings, yet we still stand, we continue to forgive, we strive to belong, we still fight to be ‘free’ - resilient, breathtakingly beautiful, undeniably a gift from God. Thanks for sharing.

@Pioneer1i miss you -although it’s me whose been MIA, but some how I knew I could depend on you to make my head tilt upward while my face reorganized itself contemplating a response to your transparency…lol I'm from the projects of NY, and had very few fights because I strategized b4 a comeback. It was Mos def not because I was scared, but because I knew I could hurt somebody, and I didn’t want to end up in juvie, word. there’s a place and time for everything and let’s just say, ‘I got mine’ (wink) BTW…I’m a lover…not a fighter. Why? Because I don’t want to break a nail..LMAO!!

In real life, Chris Rock dropped out of school because of the experience, so for this reason, he soon learned how to deal with bullies and, HEY that Will Smith moment, was how he chose to deal with it and it reminds me of his childhood experiences. So, Chris chose to pick his time and then he got paid to come back on Will Smith for the assault in his own way! I think Chris did the right thing, although some may not like what he said though. He was assaulted. Preach @Chevdove!!

SLAP me once - shame on you. I even forgive your stupidity - good lookin out. The JOKE’s on you. Now, let’s move on. …and that’s how I feel about it.

@Edwina Louise DorchSomething else comes to mind in reference to the book you shared, and the question that was asked. 'The book asks the question - Who do you love? or What is the color of the person that you love? First, I chose to start another topic because I didn't want to interfere with the purpose of your entry, but the question of Love, provoked an observation about Four Letter Words, so thank you for igniting my thoughts. Some four-letter words have lost their power, while other four-letter words have gained strength. Take the four-letter word LOVE, for example, the word love used to have a powerful emotional connection to the mind, body and spirit. It made you tingle. Now the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things. For example, love ya is another way of saying, bye, and thanks for doin me a solid, and oops, sorry... On the other hand, the four-letter word HATE hasn't lost its power, and, in fact, has gained momentum. Even though the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things, its power has remained constant, in that it continues to be associated with a negative connotation. How about the word FEAR. This word and meaning remained consistent in that it keeps one from taking action whether good or bad. What four-letter words cause an emotional reaction for you and why?

@Edwina Louise DorchSomething else comes to mind in reference to the book you shared, and the question that was asked. 'The book asks the question - Who do you love? or What is the color of the person that you love? First, I chose to start another topic because I didn't want to interfere with the purpose of your entry, but the question of Love, provoked an observation about Four Letter Words, so thank you for igniting my thoughts. Some four-letter words have lost their power, while other four-letter words have gained strength. Take the four-letter word LOVE, for example, the word love used to have a powerful emotional connection to the mind, body and spirit. It made you tingle. Now the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things. For example, love ya is another way of saying, bye, and thanks for doin me a solid, and oops, sorry... On the other hand, the four-letter word HATE hasn't lost its power, and, in fact, has gained momentum. Even though the four-letter word has branched out to mean many things, its power has remained constant, in that it continues to be associated with a negative connotation. How about the word FEAR. This word and meaning remained consistent in that it keeps one from taking action whether good or bad. What four-letter words cause an emotional reaction for you and why?

@Edwina Louise Dorch your book referral reminds me of a poem that I wrote, and would like to share. White Paper, Black Ink, Color Pencils, As an artist, I see the beauty, the potential and the mystery in everything, including the gray space. The beauty is that this white piece of paper is at my disposal to do with it as I will. The potential s that it can be folded, cut, decorated, or it can behold information that tells a story. The mystery is that, as it sits alone, one can only wonder what is to become of it. The black ink is what brings the sheet of white paper to life. The beauty of the words gives purpose to how the two will work hand-in-hand. The black ink defines the space by offering the potential of educating and/or entertaining its readers. The black ink solves the mystery. Where would the white sheet of paper be without the black ink? Where would the black ink be without the white sheet of paper? What would happen if I mix in an array of colored pencils? The Black ink welcomes the array of beauty, the white paper appreciates the compliment, and all three mediums create a masterpiece to be cherished. I dare you to look beyond the surface and see love.

@richardmurrayI hear you, but the struggle is real, yo, and I bet the Latinos, Asians, Jewish, Women... all, in one form or another, say that they celebrate their heritage/sexuality all year round. Our culture is expressive, while others are more discrete or is it that we just don't pay attention, or is it that you are just being too hard on my people. We're a proud people - nuf said. I celebrate Black History Month by reading about our greatness and reminiscing about our resilience: Black Wall Street, Black Inventions, Black freedom fighters, Black strength, Black talent that EVERY nationality LOVES. SAY IT LOUD...I’M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!

@harry brown ...I likey! I also respect your writing style. Is there an intention that you are wanting us to receive by punctuating after each word? It's a style that I'm not familiar with. Or, is it part of your brand?

@richardmurray ANY smooth jazz involving a saxophone is my duet as both sides can serenade. My man to woman love song is all things Jodeci. That said, I tend to get Love Drunk on most love songs, ballets & jazz melodies. I can tell you one thing for sure though, this topic has me smiling!

Oh wait a minute…whachoo know about a Candle Light Concert and Minnie Riperton…Lovin You

(Snapping my fingers)…That’s deep @richardmurray, but no, I’m not familiar with the spiritual

@richardmurray BEAUTIFUL!! I love collaborative poetry too, and can do this forever, but here's one more. I'd love you read your free verse quote. Article VII – The Angry Black Woman - Free at Last! Sure, outwardly, at times, I display that of an Angry Black Woman because society has shit on me one too many times, but I have, finally, learned to lift my head, pick my afro, love my lips, accept my hips, and oil my beautiful black skin so it shimmers in delight while looking society straight in the eye and saying, ‘It’s not me, it’s you!’ Proud to say that I, no longer, own your issues, but rather recognize your obsession with me. Try, acceptance…I hear love goes a long way! Free at last - Thank GOD almighty, I am free at last!!

Wow @Rodney campbell! This is some great reading! The artwork is incredible and works very nicely with your poetry. The two mixed together makes for powerful positive messageing. I'm an artist and have a huge appreciation for how one expresses themselves through art and spoken word. Thanks for sharing! I'd like to share a poem from my 3rd self-published book that promotes positivity about the, alleged, Angry Black Woman - dispelling the myth/excuse/stereotype that Black Women are ALWAYS so Angry. Article XII – Black night, Black sky, Black room & The Angry Black Woman My skin - dark as the night – until the lights reveal my flawless hue. My face - beautiful as the night sky, present in every episode of life. My heart - mysterious as a dark room until you open your heart and let me in. Like the black night, the black sky and the black room, if you don’t open your mind and acknowledge that I’m not always so angry, and if you don’t open your hearts and accept me for the beautiful mess that I am, you will continue to miss out on the essence of me and what we can be, together. Dark as the night, beautiful as the night sky, and mysterious as a dark room - not always an Angry Black Woman. Book III Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry...Truth Excuse or Something else (An inspirational and educational book of articles that speaks to how Black Women Love) The purpose of this book of narrative, non-fictional articles promise to bitch slap you into owning your truth, then apologizing, forgiving, and hugging it out. It will enlighten, educate, answer that burning question that keeps so many up at night (smirk), and will help you help me help others who need help understanding the Truth, Excuse and the Something else as to why ‘Black Women are NOT always so angry’. Hmmmm. Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry...Truth, Excuse or Something Else the link: https://www.am*zon.com/dp/1520984774 ISBN: 9781520984773 My apologies @richardmurray. The above response should have been sent to you.

ROFL….look at how many directions this topic took! And thats why I graciously bowed out @Chevdove. @Delano, you done started something, and I don’t know what it is…oh, yeah - randomness of thoughts or are the patterns of thought too complex to see? Lol! I do love reading everyone’s opinions tho. Bowing out for real this time