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I've struggled to find my true identity as a Black male in this society. . . . it is only through dialogue and exchanging ideas that change is produced and I am a firm believer that we are all in need of a change |
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ChickenBones: A Journal for Literary & Artistic African-American Themes |
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I've struggled to find my true
identity as a Black male in this society. . . . it is only through dialogue
and exchanging ideas that change is produced and I am a firm believer that we
are all in need of a change
Books by Thomas Long
Reflections of My Soul
/
Papa Don't Preach /
A Thug's Life /
Cash Rules /
Around the Way Girls DVD:
4 Life ( a film based on the novel
A Thug's Life) * * *
* * By Thomas Long
Introduction This book of poems was compiled over the last three
years of my life. It is a reflection of my inner most personal thoughts,
opinions, and life experiences. For me, writing this book was a form of
liberation from the frustration and turmoil I was experiencing in my
life at the time. It also addresses some of my personal tragedies and
triumphs as I've struggled to find my true identity as a Black male in
this society. I hope that reading my work may stimulate thought and
conversation in an intelligent environment. I say this because it is
only through dialogue and exchanging ideas that change is produced and I
am a firm believer that we are all in need of a change in our standard
of living, both personally and socially,, as a community. In Part I, entitled "Sign of the Times," I
attempt to express some of my personal views on a wide array of social
issues, such as racism. AIDS, child neglect, abortion, and police
brutality. In addition, some of the poems attempt to uncover my views on
spirituality and the role it plays in the individual's self-perception
as he relates to the larger world community. The second collection of my poetry, entitled
"Dedication," is my way of showing appreciation to the many
individuals who have played a vital part in my growth as a human being.
It is a tribute to my heroes and family members as well as significant
events such as the Million Man march that have impacted my life. Part III, "Do Relationships Exist?" is an
effort on my part to analyze the concept of male/female relationships
from my personal experiences as well as those of my closest associates.
This set of poems allows the reader a chance to view my intimate,
personal journey to find that ultimate "Soul Mate" and some of
the many adventures I've encountered along the way. I hope that it may
spark some productive dialogue about redefining our views of the vital
components that are necessary to foster healthy male/female intimate
relationships. The final section is called "Thug Life"
because this group of poems is directed specifically to the young Black
male attempting to define his place in the American society. I have
personally witnessed the demise of some of my closest comrades at the
hands of the debilitating street culture of drugs, crime, and violence.
I hope that we, as Black men, begin to reassess our perceived notion of
what constitutes manhood and begin to gain a deeper understanding of how
our actions not only affect us, but a whole community. In summing up, I hope that my poetry may touch the
lives of individuals who have seen or experienced similar thoughts or
events as I have in y travels. It is my opinion that one is not prepared
to survive in the American society if he has not experienced some form
of hardship that has required him to do an in depth self evaluation to
address the situation. I don't claim to be the perfect human being, but
I do believe that I have acquired a wealth of useful wisdom that I
desire to pass on to others. * *
* * *
The White Masters of the
World
From
The World and Africa, 1965
W. E. B. Du Bois’
Arraignment and Indictment of White Civilization
(Fletcher) * *
* * * * * * * *
If you like this page consider making a donation * * * * * Browse all issues Enjoy! * * * * *
The Death of Emmett Till by Bob Dylan
/
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
/
Only a Pawn in Their Game
Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson Thanks America for
Slavery
* *
* * *
The Journal of Negro History issues at Project Gutenberg
The
Haitian Declaration of Independence 1804
/
January 1, 1804 -- The Founding of
Haiti
* *
* * *
posted 4/21/04
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