Poetry and prose to encourage, enlighten, and entertain Americans of African descent…The term African-American to me implies that we are a people whose original home was Africa, i.e. we are recent immigrants from her hallowed shores. The implication therefore is this: that we are secondary U.S. citizens. In reality we are descended from a people whose original home was Africa. The journey from freedom to bondage, to freedom again changed us. The rape and miscegenation mixed our blood with many of slavery’s willing participants from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. We used to think of our blood as tainted, and indeed, there are many people who still feel that way. That feeling has divided us…and it’s too bad because…we are Americans first…and if you are an American of African descent, a descendant of the people, most of whom,were brought here by force, then you are in everyone and everyone is in you! This is your poetry. This is the voice of a motherless and fatherless child. This is the STRONG voice of a lost one now found. Now grab this strong cup of black coffee, drink it up, and let it strengthen your soul!