Monday is the day that we officially honor the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was actually born on January 15, 1929. Four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968, a bill was introduced to make his birthday a legal holiday. It took 15 years for the bill to pass, with … Continue reading Honoring MLK, Jr. →

Here's wishing a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

With the spate of suicides by young gays, the story of an anti-gay attack from New York, and the anti-gay tirade of a gubernatorial candidate, it seems appropriate that today is National Coming Out Day.  But to be honest, I wish there were no such day. There is an invisibility associated with being gay. It's … Continue reading National Coming Out Day →

Rev. Charles Thomas Paige September 25, 1911 - September 6, 1973 Although it has been 37 years since my father passed, not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Had he lived, he would be 99 today. His words remain an inspiration to me. I often wonder what he would think of … Continue reading Happy birthday, Daddy →

Back in the day, I directed a gospel choir at a local church. The biggest name in gospel music in those days was Walter Hawkins. In fact, Sunday morning in church, the guest minister invoked part of the lyrics from one of his hits, "Changed," which you can hear here. (Had I been sitting at … Continue reading RIP Walter Hawkins →

Today, June 21st, is the longest day of the year. And here in Hampton Roads, it looks like it's going to be a hot one. Is it just me or does it seem that we miss the real changing of the seasons these days? Although it is the official start of summer, it's been pretty … Continue reading June 21: Longest day of the year →

A phone call Monday about Father's Day led me down a path with unexpected results. I have always been interested in chronicling my family history and in years past, spent an inordinate amount of time doing genealogical research. I record my findings in a software program, Family Tree Maker. Over the past five years, I've … Continue reading Father’s Day 2010 →

I can't say I was a big fan but the passing of singer/actress Lena Horne requires acknowledgment. If you are not familiar with her story, this New York Times article is worth a read. By far, her signature song was "Stormy Weather." Here is the full performance from 1943:

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." ~ Abraham Lincoln To all the mothers out there, a Happy Mother's Day. To my own mother: I am so grateful.