INTELLECYUAL INK ISSUE 18

Editor in Chief

Julia Press Simmons

Managing Editor

Allison Grace

Creative Director

Charlotte Young-Foye

Advice Columnist

Coach Coco

Arts & Entertainment Opinion Columnist

Haikeem Stokes Erick S. Gray

Book Reviews

Diane P. Rembert

Graphic Design

Lamont Press

Flash Fiction ~ Contemporary

Braheim Gibbs

Health & Wellness

Phoenix C. Brown, Shonda Mayes

Events

Author Untamed

Activist

Author Obsession

Cultural

Karen E. Quinones Miller

Copyright & Disclaimer The information in this magazine and on our site is for information purposes only. Intellectual Ink Magazine LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Intellectual Ink. Therefore, Intellectual Ink Magazine llc. carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Abusive, antisocial or off-topic comments will be deleted by web administrators. Any form of reproduction of any content on this publication and website without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright by Intellectual Ink llc; all rights reserved.

Black History facts from Wikipedia and britannica.

Julia Press Simmons ~ Julia@IntellectualInk.com Allison Grace ~ Allison@IntellectualInk.com Charlotte's Closet ~ Charlotte@IntellectualInk.com Haikeem Stokes ~ Haikeem@IntellectualInk.com Diamond Literary Reviews ~ DLR@IntellectualInk.com Erick S. Gray ~ Erick@IntellectualInk.com Karen E. Quinones Miller ~ Karen@IntellectualInk.com Submissions ~ Submit@IntellectualInk.com PHILADELPHIA, PA. INTELLECTUALINK.COM

PAGE 03

Editors' note Hello June!

It's finally summertime, and what better way to kick off the season than by reading Intellectual Ink Magazine? This month we have a great range of articles for you, from heartfelt personal stories to in-depth interviews and thrilling flash fiction. The founder of Detroit's Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention, Ms. Michel Moore, graces the cover and discusses her dynamic writing and publishing career.

As always, we've got our regular features: Charlotte's Closet pays homage to fathers in her crew and around the globe because "FATHERHOOD" is always in style. In Write News, we have Keith Kareem Williams, "Father, Author, Entrepreneur." Haikem Stokes interviews the "Sublime Siren the Poetically Gifted, Nikki Powerhouse" in Arts and Entertainment. In Boss Up, we sit down with David Hamilton, owner of NYC BlACKSHEEP. Erick S. Gray chimes in on Roe V. Wade, and we Reset and Refocus with Shonda Mays and much more. Intellectual Ink welcomes new columnists Karen E. Quinones Miller and Coach Coco. Have a safe and happy June.

Love & Light

Julia Press Simmons EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Allison Grace MANAGING EDITOR

Charlotte Young Foye CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CONTENTS 3. EDITOR'S NOTE 5. WRITE NEWS~ A CONVERSATION KEITH KAREEM WILLIAMS 9. FLASH FICTION ~ WHEN DARKNESS COMES 17. A&E ~ INTERVIEW WITH THE POETICALLY GIFTED, NIKKI POWERHOUSE 31. CHARLOTTE'S CLOSET ~ FATHERHOOD IS ALWAYS IN STYLE 36. BOSS UP~ DAVID HAMILTON OWNER OF NYC BLACKSHEEP 38. BOOKS TO FILM ~ SILK WHITE 40. EVENT ~ MEET THE AUTHORS BEHIND THE INK 43. CULTURAL ~ JUNETEENTH TRIBUTE ~ SYSTEMIC RACISM

20.MS MICHEL MOORE URBAN LITERARY INFLUENCER RESPECT THE HUSTLE SALUTE THE GRIND! 55. JUNE HOROSCOPE

46. FORMER SLAVE RESPONDS TO “MASTER’S” REQUEST FOR HIM TO RETURN AS PAID WORKER 50. OPINION ~ WTF IS GOING ON WITH ROE V. WADE 53. HEALTH AND WELLNESS ~ RESET TO REFOCUS

#WRITENEWS

AUTHOR KEITH KAREEM WILLIAMS is the author of over 20 books & 7 screenplays. He still resides in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York where he delicately balances his time between his responsibilities as a full-time father as well as the challenges of being a full-time author.

“In interviews, one of the most difficult questions I’ve been asked is, ‘What genre are your novels?’ because honestly, I never write with any particular style in mind. I enjoy blending styles and mashing different genres together in interesting ways. Basically, I pen whatever is in my heart and soul.

However, if I had to describe my style I would use musical terms and say that I write Urban, Hip-Hop, fiction with the rhythm of Reggae that crashed into Heavy Metal and then began to bleed Neo-Soul. I write Alternative Urban Fiction.

FATHER AUTHOR ENTREPRENEUR

BY JULIA PRESS SIMMONS

Tell us about Keith, the father. What is the most challenging aspect of fatherhood, and what is the most rewarding?

Out of all the things that I’m proud of, all of the aspects of my life that I truly love, I can honestly say that raising my son and daughter was the best part. They’ve always been my biggest supporters, and they’ve always been my two best friends.

Over the years, people would often praise me for being a single father and a good dad, but it was always what felt natural to me. I didn’t do what I did for the hype, the optics of it, or for the praise. I did it because I love my children more than anything in this world.

The most challenging part about fatherhood is facing my imperfections and not hiding them from my children.

There is the temptation to try to appear perfect. Nothing hurts worse for me than the thought of being a disappointment in their eyes. However, I’ve always known that the only way for me to show them how to avoid certain pain and pitfalls was to show them how I failed and what it cost me every time so that they don’t make the same mistakes. The most rewarding aspect is the trust that we have. They know that I am always going, to be honest with them, and in turn, they are always honest with me. I help them work through their mistakes, and they often help me work my way through mine.

How does fatherhood affect your artistry?

Fatherhood has taught me patience. Being a single father for all these years has taught me how to be more nurturing than I ever was before I had children. I see that quality reflected in my work. I take my time and am very mindful of everything I put down on paper in my books. I am very careful with every chapter, every paragraph, and every sentence. I’ve always been honest with my children, and I am also honest with my readers. I don’t pander to them or try to write what I think readers want to read. I express myself honestly on the page and paint vivid pictures of real-life with my words.

Many of my characters are flawed, just as we are in the real world, and they do things that real people would do. No matter the genre, I make sure my work reflects the raw nature of humanity.

Take us back to your first book. What was the process like, and has it changed?

When I wrote my first book, I think I used a more conventional method. I wrote my way through the story in a linear fashion, chapter by chapter, until I reached the end. I believe that was the main reason why it took me so long to pen my first and my second novel. When I used that method, writer’s block would often set in.

I was trying to be too organized, and my mind just doesn’t work like that. If I kept

writing that way, I’d probably only have written about four or five books instead of the dozens of novels I’ve written since. Now, my process is VERY different. I never outline. I see a story in my head, harness the chaos, and write down the scenes from that chaos randomly, in any order I see fit. When I know that I have every moment written down, I start to stitch them together until the novel is done.

What character overall is your favorite and why?

That is a great question. At the moment, I actually have two favorites. In “Glass Goddesses, Concrete Walls,” I told the story from the first-person perspective, something that I rarely do, and I purposely left the main protagonist unnamed. That unnamed character is one of my favorites because the stories I told in that book were torn from the pages of my real life, which made the book almost autobiographical. My other favorite would be Keon from “Time Doesn’t Stop for Broken Clocks” because, at the time, when I wrote that novel, almost everything he experienced on those pages, I was experiencing in my real life, almost in realtime. At a certain point, while writing that novel, I wondered if I was just writing what was happening or if I was manifesting what I put on those pages in my everyday life. The lines between the reality I was living and the fiction I was creating became blurred.

What character overall is your favorite and why?

That is a great question. At the moment, I actually have two favorites. In “Glass Goddesses, Concrete Walls,” I told the story from the firstperson perspective, something that I rarely do, and I purposely left the main protagonist unnamed. That unnamed character is one of my favorites because the stories I told in that book were torn from the pages of my real life, which made the book almost autobiographical. My other favorite would be Keon from “Time Doesn’t Stop for Broken Clocks” because, at the time, when I wrote that novel, almost everything he experienced on those pages, I was experiencing in my real life, almost in real-time.

At a certain point, while writing that novel, I wondered if I was just writing what was happening or if I was manifesting what I put on those pages in my everyday life. The lines between the reality I was living and the fiction I was creating became blurred.

What are you currently working on, and when can readers expect it?

Currently, I’m working on a novel titled “Foreign,” which is an urban thriller/drama that chronicles the experiences of a family that immigrated to America from Jamaica. As a first-generation American kid with two Jamaican parents, this is a story that is very near and dear to my heart. I know readers will love this exciting, gritty, and sometimes heart-wrenching story. It will finally be finished near the end of June.

Keith Kareem Williams is creating Alternative Urban Fiction | Patreon

@reemafterdark

when darkness comes FLASH FICTION THRILLER

BY JB FAVOUR

The sound of the waves felt familiar yet strange. This was his place, his spot. He was king here. He knew every scent, every trail, everything was just as he had left it weeks ago. Today, he was bringing a feast, as long-overdue appeasement to his ego and thirst.

She was a feisty one.

Dammit! Was that blood on his tongue? Oh right. It was. Her stupid long nails had clawed and tried to fight him off. Lauryn Cole. Stupid Lauryn. Her cries had only pleasured him further. Knowing she was helpless; he had gotten a kick out of watching her squirm. Sucking his breath, he paused and lifted the body bag. And then just like always, he began to convulse into chokes of laughter. Tiny hollow giggles, followed by deep-throated growls. He would laugh all the way to his van in Dewy Park.

Something was ringing.

A phone…he had almost forgotten to toss that too. But then the lights popped up again. A notification. "I’ll be late, babe. Keys in the vase on the porch. See ya soon." Interesting. How did this fish play right into his net? He wasn’t even fishing. Killing Lauryn had been fulfilling enough and he doubted he had the energy for anything else tonight. But this was too tempting to avoid.

Perhaps the van might have to wait after all. Maybe if he was lucky. He would get Lauryn’s friend too. The thought of achieving a double kill made his spine tingle with excitement.

Boy, how much better could the night get? *** Natasha Lim's head was pounding. Her night shift at the clinic had not gone too well. Asides from having to deal with grumbling night patients, she had endured an earful of reprimands from her supervisor who simply wanted to throw a tantrum. Tonight had been exhausting enough and then, like magic, her wristwatch had beeped at 8:00 PM, she couldn’t wait to be home.

Home… home where she could put her feet up on the sofa and binge-watch the latest Arcadia series on Netflix with Lauryn.

Wait, then it struck her suddenly. Lauryn had not replied to her text. And she had not called either.

Strange. Maybe she was working on her thesis for her project defense in a few days. Still, Natasha doubted that. They joked that Armageddon could not keep her from her Samsung.

She flipped open her phone. A couple of random texts from a burger place and a few more from a loan shark. Thank you, sir, I don’t need loans. But nothing from Lauryn. Sigh. Maybe Lauryn had gotten home and fallen asleep.

There had been that one time when she had come home to meet a locked house. Tired and hungry, she had pounded crazily on the door for minutes only to finally go to get a burger after leaving a thousand calls to Lauryn. She had been livid. But not her friend. Lauryn had been sleeping. She had been sleeping peacefully while Natasha had almost brought down their door. From that day onwards, they had made new rules. The keys were not to be held by any person. They would find a spot around the house to keep it. It was why she had sent a text in the first place. Lauryn had left the house after breakfast, but she had stayed in, leaving only when it was time for her shift.

She dialed again. Hello, this is Lauryn Cole. You have reached my voicemail, please leave a message for me after the beep. Thank you!

Calming herself from suddenly feeling anxious. Natasha decided a quick pizza stop would calm her now anxious nerves. Nothing was wrong with her friend. Her nerves were already jumbled from stress and work. That was why she was reacting this way. Lauryn was no kid, and this was the middle of LA. It took five minutes max to get to the pizza shack. The guy attending to her was nice. He was a familiar face. It wouldn’t hurt to be nice, she thought. ‘’Extra cheese?’’ ‘’I think so… would you recommend beef or chicken?’’ ‘’Hmmmn….let’s see. Do you like soft meat or hard ones?"

She almost burst out laughing at his dirty smirk. Surely, he meant something else. And damn… it had been a long time. Lauryn used to say her wee below would have gone into extinction by now. When had she last had a man feel her? She suddenly felt old. Nick had ruined her. Since her last traumatic breakup, she had sworn that men were scums. All of them. It had taken Lauryn to convince her to leave her room for weeks. That had been five years ago. Too long ago.

"That depends on what kind of meat we're talking about. But I love hard ones," she replied, playing along with his dirty talk. She made sure to emphasize the phrase hard so that what she meant was very clear.

The pizza guy was chuckling. He had a nice smile, she would give him that. But was she interested in taking things further? That she was not so sure of.

"We could make things hard, you know?" He seemed to be enjoying this a bit too much.

She gave him a curious smile as he handed her the package.

"My hours are over in ten minutes. And my house happens to be right by the corner," he was saying.

That did it for her. Snapping back out of whatever this was, she crossed her arms in a no-nonsense manner. "Pleasure to talk with you. Gotta run." With that, she did a quick 360 turn out of the pizza house and into the street. No number, no name, nothing. Typical Natasha. She could already hear Lauryn's voice of disapproval. Ha! At least, she had flirted a little. That should count a bit.

The walk back home was cold and brisk. The only thing warm was the pizza she held in her hand.

Momentarily, her encounter with the pizza guy had taken her mind off how stressed and exhausted she was. Now, she had snapped back to reality. And reality was no fun. Reality was tiring. Reality hurts like hell.

The lights were out. Instinctively, she glanced at her watch. The little green lights read 10:00 PM. There was no way Lauryn was not home yet. She would have called at best. And since there was no call, she had to be home. Lauryn had been her best friend for twelve years. If there was anything she knew correctly, it was that her friend never put the lights out even when she slept. There was a candle in her room that was always on even at midnight. Darkness was the one thing that spooked Lauryn the most.

So why the hell was the whole house dark?

The hair on the back of her nape stood up. She was getting the chills or whatever it was she was feeling. Something was wrong. Now it was very clear. Her palms shook as she tried to fish for the keys to the house.

The vase! Oh yes, she had texted Lauryn about that. Glancing around instinctively, she stepped onto the porch and then released a tiny gasp. The keys. God! The keys were gone. Someone was inside their house, and she could bet on her pinky finger that it was not Lauryn. *** He was watching her approach the house. From the dark shadows of their window curtain, he watched her stride carefreely home. She was pretty. No, he would give her that. She was beautiful. Even more beautiful than the one he had first had. The one that had been a pleasure to kill. And now he would get this one too. Excitement tickled his spine. How he liked to catch them by surprise.

Why did she stop? She was very close to the porch. What was she thinking? Had she seen him?

He was sure of it. He was well hidden and the lights were off. So how could she see him? Then it hit him. The keys. He had forgotten to return the keys to where they had been. A mistake on his part. Damn it! But there was nothing he could do now. The deed was already done. She would have to come inside after all.

Quick! He had to hide. She would be coming inside in a few seconds. Anticipation made his heart race. Her hands were on the doorknob. One, two, three, nothing. A pause. Adrenaline coursed through his veins at the delay. Why was she not opening the bloody door? No! The bitch was having second thoughts. His quarry was going to escape right in front of his eyes.

Not if he got to her first.

He was tired. Tired of waiting in the dark. She had promised her friend that she would come home soon. But she had lied. Soon had meant hours and hours of waiting. And now, she was delayed again.

She was playing with him. The audacity! He would show her who was the boss.

Advancing towards the front door, he heaved a deep sigh of satisfaction. There was something magical about fear. He could smell it. On the other side of the door, the fear was very loud. And nothing pleased him more than a scared victim. Turning the doorknob, a sinister smile crept upon his face.

She was his. When the darkness comes, they become his. All of them. Just like her now. She was just like all of them. Scared, confused, and even teary. Oh yes, they cried. All of them did. Especially when he advanced upon them. When they saw his scar. They all cowered.

Just like she did too. Right now, as she attempted to run out of the porch. She was fast but no match for his giant strides. He liked to play with them a bit. To give them a false iota of hope that they could escape from him. She was screaming.

He hated the screaming ones. He hated them even more than he hated the feisty ones. It was over.

He was tired of playing. Breaking into a quick sprint, he reached forward and dragged her to a rough stop.

"Get off me!" she yelled, punching him in the face.

Okay, he had underestimated her a bit. She had strong fists. This was going to be a messy one. He was going to let her attempt to run again but decided against it immediately. This was a residential area and they were outside their front lawn. Anyone could see them and that would be bad for business.

She was going to scream again. He rushed her with the force of a rabid dog. Closing her mouth with the big palm of his hand while the other arm curled up on her neck. He would choke her to submission and then carry her unconscious body to his place.

She was flinging wildly while gasping for air. He had her in a firm grasp. The more she struggled, the lesser her chances of survival. Withdrawing his palm from her mouth, he gave her a big blow connecting his knuckles with her nose. She began to bleed instantly. The blood excited him even further. The next blow he gave took her out completely. And there silently at last she laid, unconscious in that special kind of way he liked. Bloody, scared, and beautiful. Completely his. *** Natasha awoke to the sound of crashing objects. She was in utter darkness. Hands and feet tied up in the most bizarre manner. She could not fathom where she was or how she had reached there. But she could remember. She could remember everything. Everything about the scared ugly man who now held her captive. He smelt like burning wood with the bluest pair of eyes she had ever seen. On a regular day, those eyes would've been the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. But not tonight.

Those eyes belonged to an abductor or a killer at worst.

Blood. She smelt blood too.

Was it hers or that of another one of his victims? She could barely make out her legs in the darkness to even see anything. Willing herself to stay calm, she tried to regulate her breathing. It was then she realized that she had been bound execution-style. Her mouth was sealed tight. This time, her panic levels shot out of the roof.

Dear Lord, she was going to die here.

Her thoughts raced to Lauryn. Was she still alive? Had she too been abducted? Lauryn had always joked about faking her kidnap to become a millionaire. Surely this was not some joke. Or at least, the blow she had received was enough proof that it wasn't. Then, did this mean Lauryn was dead? Fear washed over her anew. No. Anything but dead, please.

Lauryn was alive. She had to be. She prayed that it was so. There were no two ways about it.

But even as she prayed, something in her knew. Her best friend was gone and she too was about to be next.

JB Favour. Owner of Faves_Pen brand, Ghostwriter, Editor, Voiceover Artist and founder of the Bookterviews Meet an Author show.

NSTAGRAM: faves_pen FACEBOOK: FavesPen

ASOPHILA MERCH

ASOPHILABOOKS.COM

DEVOUR

THE SUBLIME SIREN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE POETICALLY GIFTED, NIKKI POWERHOUSE

BY HAIKEEM STOKES

Trying to find a location indicative of this world-renowned poet’s strength and serenity; today’s interview is conducted from the gazebo along Boathouse Row with the rushing waves of the Schuylkill River. Being a daughter of nature, Ms. Powerhouse displays a captivating smile, then takes a moment to face the water no doubt absorbing its positive kinetic energy. We begin our conversation after exchanging greetings.

Nikki really blossomed during her adolescence, while maneuvering the intricacies of North Philadelphia. She learned early on, to stand and be counted, otherwise, you’ll be looked over. Filled with the very outgoing, vibrant vitality of her father and the stoic, intelligence of her tenacious mother, Ms. Powerhouse developed into a force to be reckoned with. Nikki says, “Growing up with parents whose attitudes were from different ends of the spectrum afforded me the best of both worlds. I was able to benefit greatly from both individuals and shape into the best version of me.”

Always full of energy and vigor, Ms. Powerhouse became interested in poetry and theatre as a tween-ager. She channeled those strengths of her parents when faced with an entrance audition into high school. Her multi-dimensional performance impressed the judges so much that in the end, they gave her a standing ovation. Upon entering those hallowed halls, Nikki felt the positive vibrations of all the greats before her that attended and accepted the challenge of leaving her own giant footprints. By graduation, she did indeed leave an indelible imprint on the school’s theatre and dance programs prospectively. Entering college, was much of the same, but with an even greater impact due to her confidence and training, but now with poetry becoming more of her focus.

During those collegiate years, Ms. Powerhouse began to culminant her tremendous gifts into the amazing talent that she is today. Concentrating on every aspect of the arts from writing, producing, directing, choreography, and performing; Nikki manipulated the culture she immersed herself in. Ms. Powerhouse says, “I see myself as a vessel. Therefore, I believe that both the

performer and the audience members should be transformed. Once you leave a Powerhouse performance, you and I will be forever moved.” Post-college, Nikki migrated to New York City and almost immediately began making a name for herself at various open mics. Ms. Powerhouse says, “Throwing myself into the fire propelled the phoenix inside. With each open mic that I performed my inner voice became less stifled and greatly pronounced.”

Asking how she arrived at her name, Nikki says, “Initially as a youth it was, Ms. Nikki because the elders would always state that I seemed wise beyond my years. After college, during a performance, I made a direct connection with an audience member who appeared to be mouthing, you are a powerhouse, periodically. Once exiting the stage, the organizer pulled me to the side and suggested that I consider changing my name to, “Nikki Powerhouse” because it seemed more appropriate; I’ve lived this moniker ever since.”

To date, Nikki’s proudest project is a piece that she wrote, produced, and directed entitled, “The Art of I Am”. The one-woman play takes audience members on a journey of self-discovery through healing. It also dives into multiple levels of not simply being but transitioning with grace and dignity. Nikki’s currently working on a book of poetry entitled, “The Softest Part of Her Is Everything”. Nikki states, “Within this work, I speak to a woman’s life, love, struggle, pain, beliefs, triumphs, and happiness. Everything that makes us so astonishing and real.”

Nikki describes her performance as, “Authentic and spiritual because my poetry is a veritable rollercoaster ride of emotions. In an effort to bring forth the best of me, I expose myself completely. My vulnerabilities strip me naked for all the world to see. I don’t mind exposing myself to the audience if it means making a positive connection with their souls.”

Recently, Ms. Powerhouse traveled to Africa and told me that, “It was a soul freeing experience. It felt as if I was where I was supposed to be, forever. The fact that it was during my birthday made it all more surreal. The connection between the universe and the ancestors was utterly moving. One morning, during my journey, I stood on a balcony and gazed at the gorgeous sunrise.

It was during that time of reflection that I remembered thinking as a little girl in North Philly that I couldn’t imagine traveling beyond the city limits and now I was on the African continent. Everyone needs to believe early on in life that anything is possible and the only reason why you don’t succeed is because of you. It was definitely a spiritual rejuvenation.”

I asked Nikki Powerhouse to give a young, female, creative a bit of advice. She offered, “Never be afraid to be you. Whatever you feel you are, live in it. Don’t wait for permission to do what makes you happy. Search within to discover your voice. Allow the ancestors to lift you up.”

Follow her on all social media: @NikkiPowerhouse

INTELLECTUAL INK MAGAZINE

JUNE 2022

BLESSED BY THE HUSTLE GODS MS MICHEL MOORE

First and foremost, I’d like to count this as one of my many blessings. Small miracles happen each and every day.

You just have to pay attention, be open to receiving them. Being allowed to participate in what has easily become one of the “monthly must-read” magazines in the literary industry is one of those small miracles. If by chance this is your first time grabbing a copy of this publication, please don’t let it be your last. I have every issue in my library and so should you. Okay now, that being said, let me get on to these questions. I swear I feel so damn V.I.P. right about now. (smile) Before we get to the great literary events that you plan, give us a brief history lesson on exactly who Ms. Michel Moore is.

instagram.com/urbanliter aryconvention/ facebook.com/hood.book hustleandgrindulc.com

Well, I come from humble beginnings.

No, no, I’m just joking. Actually, I was born and raised in Detroit, home of the legendary Motown. Matter of fact, the Motown Museum is not too far from my childhood dwelling as well as Aretha Franklin’s father’s church. So, I was surrounded by a rich African American landscape of history.

WWW.INTELLECTUALINK.COM

My father died two days after my fifth birthday, leaving my mother, my older brother Dwayne, my paternal grandmother, and me. If you ask them, I was a lil bit crazy from birth, so to speak. Or if we’re being politically correct, let’s label me as being eccentric before my time. I always marched to the beat of a much different drum. (smile) Different huh? They say most intelligent folk are.

Okay, intelligent. Yeah, I’ll take that. Although I grew up in what most would consider “the hood,” my life was pretty much charmed. Well, what I felt was charmed. There were no big struggles.

I went to Catholic school most of my learning days. I didn’t have many, no let me strike that, any friends in my neighborhood. The three that I did have moved away when I was about 10, maybe 11. After that, I pretty much was on my own. I would often retreat to my room and disappear into books. My love for reading developed early on. Just like each wide-eyed youngin that worshiped a great story, those Scholastic Books Boxes would be on deck every few months. I had my own individual box. When I got the list, I’d check almost everything. And my mother never once held me up on the money. Matter of fact, shout out to my mother, Ella Fletcher, for always supporting my dreams no matter how big or small. Dang, sorry for begging for that new piano, which she purchased when I swore to God, the Easter Bunny, and on Santa Claus’ life that I wanted to take lessons and become a concert pianist.

Yeah, damn decades later, Baldwin Piano still sitting in her living room.

So, what made you decide to write? You have a huge selection of titles.

I had really limited childhood friends. That being the case, I started writing short stories to entertain myself. Making some of the characters “friends” I’d guess I’d like to have. In between that and watching my favorite shows, Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons. I was content for the most part as an inner-city youth. Sounds corny, I know, but that’s my truth.

Oh no, that sounds so sad, made up friends…

Nooo, in true reality, it proved to be great. See, my “book friends” did everything I wanted them to do. Play the games I wanted. Of course, I won all the time. Ate what I wanted and traveled to the places that I dreamed about or had read about in other books.

03

Those “book friends” were super loyal. To this day, I think about them. Hell, sometimes they make random appearances in my books. And yeah, I have well over 30 novels, maybe 45 if you count the various ghostwriting projects I’ve done. Those include not only urban fiction, which is my first love of literature, but also non-fiction, woman’s romance, true crime, biographies, and Christian tales. I can truly say I took a huge leap of faith in believing the readers would embrace my “hood-inspired” stories, and for the most part, since 2005, I’ve been good. Not every release is gold, but okay, I can live with that. Everyone stumbles in the book world at some point, but thank God, I’ve never fallen.

That's great. Give us a few titles.

Sure. Say U Promise was my first release back in 2005. That made the Essence Magazine Bestsellers List, as did its follow-up, now.

WWW.PISTONMAGAZINE.COM

Say U Promise Again (May 2007). Then there’s Out 4 Self, another Essence Bestseller. I’ve penned Kingpin Detroit, Married to the Shooter, Homeless, Testify, Coldhearted & Crazy, A Big Girl’s Revenge, Running Wild, No Home Training, and Humble Yourself just to name a few of my masterpieces. Without question, you can find my entire catalog by doing a Google search. Shameless plug, I know, but hey, an author should take every opportunity they can to promote their work. So yeah, Google me: “Who is Ms. Michel Moore?”

What's your take on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing?

So, I’ve been doing both for some time I started off self-publishing, which was great for me. I made the Essence Bestsellers List as an independent. However, it has its pitfalls. When you go that route, you enjoy the complete freedom of being your own boss.

That means you get to choose your beloved cover. You get to pick the font you may want to use, mainstream accredited or not, and you decide the final content. You also have to incur the cost of what it means to be boss, which is editing cost, printing cost, promotions, and the woes of distribution. Sure, it’s great to utilize Amazon, but it’s more readers than the ones that read e-books or purchase paperbacks off that infamous website.

On the traditional side of the coin, I’ve also been signed to Carl Weber’s Urban Books. For years, I’ve been releasing titles underneath his company as well as my own, Say U Promise Publications. Where Urban Books is concerned, they pay for editing, covers, printing, and what most authors can agree upon as being valuable in getting their name and novels “out there,” national distribution.

They have the coveted plug with major box stores, such as Walmart, Target, Barnes and Noble, etc. Sure, it might be a little easier these days to get your title on their websites, but I’m talking on the physical store shelves. Like I mentioned, there are tons of readers that don’t utilize the internet. But to sum things up, both have been and continue to work for me.

Authors have to do what we have to do to get our work recognized. Whichever literary world you may reside in, hardcore major promotion is still key. I mean if I wasn’t writing and decided to sell slightly rotten apples on the side of the road, I’d super hype the hell outta those apples!

Speaking of promotions, that's a great lead into your next venture—THE BOOK FAIR OF ALL BOOK FAIRS.

Truth be told, the Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention was not the next season for me in the industry. The first weekend of 2006, I opened my bookstore, Hood Book Headquarters. It started off as an extremely tiny booth in the confines of a local flea market. I’d always hustled on the streets of New York.

Downtown Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and most definitely 125th. Those vendors back then were the true movers and shakers of the urban fiction game. If you didn’t have your title on one of their tables, you were missing out on multitudes of readers. It may be a lot of authors back then that claimed they were “on those busy blocks sun up to sun down slanging books,” but that’s just something they say to sound grittier with it and not farm fed. That shit was mad crazy. The scorching hot sun. The blistery winters and the dead-eye expressions of some of the folks rushing by as you yelled out catchy lines about your book and why they should stop and check you out. Yup, those were the good old days. You could go out with a case or two of books, make your ends, and start all over the next day. That was the real Hustle & Grind for me so to speak. Now, the game has evolved to include e-books, audiobooks, and books to film. How can a writer lose all of those avenues to shine?

I brought that same Hustle & Grind mentality to running Hood Book Headquarters. I made sure I had all the hottest titles in stock. I decorated my spot with every colorful poster and bookmark I could get my hands on. It was like one of those old-school record shops.

Readers knew they could stop by each weekend and exchange reviews with like-minded people who enjoyed a good street-edgy-themed “hood book.” Soon, I’d outgrown my small spot and stepped up my game. I got one of the bigger spots they had and rocked out heavy for close to ten years. In that time, we had some of the greats in the industry hang out with us.

Hood Book Headquarters had become a staple in not only Detroit but the literary industry as a whole. I took yet another leap of faith and moved to a brick-and-mortar location. I was pushing books in the front, while my exhusband cut hair in the back. I was relentless with it. I made sure there were countless literary events being held both inside and out. I had that Seven Mile Road spot rocking. If you didn’t like reading, after you left one of my events, you did then.

So, is that where the concept of The Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention was conceived?

Yes, it was. I was used to having fun-filled book signings at the flea market, and then we’d have a ball at the storefront: books, music, chicken wings, Jell-O shots, moonshine, and off-key karaoke. It was an entire vibe. I would namedrop the various bestselling authors that hung out with us throughout the years but won’t. Not because there are way too many to name, but because that infamous moonshine put more than a few on their ass. (smile) I’d always wanted to do something major like the Harlem Book Fair. I mean that was the place to be each July if you were an author or reader.

I still get chills when I reminisce about the crowds that event would draw. If that type of energy could be bottled, the seller would be rich. Be it rain or shine, the masses toughed it out.

Yes, the HARLEM BOOK FAIR was AWESOME! Respect Due! I sat back, plotted, planned, and daydreamed what that blueprint could and would look like in Detroit. I had to put my own spin on it. I had to elevate. I knew that the authors would support me. And I knew that over the years, the readers in the city had always come out to the store and

shown love. But this thing was going to be different. The Hustle & Grind was going to be a huge undertaking. Finally, I picked a day and prayed on it. In an unprecedented industry move, I decided we would go hard. Not just hard, but hard, hard. There would be two segments to my event. The “Hustle” portion would start at noon and go until six at a location across from Hood Book Headquarters. Then immediately following, the “Grind” portion would start back in front of the store at six and go until midnight. Needless to say, it was bananas. Twelve straight hours of selling books, and of course partying. Well, thank God, we pulled that first one-off. Fast forward, the Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention has become yearly industry history in the making.

Sounds like a fairy tale of sorts.

I guess you can say that. I mean I never saw this amount of interest or success when I swallowed the lump in my throat and put on my big girl pants to have the first event. Now that I’m years in deep, I still hope, pray, and worry constantly that each Hustle & Grind will be better than the last.

And thus far, it has been. We have the most incredible legendary star power joining us. We boast having a certified “Who’s Who” in the literary industry attend, while still blessing several up-and-coming writers that will be destined to make their own noise. This year, we are going full circle with vendor space both inside and out. It’s by far the biggest one yet. I can only say, “Pray for ya girl!”

The most important aspect that we have going on is readers. I mean, at the end of the day, readers are the ones who make any book fair successful.

What’s the point of having an event where all the authors stand around, taking pictures and exchanging books as if it’s no more than some sort of a reunion? Most want to at least recoup their initial investment (Table, Print, Transportation, Lodging, etc.).

It’s my hope that each author can walk away feeling like they at least accomplished that.

Although I can’t promise that, I can do my part to advertise and get those readers through the doors. After that, it’s on them. With the power of social media, each author has the opportunity to get the word out on their own platform.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

I would only say that although this industry, as others, may change up from time to time, the basics stay the same. If you live your life and play the game with integrity and accountability, then longevity is sure to come into play. Peace and Blessings to all!

FACEBOOK: MSMICHEL MOORE INSTAGRAM: HOODBOOK WEBSITE: HUSTLEANDGRINDULC.COM

hood book ambassadors OUR BOOK CLUB IS THE HUSTLE AND GRIND

WHAT IS MY HUSTLE & GRIND SUPER POWER… “Since the conception of the Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention, I’ve been faced with making multiple decisions; some hard, while some relatively easy. I can admit that when placed in a position to step up to the plate, one must be ready. Thank God, I was built for the task. My many Super Powers were called into play. When you are dealing with various personalities and some of the great literary minds of our time, it’s never a business-as-usual event. From the moment I start accepting applications in early January until the last reader leaves the venue in June, books in tow, I’m on call and the cape stays on. Trust and believe, being in this industry is more than a notion. Thick skin is a must and you have to stay on point. You have to have a game plan to succeed!”

– MS. MICHEL MOORE (Organizer of Detroit Hustle & Grind Urban Literary Convention)

“Plan, practice, execute. I’m never afraid to make myself and my brand known. I’m hustling from the minute the doors open.” - KAYE BAILEY

“I have the ability to convince skeptical readers to take a chance on my work, knowing they won’t be disappointed.” – A.A. LEWIS

“Although my body of work definitely speaks for itself, I possess the power of persuasion to purchase.”

– TONJA AYERS

“Connecting to the readers in a way that makes them feel like family is a key to constant success in this industry.” INDIA JOHNSON - WILLIAMS

“My overall energy, presence, and sheer ability to be real with anyone I come in contact with.” - LORETTA WALLS

“I always believe in the power of myself. I stay focused at all times and uplift the fact that I Am My Own Brand.” OTHELLO

“Resilience; period. No matter how many obstacles or difficult the task, I refuse to lose.” – RENITA M. WALKER

“Consistently engaging with my growing audience and showing them that they matter is important to literary growth in general.” - TAMMY BROWN

“My spirit and drive help me not give up knowing if I reach one reader a day, it’s a step toward my success.” – MZ.BIGGS

“Internalizing all of my pain, negative experiences, and life’s losses, I’m able to harness those traumas and channel them into Creative Rebellion.”

– BLACC TOPP

"Give Fathers Their Flowers" JB FAVOUR

He is silent like a worker bee Yet he does the most Expecting nothing He gives the best Firm like a wall His love is true Not one for praises Yet his heart is pure Unconditional Loyal Protective Exerting He pushes Encourages Motivates Guards.

His sweat makes bread His tears he hides His sons are treasures His daughters his pride His family his crown.

For like the width of the sea So the love of a father is.

It starts at birth And does not end Even with a thousand fights And a million arguments He stays constant With a depth so deep That even the Mariana trench would be shocked.

Give him his flowers For it is deserved It takes a lot to be a man And takes everything to be a father.

WELCOME TO CHARLOTTE'S CLOSET Hey, Closet Crew, Greetings from your Good Sis. This month's column is dedicated to all the fathers in my Crew and around the globe because here at Charlotte's Closet "FATHERHOOD" is always in style!

ITSCHARLOTTESCLOSET.COM

INTELLECTUALINK.COM

Just like that, it's June, and you know Muva loves giving the summer some. June is known for weddings, graduations, and of course cookouts, more recently a celebration of PRIDE and Juneteenth.

However, this month I want to highlight one of the most underrated holidays on the calendar, and that's Father's Day. Like let’s be real Father’s Day is not given the bells and whistles that Mother’s Day gives us, and that's just facts. Father’s Day usually consists of a cookout, a weird gift, and frequent requests from fathers to be left alone.

Actually, that's not a bad deal. Father's Day low-key slaps; however, Fatherhood is a complex conversation for me and numerous humans across the globe. In the spirit of transparency, this article took me longer than usual to write. I wanted to pay homage to the father in my life but even writing this was a painful reminder that I did not grow up with a biological Dad. It still stings, but fortunately, I was blessed to have my Step Pop. He came into my life when I was a messy young adult, and although we clashed a few times, he is a giant among men.

As an adult with kids of my own, I know the power struggle that Dads, particularly Stepdads have to deal with, and I commend him for being the dad that stepped up. the Dad I call in 2 seconds when I can't get my mom on the line. The Dad that will spend his whole day fixing everything in your house that needs fixing. The Dad that taught us all to fish for this. The Dad who makes sure my mom is well taken care of, and for this and countless other reasons, I say I am grateful. Thanks, Dad.

CHARLOTTE'S CLOSET

Next up is my Potna, the man, the myth, the legend; Kwan. As a dad, he is extraordinary, and he single-handedly restored my faith in Fatherhood. from the moment I met him almost 20 years ago, I have never met a more devoted father to his children or a more noble stepfather. As soon as it was clear that we had created a love child, K'wan stood tirelessly at my side, from attending all appointments to standing up to my family members. They didn't understand what it was to be a writer and thought he would cut tail and run.

I was a single mom for ten years when K'wan and I met, so the concept of a hands-on father was new to me, and I tested it at every turn. I remember fighting for Ali and my life in the birthing room. I had a terrible C-section, and K'wan was right by my side. Later when I decided to go on a girls' trip with my mother and sister to recuperate in Aruba for a week.

Ali was barely a month old and stayed with her dad the entire time. Any man who can care for his newborn alone deserves all the credit.

He has been her primary caregiver and biggest supporter ever since. I mean, he attends all the PTA meetings, school shows, field trips, and doctor appointments. As I did the 9 to 5 thing, he did the writing thing and exceeded my expectations as a parent. From kindergarten to jr. high school, I took extreme pleasure in showing up at the school functions to prove he wasn't a single parent. I can write a book or two about the kind of Dad my Potna is. as I type this, his teen daughters have him wrapped around their fingers.

Having him as a Dad for my children is the ultimate blessing, and for him, I am truly Grateful Happy Father’s Day Potna. We will leave you alone for Fathers Day, but not really, we will sweat you per usual.

INTELLECTUALINK.COM

Next up, we have my first born son, Sun Star, who shines as bright as the black ass name I gave him when I was a 20-year-old single mom smarter than 95% of the nation.

My son grew up without a father and I know that pain is unmatched. I tried to compensate, but I could never teach him how to be a man but only how I thought a man should be. To see the man and father he’s grown to be despite not having one of his own is remarkable. I applaud the dad he has become. He's been right by his son's side since Donny entered the world and cried his very first cry. He is the exact opposite of his biological dad. He is my first and brightest light. Happy Fathers' Day, Sun. Keep shining. Who cares if it blinds them? You are who you are. the best and brightest of Dads. Happy Father's Day! Now for my nephew/son. By far the coolest most chill Dad I know. Shaq is my younger sister’s son, and we co-parented him his entire life despite him having a present dad in his life. We don't play about our boys, and as a dad, Shaq does not play about his daughter Skylah. She made her debut on Mother's day in front of at least ten family members. Skylah has his heart, and he definitely has hers. Fathers are a girl's first love, and my nephew/son cherishes his daughter. It is evident in the way he parents and for that and all the things he is, I say Happy Father's Day Nephew/son you are a gift.

The following are a few good quotes from a few good dad's in my circle.

FATHERHOOD WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE! TO ALL THE DADS ACROSS THE GLOBE AYOOOOO

Fatherhood means sacrificing your time to ensure your child's happiness. ~ Star Quan

"Being a father to my two sons is the greatest joy of my life. The fulfilling experience of seeing them grow from boys to men is tremendously satisfying.

My sons have contributed to my growth as a man and a person. We as black men who were not blessed to have our fathers in our homes growing up are sometimes damaged and being able to heal that internal pain while creating new narratives and new cycles in our children's lives are our honor. We don't have to be perfect; we have to be emotionally there and responsible with our intentions. We have to ensure they're nurtured and loved immensely.

My dad grew up without his dad, I grew up without my dad, but my sons will grow up with me!" Happy Father's Day to all the men putting their best foot forward for their children to follow!" ~ Marlon "No One In This World Can Love A Girl More Than Her Father." ~ Kris John Wooden once said, "The most important thing in the world is family and love." As a "girl dad" there's nothing more integral to my legacy than being a father. My hope is that I am embodying the Wooden quote, putting my family first. As men we prioritize career, friendship/brotherhood and relationships. My hope is to be even more intentional with my one and only daughter." ~ Dave Guzman facebook.com/charlottescloset instagram.com/charlottes__closet__/

BOSS UP WITH DAVID HAMILTON OWNER OF NYC BLACKSHEEP

LESSONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS FROM ENTREPRENEURS NYC-BLACKSHEEP IS A LIFE AFFIRMING BRAND .GATHERING INSPIRATION FROM THE PAST AND THE PRESENT. GROWN IN GRITTY NYC WHILE GATHERING TECHNIQUES FROM VARIOUS CULTURES ,CLIMATES AND AVENUES . WE ASPIRE TO MAKE PIECES AND GARMENTS THAT LAST IN YOUR HEART AND MIND AS WELL AS YOUR CLOSET . WE BRING PERSEVERANCE ,INDIVIDUALITY ,HARD WORK AND KNOWLEDGE OF SELF AS SOME OF THE KEY FACTORS OF NYC-BLACKSHEEP

www.nycblacksheep.com instagram.com/nycblacksheep_/

Tell us about your clothing line and what inspired your brand.

Do you find it hard to navigate in a pandemic?

How have you adjusted?

Nyc Blacksheep started as an art project for my daughter. We tie-dyed some shirts together during the pandemic. I’ve always been into graffiti and art in general, which led to me adding all kinds of graphics to my pieces.

Well, we started in the pandemic, so the change is sort of happening now and it has been like a wide world opening up. So many more resources are available to us. Obviously, we weren’t able to get any graphics done outside the shop. Which is what led to patchwork and the cut and sew part of our business.

Describe your favorite aspects of being a designer.

My favorite aspect of being a designer is seeing someone you don’t know enjoying something you made or created.

What new skills did you have to acquire for your business?

I’m basically still a student of the game. It was a natural progression; tie-dying led to garment dying which led to indigo shibori techniques.

Block printing led to screen printing etc.

How do you balance fatherhood with entrepreneurship?

There's always something to do, so I try to involve my kids as much as possible since it all started with them. Balance is key when it comes to kids, but we do so many activities and sports it’s hard. So a lot of times we have a full day out at cheerleading or basketball practice etc, and at night, I can actually work on designs and process orders.

If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting, what would it be?

Have fun doing whatever it is you do. That way if revenue slows down, you are still doing something you love to do or would be doing even if you're not getting paid.

meet

SILK WHITE AUTHOR. ACTOR. DIRECTOR,

#BOOKSTOFILM

You have an illustrious career as an author, what inspired you to break into filmmaking?

I jumped into film because I wanted to see my books on the big screen. I felt that films could reach more people, with binge watching becoming a trend.

Being a filmmaker needs a lot of expertise and patience because one has to handle everything all around, so what keeps you motivated?

What keeps me motivated is creating and writing these scripts. It’s just like writing a book; the only difference is viewers get to see your words come to life. What also keeps me motivated is being able to give actors opportunities to showcase their talent and help make their dreams come true.

How do you think the industry is changing?

Streaming it’s changing everything, and more black creators are beginning to shine. You no longer have to go to Hollywood or New York to do a film. Streaming allows creators from all over to have a chance to produce their work and put it out for the world to see.

We know you grace both sides of the camera, when did you start acting, and what got you started?

When I first began filming my movies no one would ever show up. I had actors who agreed to everything but when the time came a lot of them wouldn’t show up because I wasn’t that known in the film industry when I first started. So, I had to get in front of the camera because I knew I could depend on myself to show up.

Tell us about your latest project.

My latest project is titled “The Transporter” and it’s streaming now free on Tubi. The Transporter is about a woman who drives for Uber and her entire life changes when one of the biggest drug dealers in the city decides to take a ride in her car.

Where can our readers watch your work?

Everyone can watch my work on Tubi, the App is completely free. I have seven movies on there at the moment. Just Type Silk White in the search, and all my movies will pop right up.

"Silk White" | Search results | Watch Free TV Online | Tubi (tubitv.com)

Meeting the Authors Behind the Ink!

BY AUTHOR UNTAMED The Me Time Book Club, founded by President Kena Reshay, sponsored its second annual Behind the Ink Book Festival and I, Author Untamed, was there to capture it all. Set in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Behind the Ink was held on Saturday, April 30th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the luxurious Harbert Center, boasting two levels for authors and a theater room.

AUTHOR UNTAMED Visit her website: www.authoruntamed.com or www.untamedpublishing.net Find her on all social media at Author Untamed

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ZANE

ESSENCE BESTSELLING AUTHOR CURTIS BUNN

Last year was amazing, but this year, Me Time Book Club pulled out all the stops. When we say level up, this is how you do it. The Master of the Ceremony was the hilariously engaging Shon Robinson, who kept the festivities rolling from beginning to end. Music was provided by Tarious Hill on the guitar who serenaded the authors and readers all afternoon. Food was provided by Jimmy Johns, and did I mention bottomless mimosas? Allow me to rephrase that –FREE bottomless mimosas?

Featured authors were Ashley M. Jones, the poet laureate of Alabama, Michelle Jackson of Black Writers Space, Curtis Bunn, author and founder of the National Book Club Conference (NBCC) in Atlanta, GA., and Zane, author, publisher, and screenwriter. Each featured author took a moment to inform the audience of who they are with added motivation for each attending author. Zane also premiered two showings of her newest movie, I Wish I Never Met You for participants. Her movie can now be found on Amazon Prime.

Alongside the featured authors, Behind the Ink was cloaked with over a hundred participating authors, including yours truly. Authors such as Monica Walters, Avery Good, Yana Bean, Kandis Tolliver, Danielle Bigsby, Renee Moss, and Kinisha Larry were just a handful of authors who were in attendance. Not only did the readers flock in to explore what the authors were selling, but it was also filled with fun giveaways and a 360-photo booth provided by the ladies of the 4th Generation Photobooth where the authors showed off their dance skills and their books in a personalized twenty-second video. The authors were not left out of the goodies either. Besides the opportunity to sell their books and meet readers, they received a gift bag full of treats from the Me Time Book Club which included a custom t-shirt, a queen pen, lotion, a candle, and covid-friendly essentials—sanitizer and tissues. Oh, and bottomless mimosas, y’all. Just in case I forgot to mention that.

This event was sponsored by 95.7 Jamz, Rettie Books, 4 Eyez Ink Editorial, NBN Kettle Corn Co., Eleven 86 water, Rodney Pelt, and M&M Catering with a congratulatory and welcome letter provided to Me Time and each author from the Mayor of Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin.

Me Time Book Club took their book festival and rose the bar so high, that it’s overly exciting to see how they will top it next year.

Then again, with all the black girl magic in Me Time Book Club, we know the third annual event will exceed this grand affair because they don’t call Birmingham “The Magic City” for nothing!

Follow the book club for updates and information on future events on Facebook and Instagram @metimebookclub

Alongside the featured authors, Behind the Ink was cloaked with over a hundred participating authors, including yours truly. Authors such as Monica Walters, Avery Good, Yana Bean, Kandis Tolliver, Danielle Bigsby, Renee Moss, and Kinisha Larry were just a handful of authors who were in attendance. Not only did the readers flock in to explore what the authors were selling, but it was also filled with fun giveaways and a 360-photo booth provided by the ladies of the 4th Generation Photobooth where the authors showed off their dance skills and their books in a personalized twenty-second video. The authors were not left out of the goodies either. Besides the opportunity to sell their books and meet readers, they received a gift bag full of treats from the Me Time Book Club which included a custom t-shirt, a queen pen, lotion, a candle, and covid-friendly essentials—sanitizer and tissues. Oh, and bottomless mimosas, y’all. Just in case I forgot to mention that.

This event was sponsored by 95.7 Jamz, Rettie Books, 4 Eyez Ink Editorial, NBN Kettle Corn Co., Eleven 86 water, Rodney Pelt, and M&M Catering with a congratulatory and welcome letter provided to Me Time and each author from the Mayor of Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin.

Me Time Book Club took their book festival and rose the bar so high, that it’s overly exciting to see how they will top it next year.

Then again, with all the black girl magic in Me Time Book Club, we know the third annual event will exceed this grand affair because they don’t call Birmingham “The Magic City” for nothing!

Follow the book club for updates and information on future events on Facebook and Instagram @metimebookclub

Intellectual Ink Magazine CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH

What began as a small emancipation celebration in Galveston, Texas has turned into a nationwide commemoration of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while also recognizing the importance of education and family.

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated in all 50 states with parades, concerts, readings, food festivals, and more. The holiday provides an important opportunity for communities to come together and remember the important role African Americans have played in American history. In honor of Juneteenth our new cultural columnist Karen E. Quinones Miller gives us the definition of "Systemic Racism" and "A Former Slave Responds."

What is Systemic Racism? (Definition and Examples )

BY KAREN E. QUINONES MILLER

Everyone is talking about ‘systemic racism’ now, and many don’t know the definition.

Stokely Carmichael was the one who coined the phrase ‘institutionalized racism’ which later morphed into the phrase ‘systemic racism.’ So here is an excerpt from his book ‘Black Power' in which he explains racism and institutional racism. (So now if someone asks you, you’ll be able to explain it! <smile>) “Racism is both overt and covert. It takes two, closely related forms: individual whites acting against individual blacks, and acts by the total white community against the black community.

We call these individual racisms and institutional racism. The first consists of overt acts by individuals, which cause death, injury, or the violent destruction of property. This type can be recorded by television cameras; it can frequently be observed in the process of commission. The second type is less overt, far more subtle, and less identifiable in terms of specific individuals committing the acts. But it is no less destructive of human life. The second type originates in the operation of established and respected forces in the society and thus receives far less public condemnation than the first type.

When white terrorists bomb a black church and kill five black children, that is an act of individual racism, widely deplored by most segments of society. But when in that same city — Birmingham, Alabama — five hundred black babies die each year because of the lack of proper food, shelter, and medical facilities, and thousands more are destroyed and maimed physically, emotionally, and intellectually because of conditions of poverty and discrimination in the black community,

that is a function of institutional racism. When a black family moves into a home in a white neighborhood and is stoned, burned, or routed out, they are victims of an overt act of individual racism which many people will condemn — at least in words. But it is institutional racism that keeps black people locked in dilapidated slum tenements, subject to the daily prey of exploitative slumlords, merchants, loan sharks, and discriminatory real estate agents. The society either pretends it does not know of this latter situation or is in fact incapable of doing anything meaningful about it . . .

Institutional racism relies on the active and pervasive operation of anti-black attitudes and practices. A sense of superior group position prevails: whites are “better” than blacks; therefore blacks should be subordinated to whites. This is a racist attitude and it permeates the society, on both the individual and institutional level, covertly and overtly.

“Respectable” individuals can absolve themselves from individual blame: they would never plant a bomb in a church; they would never stone a black family. But they continue to support political officials and institutions that would and do perpetuate institutionally racist policies. Thus acts of overt, individual racism may not typify the society, but institutional racism does — with the support of covert, individual attitudes of racism.”

INTELLECTUALINK.COM

Former Slave Responds to “Master’s” Request For Him to Return as Paid Worker

KAREN E. QUINONES MILLER

In 1865, Colonel P. H. Anderson wrote his former slave, Jourdan Anderson, asking him to return to work as a paid freeman on the plantation on which he had spent 30 years as a human tool.

Anderson’s plantation — located in Big Springs, Tennessee — was operating in the red since he was no longer benefiting from the free labor provided by slaves. Jourdan had been one of his best workers, and the former slaveowner figured Jourdan could help turn things around.

But Jourdan, now living in Dayton, Ohio, and working in a local hospital figured differently. He dictated an open letter reply to a friend (who later gave a copy to the newspapers) and had it mailed to his former master.

Letter — which became known as the “Letter from a Freedman to His Old Master” — was printed in newspapers worldwide in 1865 Dayton, Ohio, August 7, 1865 To My Old Master, Colonel P.H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee Sir: I got your letter, and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon and that you wanted me to come back and live with you again, promising to do better for me than anybody else can. I have often felt uneasy about you. I thought the Yankees would have hung you long before this, for harboring Rebs they found at your house. I suppose they never heard about your going to Colonel Martin’s to kill the Union soldier that was left by his company in their stable. Although you shot at me twice before I left you, I did not want to hear of your being hurt and am glad you are still living. It would do me good to go back to the dear old home again, and see Miss Mary and Miss Martha and Allen, Esther, Green, and Lee. Give my love to them all, and tell them I hope we will meet in the better world, if not in this. I would have gone back to see you all when I was working in the Nashville Hospital, but one of the neighbors told me that Henry intended to shoot me if he ever got a chance.

I want to know particularly what the good chance is you propose to give me. I am doing tolerably well here. I get twenty-five dollars a month, with victuals and clothing; have a comfortable home for Mandy, — the folks call her Mrs. Anderson, — and the children — Milly, Jane, and Grundy — go to school and are learning well. The teacher says Grundy has a head for a preacher. They go to Sunday school, and Mandy and me attend church regularly. We are kindly treated. Sometimes we overhear others saying, “Them colored people were slaves” down in Tennessee. The children feel hurt when they hear such remarks, but I tell them it was no disgrace in Tennessee to belong to Colonel Anderson. Many darkeys would have been proud, as I used to be, to call you master. Now if you will write and say what wages you will give me, I will be better able to decide whether it would be to my advantage to move back again.

As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score, as I got my free papers in 1864 from the Provost-Marshal-General of the Department of Nashville. Mandy says she would be afraid to go back without some proof that you were disposed to treat us justly and kindly, and we have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and forgive old scores, and rely on your justice and friendship in the future. I served you faithfully for thirty-two years, and Mandy for twenty years. At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what

you paid for our clothing, and three doctor’s visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy, and the balance will show what we are in justice entitled to. Please send the money by Adams’s Express, in care of V. Winters, Esq., Dayton, Ohio. If you fail to pay us for faithful labors in the past, we can have little faith in your promises in the future. We trust the good Maker has opened your eyes to the wrongs which you and your fathers have done to me and my fathers, in making us toil for you for generations without recompense. Here I draw my wages every Saturday night, but in Tennessee, there was never any pay-day for the negroes any more than for the horses and cows. Surely there will be a day of reckoning for those who defraud the laborer of his hire.

In answering this letter, please state if there would be any safety for my Milly and Jane, who are now grown up, and both good-looking girls. You know how it was with poor Matilda and Catherine. I would rather stay here and starve — and die, if it come to that — than have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young masters. You will also please state if there has been any schools opened for the colored children in your neighborhood. The great desire of my life now is to give my children an education and have them form virtuous habits.

Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me.

From your old servant, Jourdon Anderson The two young women named in Jourdan’s letter were his daughters who, for some unknown reason, did not travel with the family to Ohio. The letter implies the blame lies in their treatment by the slaveowner and/or his family.

One of Jourdan’s eleven children who did make it to Dayton became a doctor and was close friend of famed African-American writer, Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Paul Laurence Dunbar — famous poet and short-story writer Records show that Jourdan died in 1907, at age 81. The former slave’s cause of death was listed as “exhaustion.” No response to Jourdan’s letter has been recorded. However, a researcher tracked down Col. Anderson’s descendants in the early 2000s. The relatives said they, “are still angry at Jordan for not coming back.” Please don’t overlook the fact that I said that it was in the 2000s that they said this; not the 1800s, not the 1900s, but the 2000s when they said they “are still angry at Jordan for not coming back.”

Sigh . . . I can’t. I just can’t.

Essence bestselling and NAACP Literary Award Nominee, Karen E. Quinones Miller was born and raised in Harlem. Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature, currently resides in Philadelphia, and is the CEO of Oshun Publishing Company AuthorKEQM

Karen E. Quinones Miller

B O O KOF O F THE T H E MMONTH ONTH BOOK

This sassy, shocking autobiographical novel from the author of Uptown Dreams captures the racial tensions, the hardships, and the bonds that formed between families and neighbors growing up poor in Harlem.

You’d be angry, too, if you grew up poorer than poor in Harlem in the 1960s and ’70s, a place of unrelenting violence, racism, crime, rape, scamming, drinking, and drugging. Living with a dad permanently checked out in Bellevue and a mom at the end of her rope raising you, your twin sister, and your two brothers, moving every time the money runs out—and doing what it takes to survive.

But there’s more to her story. Ke-Ke Quinones was whip smart and sassy, a voracious reader of everything from poetry to the classics. No matter what, 117th Street—where you could always count on someone to stand up for you— would always be home. And with every hardknock lesson learned, Ke-Ke grew fiercer, unleashing her inner angry-ass black woman to get through it all.

Decades later, comatose in a hospital bed after a medical crisis, she reflects on her life—her success as a journalist and renowned author, her tragicomic memories of Harlem, her turbulent marriage, the birth of her daughter, future possibilities—all the while surrounded by her splintered family in all of their sound and fury. Will she rise above once more?

Beautifully-Told Story by a Survivor Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2017 An Angry-Ass Black Woman is a classic.

I'd put it on the shelf next to classics such as Black Boy, Invisible Man, and Their Eyes Were Watching God. This book tells the coming-of-age story of a young woman and the obstacles she faces and overcomes in achieving her dream. This fictitious memoir chronicles the life and times of Karen Quinones Miller, who honestly and graphically describes what it was like to grow up in Harlem...

BUY THE BOOK HERE

BY ERICK S. GRAY What the “Eff” is going on? You know what I want to talk about, Roe V. Wade. So, the GOP and their acquaintances are trying to overturn Roe V. Wade this summer. Deep sigh! Abortion has been a touchy subject for years. And for fifty years, it has been legal to have one despite how you feel about it— whether you are pro-choice or pro-life. The fact remains, it’s always had been a woman’s choice—it being their constitutional right. Am I pro-choice or pro-life? Although I may not always agree with a woman getting an abortion, I remain pro-choice. It’s their right and decision, and that decision is between them and God. But what is it about these old white men and the need to control a woman’s choice or rights?

Abortion rights have been a controversial issue forever. But America and the government have always been controversial, and I’ve talked about that in my previous columns. However, a few things disturb me about the sudden reversal of abortion rights. First, the GOP, these pro-life supporters, evangelists, and others are hell-bent on calling abortion murder a sin and immoral. Protecting the fetus has become more critical in this country than saving Black lives. Yup! It’s said. If you’re pro-life, then prolife should be applied to both the unborn and the living. Don’t become a hypocrite—too late.

The GOP and other religious organizations are pro-life until the child is born. And then they care less what happens to that child. They care more about a baby due in four months more precious than children living in poverty, violence, and without adequate healthcare. According to UNICEF, nearly 25,000 to 30,000 children die each day due to poverty. About 15 million children in the United States live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. I’ve read there are 72.4 million children in the United States, and 41% of them live in low-income families, and almost 40% of American children will spend at least one year in poverty before they turn 18. Children living in poorer households have a higher chance of dying than in the wealthiest households. Now those are staggering numbers, and I considered that a crisis. However, Congress, the GOP, and the Supreme Court feel the need to attack women’s rights like bullies rather than attacking extreme poverty, police shootings, healthcare, and other issues plaguing this country. We should value every life, including the refugees and Black Lives Matter.

The GOP, they’ve been out there plotting and scheming, carefully cultivating these Supreme Court judges so they could have supremacy on the bench who would execute something that the majority of Americans do not want. And to my understanding, Roe is popular, and overturning it is not, but they can care less about the people.

With that being said, I also feel having an abortion should be a woman’s final choice after she has thought long and hard about it. And it shouldn’t be considered a form of contraceptive or birth control for anyone’s promiscuity, where they feel carefree to have reckless sex, become pregnant, and feel comfortable aborting the child. It might be their right—at the moment. But that’s a cruel practice. And for a woman to have multiple abortions because they don’t want the responsibility of having and raising children, but you can fuck all day, then there should be a law towards that.

Anyway, with the threat of the Supreme Court appearing poised to strike down Roe v. Wade, where does this leave the country, and what other decisions will they attempt to reverse in the future? For example, will they try to change the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments? But my final thought is this.

Don’t be pro-life but hate the Black Lives Matter movement. Don’t be pro-life and ignore the homeless crisis in this country. Don’t be pro-life but cut programs that benefit at-risk children. Don’t be pro-life and attack free health care for those that can’t afford it. Don’t be pro-life and be an asshole, bigot, and racist toward other ethnic groups.

Let’s encourage life. And let’s find ways of making life more attractive for everyone.

And that’s what the “Eff” is going on.

facebook.com/authorerick.gray instagram.com/egray28/

MINDING YOUR SPIRIT RESET TO REFOCUS

By SHONDA MAYES HEALTH & WELLNESS

Being a creative is amazing! Having the ability and God-given talent to create things that others enjoy is super rewarding. It also, however, can be draining. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that our cups are depleted, and we need to reset and refocus. However, implementing strategies to re-fill our cups can do wonders for our creative minds and get us back in the game to create the magic that we love to share with others.

So, what can we do to make sure we take the time to reset before exhaustion sets in and disturbs our gift? Well, I’m glad you asked! I have a few tips that I’ve used to help me whenever my mind is blocked, and I need to shift.

Fasting-Fasting is a great way to clear the mind, body, and spirit. As an author, sometimes my diet is trash. I often keep late hours and eat on the go. As a result, I sometimes choose foods that are not the best for my body or mind.

My mood shifts and sometimes the numbers on the scale start going up. Brain fog, body aches, and some more things creep in to upset my creative flow and balance. That’s when I realize that I need to reset my body with a fast. I typically do a three-day water fast which helps to re-charge and re-energize and heal my body. I follow up my fast with juicing and eating a clean diet for as long as I can. My mind clears and I’m able to focus when I need to. If a three-day water fast is not your thing, try intermittent fasting for periods of at least eight hours or more before consuming your first meal. Now, I’m no medical professional, so try this at your own risk, but you’d be surprised at how you will feel just from intermittent fasting.

Take time rest-As much as it may pain you to do so, listen to your body and rest. I know what it feels like to have dreams and goals you want to accomplish. I also know what it feels like to be burned out and exhausted. If you don’t take the time to just give your mind and your body an opportunity to rest, at some point, your body will force you to rest. When you rest, consider staying off social media, limiting phone calls, checking emails, and doing anything that will bring unrest to your body. Sometimes, I take a weekend and book myself a hotel room away from my family and get some of the best sleep and rest of my life. When my rest period is over, I’m able to come back to the table more focused and energized to take on my dreams.

Find New Sources of Inspiration-One of the things that help me when I am having a creative block is reading. I was an avid reader before I became an author and I often find inspiration from reading. I also watch inspirational messages on YouTube, and I meditate and pray whenever I feel burdened by day-to-day stressors. This helps to keep my mind free of the things that may bother me and gives me space to create. There are plenty of ways to get inspired. Look for opportunities to add a little inspiration to your daily routine. Take time to think about what typically inspires you and add more of that to your life each day.

instagram.com/shondamayes/ facebook.com/Shonda.Mayes

If you’re feeling like your creative flow is blocked, try a few of these tips to help get things moving again. Hitting reset on your life is ok and will only help you get where you’re trying to go in the long run. It’s not a hindrance to take a little time out to adjust. It’s actually a setup for success.

MONTHLY HOROSCOPE JUNE AQUARIUS Aquarius, your optimistic attitude and go-getter spirit will serve you well this month. You may have a lot on your plate, but you'll be able to take everything in stride. June is a great time to network and make connections that could help further your career. Your social life will also be booming, so make sure to set aside time for fun!

PISCES The month of June will be a time of growth and change for Pisces. You will be feeling more confident and optimistic than usual, which will help you to achieve your goals. However, you should be careful not to let your ego get the best of you; stay humble and remember that there is always room for improvement. Your relationships with others will also be going strong, so enjoy spending time with your loved ones.

ARIES Aries, the month of June will be a time for you to focus on your career and professional goals. You may find yourself in a position where you are able to make more money or receive a promotion. However, this increased responsibility may also require more of your time and energy. Be sure to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge, so that you can continue to give your best performance. There are also opportunities for romance this month, so if you are looking for love, be open to meeting new people.

TAURUS In June 2022, the Taurus zodiac sign will have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They will be determined to get things done, and they will be successful in their endeavors. The Taurus sign is also very creative, so they will enjoy working on projects that allow them to be expressive. However, the Taurus sign can also be quite stubborn at times, so they may have some difficulty compromising with others. Overall, the Taurus sign will have a positive month in June 2022.

GEMINI The Gemini horoscope for June 2022 indicates that this is a good time for new beginnings and fresh starts. If you've been thinking about starting your own business, now is the time to do it. The stars are aligned in your favor and you should be able to make a lot of progress in a short amount of time. You'll also have plenty of energy to spare, so don't be afraid to put in long hours if needed. Be sure to stay positive and focused on your goals, and don't let any negativity get you down. Things are looking good for you this month, so enjoy it!

CANCER The Cancer horoscope for June 2022 indicates that this is a time of new beginnings. You are likely to be feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about the future. This is a good time to take some risks and to explore new possibilities.

You may also be feeling more creative than usual and ready to take on new challenges. Your intuition will be strong, so trust your instincts when making decisions. The month ahead is also a good time for relationships, so enjoy spending time with loved ones.

LEO Leo, your month is off to a roaring start with plenty of opportunities to bring your creative vision to life. On June 3, the Sun moves into your sign, energizing you and helping you take the lead. You can expect to be in the spotlight during this time, and it's a great opportunity to make an impression. Around June 8, Venus joins the party, adding some love and glamour to the mix. This is a great time for dating or enjoying social activities. On June 12, the Gemini New Moon offers new beginnings in communications and relationships. If there are any problems in these areas, they should start resolving around this time. The Lion's pride is on full display throughout June, so go out and show the world what you're made of!

VIRGO In June 2022, Virgos can anticipate a month of hard work but with great rewards. There will be challenges to overcome but with perseverance and focus, you can achieve anything. Your intuition will be strong so trust your gut feelings. Keep an open mind and stay positive – good things are in store!

LIBRA This month will be filled with excitement, new opportunities, and a few challenges. You will be determined to succeed and push yourself harder than ever. However, it is important to stay grounded and humble, as this will help you stay focused on your goals. There is a lot of potential for growth in June, so make the most of it!

SCORPIO You will be very busy this June as you will be working on a number of new projects. You may also travel for workrelated purposes. There is a possibility of some conflict with your partner but things will eventually get sorted out.

You will have to put in extra effort to maintain harmony in your relationship. Financially, this month may not be too great for you but things will start looking up by the end of the month.

SAGITTARIUS The month of June will be a time of growth and progress for Sagittarius. You will be determined to achieve your goals, and you will be able to make significant progress in your endeavors. However, you must stay vigilant and avoid becoming complacent; there is still work to be done. You will also need to keep an open mind and be willing to explore new possibilities. If you can do these things, you will be able to reach new heights this month.

CAPRICORN The June 2022 horoscope for Capricorn predicts a month of hard work and progress. You will be determined to achieve your goals, and you will be able to make significant progress this month. Things may not always go smoothly, but your persistence will pay off in the end. There is potential for success in business matters and in relationships as well. Keep working hard and stay focused on your goals, and you will achieve great things this month!