At one end of the continuum known as history are first-time events that have generated notable measures of public recognition due to either a positive or negative impact.

When we vote we participate in the construction of a context.

How many fears came between us? Earthquakes, diseases, wars where hell rained smoldering pus from skies made of winged death. Horror tore this world asunder. While inside the bleeding smoke and beyond the shredded weeping flesh we memorized tales of infinite good. -from The History Lesson

We can cry for years but sometimes gotta smile too.

Know yourself fearlessly (even quietly) for all the things you are.

In an age when nations and individuals routinely exchange murder for murder, when the healing grace of authentic spirituality is usurped by the divisive politics of religious organizations, and when broken hearts bleed pain in darkness without the relief of compassion, the voice of an exceptional poet producing exceptional work is not something the world can afford to dismiss.

Michael Jackson National African American Art Examiner Series