August, the eighth month of the year, continues to unfold, as we recognize one of the lesser-known monthlong celebrations: “What will be your legacy?” month. During this month, our thoughts turn to the term legacy, as various writers have offered their definitions of the concept. During this time many people reflect upon the past and project toward the future with regard to the possible impact of their lives upon future generations.
Gone-ta-pott.com, a holiday website, offers this definition and elaborates upon the month-long celebration with this comment:
“A legacy is what someone or something is remembered for or what they…
Without a doubt, the current corona virus crisis and other events seem to blanket the world with fear. During such times, we remember the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoken in 1933 in the midst of the one of the most fearful and darkest periods in our nation’s history:
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.
In thinking about fear and its deadly consequences, I also recall a statement from actor Will…
During September, supporters wear light blue ribbons to observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are going to look at the “Color of the Day” for September 25, 2019, “Prostate Cancer Awareness Day.” In recognition of that observance, supporters wear blue ribbons — usually light blue . In thinking about blue as a color, I recall a multi-media presentation that highlighted various shades of blue, as expressions of “the blues”–the African American musical and poetic form. Here is an excerpt from the presentation that seeks to answer this question: “Just what is the blues?”
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In the News…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Cancer Survivors, Local Communities to Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day® on Sunday, June 2, 2019.
With more than 15.5 million people living with and beyond cancer in the U.S. today — and more than 32 million cancer survivors worldwide — everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer. On Sunday, June 2, 2019, communities around the world will unite to recognize these cancer survivors, and to raise awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship, as part of the 32ndannual National Cancer Survivors Day® Celebration of Life.
National Cancer Survivors Day® is an…
As the days abound and lengthen into spring, some notable holidays and celebrations converge in April, the fourth month of the year. Besides being National Poetry Month, April has also been set aside as Jazz Appreciation Month. These celebrations come together and personally impact me as a poet strongly influenced by all manner of music, especially jazz.
During this month, we pay tribute to jazz as a traditional and vibrant art form. As a popular musical form, jazz expresses a wide range of emotions, from sheer joy and ecstasy to most profound sorrow and pain. An essential element is improvisation…
The Torchbearers by Charles Umlauf depicts the teacher passing the torch of knowledge to the student
In a reciprocal relationship, communities we are a part of impart values, beliefs, and ideals into our lives, individually and collectively. In turn, individuals as they embrace those values and apply them to their lives, leave a deposit in their communities when these individuals leave behind a legacy. In discussing communities and their importance to our lives, the question is sometimes asked, “What will be your legacy?”
Most remarkably, August has been designated “What will be your legacy?” month. During this month thoughts turn…
Personnel and equipment in the entrance chamber of Tham Luang cave during rescue operations during 26–27 June 2018.
From June 23-July 10, the entire world fixed its eyes on Thailand and the rescue of 12 boys and their football coach trapped deep inside a cave in the mountains. Over those two weeks a remarkable drama unfolded, revealing the lengths adults will go to save children in danger The two-week wild adventure began with a 17th birthday celebration for one of the local football team, the Wild Boars. …
Recently my wife and I attended the “home-going” service for a true hero who left behind an impressive legacy of courage, commitment, and service. Darryl Eugene Smith, died at 50 from complications of sickle cell anemia. David Rogers, a longtime friend and fraternity brother, paid tribute to him: “Although Darryl had sickle cell disease, sickle cell did not have him.” Darryl “always grabbed life by the horns, pushed himself to the limit, and embraced the consequential notion of possibility.”
In commenting about Darryl, David recited “Invictus,” a poem embodying the unconquerable soul of this remarkable man of courage and faith…
“Red, White and a Taste of the Blues: Celebration of Summer and So Much More” offers a collection of original poetry and commentary combined with visuals and music. The opening photo displays the artistry of Jim Darnall in a vibrant display of these three colors of the summer season as we celebrate the Fourth of July, 2020.
An experience occurring forty years when I lived in Washington, DC inspired one of the poems in the collection, and I am revising and republishing this article as I reflect upon returning to live in the DC area, the place where I first…
“Red, White and a Taste of the Blues: Celebration of Summer and So Much More” offers a collection of original poetry and commentary combined visuals and music. The opening photo displays the artistry of Jim Darnall in a vibrant display of these three colors of the summer season
Red
In 1994 I completed the manuscript Sacred Jazz: Music, Mood and Mind, containing “Red” and “All Blues”, two poems inspired by paintings housed at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. Celebrated artist and Professor of Art, Terrance Corbett produced a series of murals entitled “Rococo Boogaaloo Beat,” visual art inspired by…
Lonnell Johnson
Lonnell Johnson, “Dr. J, as a “player/coach” teaches writing skills while working as a published author, certified ghostwriter, and experienced copyeditor.
