Flashback Friday: Star Trek Edition

Tuesday afternoon, I received a text message from one of my editors. She asked me if I would like to go to the advance screening of Star Trek Beyond the following day and to bring someone with me. Immediately, I thought about bringing my father. My pops is a little too cool to be […]

The Most Fun I’ve Had In Years

Because I spend so much time with and doing kid stuff, I typically look forward to the moments when I can sneak away from my life in my Long Island suburb and “do hoodrat stuff with my friends.” Underneath it all, I’m a big kid at heart. While it may be a little more […]

The Answers To Life’s Questions Always Find You

We never receive what we pursue with fervor until we acquiesce…I have been reminded of this by way of searching desperately for a sample to one of my favorite songs. Ever since his cameo appearance on Trinidad Jame$’ “Southside,” I have been a fan of Atlanta indie artist, Fortebowie. He is one of the most creative […]

One of My Proudest Moments as a Father

Little league baseball is a rite of passage for boys. In America, one would be hard-pressed to find a man who has not spent a spring on the diamond. Even though I played basketball year-round as a child, spent my high school years on the football team, and follow the NBA and NFL intently; […]

These Are the Best Years

At the celebratory brunch for her graduation, Cydney walked up to each member of her family, hugged them, and graciously said “Thank you for coming.” No one told her to do this; she felt compelled to show her gratitude on her own. The after party for Cydney’s big day consisted of her crying on […]

I’m Not Talking To My Children About Police Brutality

I’m a thirty year old black man living in Nassau County, one of the most segregated places in the country. However, I love where I reside; it’s probably the only town that is truly blended. The 2010 US Census says it’s about 40% white, 35% black, 21% Latino, and the rest an equal blend of […]

Cydney’s Graduation

My little girl graduated from Pre-K yesterday. Cydney has been preparing for the day for quite some time. About two months ago, I was asked to pick Cydney up no earlier than 5 pm so that she can rehearse for it. There were poems to practice and songs I didn’t want her to sing […]