#writing our lives

Writing is motion. Writing is action. To do and move your fingers until they are sore. On Saturday I'll share my manuscript with black and Latino college men. They will write about their lives. My goal is to help them shape a story, something about their existence. It's a first time for me---that is, teaching the memoir form. And while I don't see it as a "writing class" I want to inspire them to take the raw matter and create something literary. I think about the wonderful memoirs I've read and have been inspired.

Class of 2016

Welcome Class of 2016. Looking
forward to making the journey with you.

Mobile Blogging......

A view of blog page....

Back Again... Dr. Pittman

Long time since I wrote in this blog. Two years almost. I'd give many reasons for not writing, some of which would be acceptable-- others just the same ol' procrastination or writers block. But the most worthy reason, perhaps, is that I was busy pursuing an important goal. On May 12, 2012 I received my Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania! It was a journey well worth the time and intellectual energy, not to mention the money. There are other journeys to travel. Writing is on the list.

Stepped on What?

My Uncle Shortboy used to ask "Stepped on What?" when he heard something incredulous or half-baked. A lot happens in the news but one thing this week that caused me to stop and think was when NY Governor Patterson commuted the sentence a black man sentenced to prison for killing a white man who came to his house with violence in mind. It was a bold move by Patterson who has, more than once, felt heat from detractors. Uncle Shortboy, who was the first family member to come to upstate New York from North Carolina, would be laughing after hearing this story.

By Any Means Necessary

New From Gil Scott-Heron

The first time I heard Gil Scott I couldn't believe my ears. Here was this brother mixing beat with consciousness---long before hip hop came around. Most will recognize his The Revolution Will Not Be Televised or In the Bottle or Johanesburg. These songs epitomize the Gil Scott brand, his raspy and rhythmic baritone voice sending out soothing and inspiring lyrics. This new album is his first in 15 years. Why? Gil ran into some problems years ago with drugs and has been in and out of prison. Pray God, he's done his last bid with the devil and is on the road back to where he began, the road where many of his admirers have traveled.

2010 Census and the Black Diaspora

Poughkeepsiejournal - Black coalition pushes for 'unified' 2010 Census tally

Apparently, we're trying to figure this thing out. We may come from different parts of the globe, but we should be counted. We can deal with our philosophical, ideological, religious and political differences after the census. Check the "Black" box.

To Be Thankful.......

Before I write another email or think about another meeting, I pause to give thanks for:

A God and God-force that keeps the planet and me in balance---when things get crooked.

A wonderful mother who graced this earth for 86 years and raised twelve beautiful, courageous children.

A wonderful wife, two daughters and blessed grandson who calls me "Ba Ba"

A job in education during these tough times.

Community leaders, teachers, mentors and elders who guided me through young adulthood and taught me how be a giver to my community.

A long line of black leaders who stood for something rather than be trampled by injustice.

All the students in my life who have taught me many lessons.

Those unnamed, untutored street teachers who imparted knowledge to me. To the regular eye, they were invisible---yet their pearls of wisdom helped to shape me.

Lastly, the harvest is the result of planting a good seed. The photos are from the garden I tilled in honor of my mother, who passed away in March 2009. I am thankful.

Did you ask a good question?

A few months ago I heard or read someone describe how they became who they are. Today I stumbled on the actual words---as attributed to Isidor I. Rabi, Nobel Laureate in physics, who, when asked why he became a scientist, said:


''My mother made me a scientist without ever intending it. Every other Jewish mother in Brooklyn would ask her child after school: 'So? Did you learn anything today?' But not my mother. She always asked me a different question. 'Izzy,' she would say, 'did you ask a good question today?' That difference - asking good questions -made me become a scientist!''