Guest columists
“Bronzeville: Black Metropolis” Guest Writer: Bishop Hartsel Clifton Shirley In many major cities and some smaller ones in America, an area with a center of entertainment existed, where life had rhythm and movement. In Chicago, that neighborhood was called Bronzeville, located on the South side. In the past, this area of town was boorishly called things such as Darkie [...]
“Jackie Shane: Any Other Way” Guest Writer: Bishop Hartsel Clifton Shirley Every now and then, an unapologetically genuine person comes along, not needing dire circumstances to force them to be true to themselves and the world. Meet Jackie Shane, a trailblazing original, if ever there was one. Jackie Shane was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 15, [...]
“The Preacher” Guest Writer: Bishop Hartsel Clifton Shirley When people use the phrase "bible belt," they typically (and incorrectly) refer to the country's Southern region. However, the Midwest can also adopt that term. The Midwest can also assert that Reverend Clarence Cobbs was instrumental in bringing innovation to the bible belt's "church world." Clarence Cobbs was born [...]
“In Gratitude” The year 2022 has come to an end. Indeed, it's had its share of challenges; however, it's also had blessings. As an independent novelist and columnist at this stage of my life, I have much to be grateful. First, I give honor and thanks to God for this gift of writing. Truly, our [...]
“December 1, 1955” In this day and age, we remember December 1 as World AIDS Day. Even with the medical advances in treating HIV and AIDS, it still impacts people around the globe, particularly people of color. In the height of the fear, ignorance, and paranoia of the 1980s, I attended more funerals than I [...]
By the time Clyde McPhatter crossed the line from being a gospel performer with The Lebanon Singers, he was a seasoned, standout voice with a unique delivery and a stage presence that captivated audiences. Clyde Lensley McPhatter was born on November 15, 1932, to Rev. George McPhatter and his wife, Eva, in the Hayti community of Durham, North Carolina. [...]
“Role Reversal” As men of a certain age, especially if we are fathers, we are reminded that being a parent never stops. Sure, my son is 22 and a young adult, but I’m still a dad. I may take a step back, but I’ll always be a dad. Yes, I’m at the age where grandchildren [...]
“The Seeker” Guest Writer: Bishop Hartsel Clifton Shirley James Richmond Barthé was born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to Richmond Barthé and Marie Clementine Robateau. When James was just a few months old, his father passed away at 22, leaving his mother, a dressmaker, to raise him alone. Before Barthé began elementary school, she married William Franklin, and in time [...]
“Roscoe Lee Browne: A Master Class in Cerebral Eloquence” Guest Writer: Bishop Hartsel Clifton Shirley Roscoe Lee Browne was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. Conflicting reports have stated 1922 and 1925, but in an interview with Camille Cosby, he stated, “I was born, Camille, so they say, May 2, 1922, in Woodbury, New Jersey." The fourth son [...]
“Reunion and Remembrance” Over this past weekend, my high school class celebrated our 50th reunion, which was delayed due to COVID. Yep, 50. At the time we graduated, turning 70 was such a foreign concept. But now that we’re here, well… I missed so many of my reunions, mainly because I moved out of state. [...]
“Billy Wright: Prince of the Blues” Guest Writer: Bishop Hartsel Clifton Shirley In nature, we often hear the thunder before the lightning strikes, yet both can be powerful--and even frightening. Such was the case with Little Richard, the iconic and influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. The forerunner to that very well-known entertainer was the [...]
“To Thine Own Self: It’s in His Kiss” Hey, Pride Month is here. Darrell Edwards and Cesare Morelli-Montgomery, the main characters in my upcoming male/male romance novel, To Thine Own Self, have been nudging me to share a little more spice in their story before the book is released. For those of us of a certain age, [...]
