Literature

“It was Dr. King who said, ‘A riot is the language of the unheard,’” said Mia J. Davis, the new children’s author and creator of the character, “Izzy.” “That was his ‘Other America’ speech delivered at Stanford University (on April...
by Terri Schlichenmeyer -- When you’re a kid, there are so many things to learn. Someone has to teach you your A-B-Cs, and to count to a hundred. You have to learn to tie a knot and set the table and...
by Whitney Johnson -- Playwright, writer, civil rights attorney and criminal justice professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall was able to finish two books and two plays in the 10 years it took for her to complete “She Took Justice.” Her devotion to...
In an effort to expand on Ida B. Wells’ remarkable story, her great-granddaughter, writer Michelle Duster, has penned a new book, “Ida B. The Queen.”  The poignant biography, released January 26, pays tribute to the trailblazing journalist and activist while...
By now most bibliophiles, fellow word nerds and Eric Jerome Dickey super fans have heard of his untimely passing. Memphis born and beloved by many, Eric will leave lasting footprints in the sand, never to be erased or replaced.  Oddly enough,...
Best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey, whose roots began in and extended from Memphis, died in Los Angeles on Sunday (Jan. 3) after battling a long illness. He was 59. Dickey’s death was confirmed by The New Tri-State Defender on Tuesday...
by Terri Schlichenmeyer -- You had every intention to stand still that night. Nice try. Your shoulders were shimmying ten seconds after you stepped to a beat, left foot, right foot, through a wall of thump that came from speakers taller...
by Terri Schlichenmeyer -- Your birthday card had a Black History postage stamp on it. As always, it was from Grandma and though it's kind of corny, you look forward to it ever year: a blue or red envelope outside, a...