From Liberty To Freedom-- Six Civic Principles

In his wonderful book, A Black Way of Seeing, Paul Robeson's son, Paul Robeson Jr., lists six principles which I would like to practice daily.

1. Strive for excellence, try to be the best that you can possibly be. Aim for perfection instead of merely tring to "beat" others.

2. Success without advancing the interests of our people as a whole, without helping those who have fallen behind, is worth little.

3. The human race is one family, with diverse but equal members having different cultures, and a deeper understanding of one's own culture will inevitably lead to a better understanding of other cultures.

4. Personal growth is the mother of greatness; but its price is pain and perseverance.

5. Temper strength and power with gentleness and compassion; balance courage with wisdom.

6. Don't go along to get along. Be willing to do what you know is right.

I found this wonderful book at the Tacoma Public Library, Main Branch.

The Closure of Dr. Martin Luther King Library

I stopped at the Martin King Library last night because I had heard that it was going to be closed. I wanted the librarians there to know that I appreciated how they had always welcomed me there and went out of their way to help me find books that would help me to grow intellecutually and emotionally. I found out then that the library would close for go on January 31.
So this grey Saturday afternoon I went back to the library to sit and think and just be. Silly, huh! Well, it's the best I could do... the library is one of those special places... I see many people, old, young, every race... working at the computers, getting books or cds or dvds...reading newspapers and magazines.
For four years I have been coming to the library...borrowing Walter Mosley and Robert Parker thrillers... checking out Nikki Giovanni and Langston Hughes poetry, delighting in Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier films...feeling alive and proud and moved to put my best foot forward.So very proud to join others at this wonderful, warm place named after Dr. King.











I hear the closure is done... still I wonder what would happen if a whole lot of folks like me just took time to let folks know... our children, senior citizens, and people of all races love and need this library. I have learned a little bit more because of the librarians and the resources at the library how to be a proud, loving man. I really want this library to stay open and continue challenging us to become thoughtful and compassionate citizens.If we do not know where we have come from, we shall not be able to discover where we need to go from here!
If you would like to let your interest known, contact: Media Relations: David Domkoski, 253 591-5688, ddomkosk@tacomapubliclibrary, org, and/or Suden Odencrantz, Library Director, 253-591-5606, sodencrantz@tacomapubliclibrary.org

This One Kept My Attention

I could not stop reading Beverley Barton's thriller, Dead By Midnight. I could not put the book down! I liked all of the characters. I did not want one of them to get hurt.

I kept hoping that someone would stop the villain. But on the villain went, outthinking and overcoming each one of my heroes and heroines.
This book is not one to read with children. It sizzles.
The woman at the center of the story is beautiful; the man...too stubborn. (I leave the rest of this to you to deal with.
Three lessons I got from the story: 1. don't work out one's concerns in the presence of children; 2. don't judge other; 3. forgive those who have hurt you.
And a final lesson: Check out Beverley Barton; I ebooked her from the Tacoma Public Library website.