Dr. Hall, describe yourself for or visitors:

My name is Dr. Neal Hall. I am a graduate of Cornell and Harvard Universities. I am a practicing medical and surgical eye doctor (Ophthalmologist). I have evolved into a poet and author. I began writing poetry in high school; only later in life did I find my voice, vocation and salvation in composing verse.

I’ve recently published a critically acclaimed anthology of verse titled Nigger For Life; reflecting my painful discovery, that in “unspoken America – the real America” race is the one thing on which I am is “first” judged by which I am is “first” measured, “first”, against which my life and accomplishments are metered diminished value, dignity, equality and justice. All of which having everything to do with accessing choice, opportunity, power and freedom in America.

Favorite bible verse:

“ … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” St. Matthew: 12:25

Quote you wish to share:
“…Divided and distinguishable, we have
sold our individual birthright for
consumer rights to buy white,
to look more white,
to look like we are indistinguishably white
and in the process
we have lost our ability to distinguish real
freedom from the look of freedom.
I am convinced
that for Black Americans,
the look of freedom
has been more detrimental
than no freedom at all.”
Neal Hall, M.D. (Copyright 2009)

Tell us about your current book.

Nigger For Life is a critically acclaimed anthology of verse. The body of poetry is extraordinary …meaningful beyond black and white, worthy of – down through the ages – analytical and academic study for their compelling, empowering commentary. Nigger For Life is as confronting as it is illuminating, as disarming as it is thought provoking.

It’s candid, gut wrenching clarity gives it it’s tremendous power and impact to provoke both thought and honest dialog regarding race, racism, equality and freedom, not just in America, but throughout the world. The book’s unique ability to open minds, touch hearts and change philosophies of ordinary people is immeasurable.

Two notable and well respected minds best describe why Nigger For Life is timely: Cornel West, Ph.D., (Princeton University) said of the book  “…his poetry has the capacity to change ordinary people’s philosophy on social and racial issues”. Beth Richie, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago) stated the  “images and issues addressed in Nigger For Life are tremendously important to our people and the academic field of African American Studies”. Nigger for Life should be read, studied and included amongst the great poetry volumes written.  It is a powerful voice that speaks to the world.

What influenced you to write this book?

After years of academic rigors, it was with a deep sense of betrayal that I discovered – painfully – that despite all my hard work, enthusiasm and drive, America does not deliver equally.

I discovered that in “unspoken America – the ‘real’ America”, race is the one thing by which I am “first” judged; by which I am “first” measured, “first” against which my life and accomplishments are metered diminished value, dignity and equality; all of which have everything to do with accessing choice, opportunity, power and freedom. Now I can see – painfully – my continued state of slavery in America. In the eyes of “unspoken America”:

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

“Life is not enough, if you are not free enough to live it.”
- Neal Hall, M.D. (Copyright 2009)

What’s next for you?

I’ve complete 4 manuscripts for books.

I am currently working on my 5^th book.

Where can visitors find you online?

www.surgeonpoet.com

info@NiggerForLifeBook.com

In addition to being a poet and author, Dr, Hall is a medical and surgical eye physician. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University where he played football and ran track. While at Cornell, Dr. Hall achieved All Ivy, All East Coast, All America Honors, Co-Captained The Cornell Track and Field Team, Cornell’s Athlete of the Year – 78′, Gold Medalist 78′ U.S. National Sport Festival Mini Olympics, Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee and Cornell’s Quill and Dagger Honorary Society.

Dr. Hall received his medical degree from Michigan State and his ophthalmology surgical subspecialty training from Harvard University.

Dr. Hall began writing poetry in high school; only later in life did he find his voice, vocation and salvation in composing verse.

Listen to Dr. Hall’s Spoken Word Segment

More Deception Than Reparation

Civil rights is to human rights

what Negro is to Nigger,

more deception than reparation.

Conceived as a mitigator,

civil rights was a lesser concession,

guilefully devised to disguise and mis-prize

the greater injustice and atrocities

white men have committed against humanity.

More deception than restoration,

civil rights allowed White America to fraudulently

appear redemptive and reparative to elude the

world stage of human rights abusers.

More deception than remuneration,

civil rights allowed White America to retain

its concocted world-wide moral authority and

colonizing imposition; while at the same time,

maintaining a predatory grip over Black Americans;

albeit a lesser grip for appearance sake.

More duplicity than indemnity,

civil rights is to human rights

what Negro is to Nigger,

more concession than redemption…

more deception than reparation.

Neal Hall, M.D. Copyright 2009

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neal Hall, M.D., is a graduate of Cornell and Harvard Universities. In addition to being a medical and surgical eye doctor (Ophthalmologist), Dr. Hall is a poet and author.

Dr. Hall has written a critically acclaimed anthology of verse, Nigger For Life, reflecting his painful, later life discovery, that in “unspoken America,” race is the one thing on which he is “first” judged, by which he is “first” measured, “first”, against which his life and accomplishments are metered diminished value, dignity, equality and justice. All of which have everything to do with accessing choice, opportunity, power and freedom in America.

In Nigger For Life. The body of poetry is extraordinary … meaningful beyond black and white, worthy of – down through the ages – analytical and academic study for their compelling, empowering commentary. Nigger for Life should be read, studied and included amongst the great poetry volumes written.  It is a powerful voice that speaks to the world.

It’s no ordinary muse that has Dr. Hall becoming as much a part of his poetry as his poetry has become a part of him. Rather it’s a deep sense of betrayal combined with a passion for life that shows through. He can’t help but bare his intelligence, his wit and his dreams. His anthology is as confronting as it is illuminating, as disarming as it is thought provoking

Nigger For Life’s candid, gut wrenching clarity gives it it’s tremendous power and impact to provoke both thought and honest dialog regarding race, racism, equality and freedom, not just in America, but throughout the world. The book’s unique ability to open minds, touch hearts and change philosophies of ordinary people is immeasurable.

Two notable and well respected minds best describe why Nigger For Life is timely: Cornel West, Ph.D., (Princeton University) said of the book  “…his poetry has the capacity to change ordinary people’s philosophy on social and racial issues”. Beth Richie, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago) stated the  “images and issues addressed in Nigger For Life are tremendously important to our [African American] people and the academic field of African American Studies”

Visit Dr. Hall online at www.surgeonpoet.com.

April is National Poetry Month. We will be featuring poets this month during our 2nd annual Spoke Word Feature.

I am author and entrepreneur, A. Life… filled with words that flow the cup of my inner man… so much so… ’til drops form puddles… spilling over the sides. This piece is from My Cup Overflows… and it is titled; Stand Up!

Listen to A. Life’s Spoken Word Segment

Stand Up!

I’m balled up, squatted in a seated fetal position;

I’m afraid because my past constantly brings with it opposition.

My soul is vexed, because my inner man is perplexed, asking “Lord, Why?” and “Can you tell me what next?

I’ve been hurting for so long wondering, “Will my day ever arrive?”

“Will I ever be able to stand up and see life with my own two eyes?”

Instead I see it through the eyes of who I used to be. I just wanna be able to stand up, be free and see me for me.

My back and the side of my face is warm; heated because His light shines ever so bright.

If I rise to show my face, will that make everything alright?

The fear that grips me, acts as shackles on my hands and on my feet;

Connected in such a way that the only movement possible is the head on my neck and my mind’s release.

Even though I’ve been in this state for quite some time;

I remain optimistic about my future because soon it will be my time to shine.

The tears that flow from my inner man, the man or woe-man, I used to be;

Is causing my fetters to rust, to the point of break-ability.

The sound of the metal hitting the ground is like music to my ears;

The pain from my joints being bound reminds me of the hell I’ve come through in the yesteryears.

You probably think I should be hurting, just from the pain alone;

But as I stated before, it could be worse. I am rising to a place called: Home.

Unfolding my limbs slowly and one at a time, I’m patient not to get in a hurry;

Being able to stretch is not just a new beginning, it’s cool, but my vision is blurry.

Not only am I excited to be vertical, I’m absolutely elated;

The last obstacle I must overcome is regaining my eyesight, His perfect light blinded me and my pupils are dilated.

After blinking several times and bringing my perspective into focus;

The movement of my body parts is fluid and in view is my purpose.

My hands are raised to give Him praise because His love has lifted me;

My feet step high to do that dance, symbolizing that “I am free.”

The only time you see me squatting will be to pick something up!

Whether it is a piece of trash or your face from my speech’s strut;

No more fetal sitting will I do;

Please believe me when I tell you…

I am called to STAND UP!!!
Copyright 2010 A. Life… All Rights Reserved.

Mrs. Wanda J. Burnside is an award-winning poet and writer. Since 1970, she has received more than 25 national and local honors in writing. At the age of 20, while a student at the University of Detroit, she received her first poetry award from Broadside Press. In 1999, she received both “The Writer of the Year Award” and “The Persistence Writer of the Year Award” from the American Christian Writers Association.

Wanda is one of the contributing poets in the newly released anthology, SISTAHFAITH: Real Stories of Pain, Truth, and Triumph published by Simon and Schuster of New York.  Wanda is a contributing author and poet in other major Christian books such as: Too Soon to Say Goodbye and Wounded by Words true painful stories complied by Susan Titus Osborn, MA, Karen L. Kosman and Jeenie Gordon, MS, MA, LMFT. FAITH: Use It . . . or Lose It! by Minister Mary Edwards.

Listen to Wanda’s Spoken Word Segment

If you have trouble with the player below, you can download (right-click and chose “save as”) the mp3 file

BIO CONTINUED …

She has written three books: Rejections – 12 Steps to Recovery, The Christian Poetry Guide and Free From It! In 2010, several new books will be published: STAND, Deliver Us from Evil and others. Wanda is the founder and publisher of THE LAMP newsletter. She has written more than 800 poems, 22 performed plays for children and four drama productions for adults. Her poem, “A Prayer Can Reach Heaven” and “Come to Me,” have been produced as video productions.

Wanda is married and lives in Detroit, MI.

POEM…

  Dominique Watson is a writer, published author and business owner. She began writing poetry and short stories at a young age. Her writings are published all over the internet and she focuses on spiritual advice and inspiration. Both of her inspirational books "Inspire Me Young" & "How to Keep God in Your Life." were published within the last two years.

Her newest book The Tension Reliever Volume 1: A Poetry Collection was published  December 2, 2008.

Dominique is the founder of her company Eminent Empress. This company is the home of all of her business and organizations. She owns an online magazine for writers called From A Writers POV. She also writes for her magazine in the column called Spiritual Advice/Motivation.

Dominique owns her own ministry as well called, Ladies of Christ Proverbs 31. She recently started a movement for those struggling with their trouble areas called Take the Challenge…I Dare You!

How do you find time to connect with God?

I always make time for God. He is the reason I have everything in my life. He is my number one priority so I meditate on His Word daily

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

I love Psalm 143 and Psalm 27:10.

"When my father and mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me."

Who are your favorite authors?

James Patterson, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Omar Tyree, Eric Jerome Dickey

Can you share a poem with us?

"My Lost Loved One"

You are so loved, you are so missed.
Never thought you’d feel pain like this.

I want you to understand, I hurt too
Because I am not physically there with you.

Don’t blame yourself it was my time.
I want you to know I’m doing just fine.

Although I hurt sometimes too
When I see the pain in your heart because I’m not there with you.

But please, don’t stop living because of me.
We’ll meet again in the future you’ll see.

You are not forgotten; I’m with you constantly
And I still remember all of our memories.

So when you decide to get sad and feel lonely,
Remember our good times and say to yourself "I know he still loves me"

Tell us about your current book.

My current book, The Tension Reliever,  is my first poetry book. The poems are about life experiences and what I have seen other people going through. I wanted to give inspiration.

What’s next for you?

Well I’m currently editing my 5th book. My first Christian Fiction book, "Too Much Untold."  I’m revamping my ministry and expanding my  online magazine all over the internet.

Where can visitors find you online?

• www.dominiquewatson.webs.com
• www.ladiesofchristproverbs31.webs.com
• www.fromawriterspov.webs.com

Donnett, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a minister’s wife, a bible teacher, mother of four wonderful children, and a writer. I love the Word of God and I love sharing life changing words in many formats and venues. I am passionate about fulfilling my purpose and also encouraging others to do the same. I love worship music and traveling to different countries and sharing truth that transforms hearts and minds, especially to women, who often need to be reminded they are vessels of honor and are of great worth.

How do you find time to connect with God?

Spending time with God is very important to me. He is the air I breathe. Sometimes it’s early in the morning, at other times it is late at night. I find a quiet place and I get alone with Him, to be refurbished, refreshed and refueled. Even my children know when I am in my quiet place it is “do not disturb” unless there is a fire or a life on the line.

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (New Living Translation)

This verse speaks to me because it is saying God will do more awesome things than we can ever imagine, but it all depends on our capacity to handle His Godness (power) in us. God is never limited, but our ability to believe and imagine great things sometimes gets in the way of the magnitude of glory he wants to demonstrate through us. Therefore we are constantly in need of a mind expansion.

On Eagle’s Wings

Lord, when I am tempted to stay below in a lowly place

When operating in my comfort zone, becomes my usually pace

Come swiftly to my place of rest and unperturbed repose

Shake me loose, wake me up, my unused wings expose

Though I may not always understand or see the things you see

Deep inside I hear your voice saying, “I have need of thee”

My spirit quickens, I hear a sound, beyond the voice of man

And reason doesn’t correlate for it doesn’t understand

Tell us about your current book of poetry.

I am working on compiling my first book of poetry and prose which will be available from my website. It will include both inspirational and motivational works and will be edifying to a variety of readers.

What’s next for you?

I recently formed OmagniA Enterprises, LCC, a company that is focused on launching products that will encourage abundant living in joy and wholeness. I am working with a partner to launch a line of greeting cards that will be encouraging and uplifting and am also developing a line of giftware that fuses inspiring words with beautiful artwork. A little later on I will publish personal development workbooks, and other inspirational works through the publishing arm of OmagniA.

Where can visitors find you online?

Visitors can find me at www.powerinwords.com.

In a recent interview with Donnett Ekwerik, she tells us, "I’m a minister’s wife, a bible teacher, mother of four wonderful children, and a writer. I love the Word of God and I love sharing life changing words in many formats and venues. I am passionate about fulfilling my purpose and also encouraging others to do the same. "

Listen to Donnett’s Spoken Word Segment

If you have trouble with the player below, you can download (right-click and chose "save as") the mp3 file.

Vanessa, describe yourself for our visitors.

I am an author, poet, and playwright. I am an avid reader who loves to meet people inspirational people. I love helping people in any capacity that I can. I am a fan of classical and gospel music. I love going to the beach and just appreciating the beauty of life and all it has to offer.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I am always mindful of God. That is the way of it when you’re in love. When I wake up in the morning, He is on my mind. When I turn in for the night, He is on my mind. This connection has not always been so, my spiritual connection with God increased over the years after suffering through an unforeseen illness for seven years. He was and still is my guide and rock. For God I make the time.

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

Yes I do! Thank you for allowing me to do so When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

Can you share a poem with us?

“Simply Me”

I am simply me.
I have learned that it is alright to simply be me.
It is just too hard not to be.
It was your dance not “ours”  as it should’ve been and you lead me.
What’s wrong with my feet?
Wrong beat. Wrong dance.
Your beat is two. 
Just two beats had me depending on you.
My beats was three.  Three beats and I was free to be me.
Hear me.
I am woman: Chosen for purpose.
Cheer me.
I am real.  I can feel.
I am real. I am healed.
If you like me, that’s well.
If you dislike me, it’s still well.
Your movements provided me with a testimony to tell.
I am still standing, strong and humble. God brought me from the backwoods.
Acceptance of me is finally embraced and understood. 
By me.
Now I can truly say that I am loving me.
Humm, in retrospect there is nothing “simply”  about me. 
I am fiercely and wonderfully made. 
How simple.  Silly me.

Tell us about your current book of poetry.

I have a collection of poems that I will one day publish. As it stands now, viewers can read my poems on my website listed below. I have released my nonfiction inspirational titled The Certain Ones: You’re not forsaken. You’re Chosen for purpose, in which I share my personal journey of coping with infertility at 28 years of age due to catamenial pneumothorax, a condition of collapsed lung occurring in a 48-72 hours conjunction with menstrual periods. This condition affects 2%-3% of women. I write about how some are called and others are chosen for very special purposes. Some of us may or may not know the reason for the calling. In The Certain Ones I talk about being chosen for purpose. In spite of painful hardship that may arise in our lives i.e., sickness and rejection.

What’s next for you?

I am currently at work on my first Christian nonfiction novel titled: Love Found Me. I am intensely excited about this book. I am confident and prayful that readers are going to love it as well.  I am also at work on my next inspirational stage production slated to be performed sometime in the spring of this year.

Where can visitors find you online?

I would love for you to both visit and write me at:

• www.vanessarichardson.com
• www.myspace.com/soulful_words
• thecertainonesblogspot.com