I have the divine right to own my anger. (See “ANGER” via the index
herein.) But, contrary to the misconceptions of many cowards and fools,
my life is filled with much more than that anger which I own. The essence of life is to embrace all emotions. Life is filled with joy and pain. Just as I am angered by the pain in this world, I am blessed by many of its joys.

When I am not penning this column, I am basking in the following joys:

GOD- I am not religious. All religions are man made. I am very spiritual. My God is universal and has blessed me with unique power and purpose. My spirit and soul soar daily due to my spiritual connection to God.

LOVE- I have been blessed to know wonderful family, many dear friends, and a sacred lover. All of these special persons know me as a loyal Leo with a ferocious sense of humor. The passion of my anger is surpassed by my passion for life. I love and laugh as deeply as I rant and rebel. Just as I am in touch with my ancient warrior spirits, I am deeply in touch with my eternal inner child.

INDEPENDENCE- I have been blessed with superior education and exciting jobs. I have always managed to maintain my integrity within progressive corporations. I have been blessed with posts that do not consume my soul. I will always strive to sell my skills without selling my soul.

HOME- I have been blessed with my own address since I was 16. I am still blessed to be childless and free. My mom is my best friend. We now live on different floors of the same luxury building. I am a Leo with Cancer rising and a Taurus moon. That makes me a home body who enjoys lavish times in luxury. The decor in my home is an artistic tribute to African women.

MUSIC- I have been blessed to create, produce and host a radio show which has celebrated the musical and literary voices of black women since 1989. I own a music library that can hold its own against any other anywhere. Music heals and energizes me. It is as necessary to my living as oxygen.

BOOKS- I have always loved to read. I am blessed with the time to read at least five books weekly. I live at libraries and bookstores. I collect books and cherish my own eclectic library.

FILMS- I cherish my VCR. I collect films. Only my music library can rival my video library. I adore African and foreign classics like “Sankofa” and “Black Orpheus”. And, I own nearly every film Pam Grier ever made.

FOOD-I was born into a family of professional chefs. I adore Mandarin Chinese cuisine. I adore soul food and African cuisine also. Unlike many luckier souls, my genes do not match my culinary appetites. So, I constantly battle with my weight because I truly love the pleasure of feasting on fine foods.

Whenever I am slandered by those who view my complex spirit through the limitations of their own blinding cowardice, sexism, homohatred, pacifism, and ignorance, I recall the poetry of Ossie Davis, in his eternal eulogy to Malcolm X:

“Many will ask what Harlem finds to honor in this stormy, controversial and bold young captain...and we will smile...They will say that he is of hate-a fanatic-a racist-who can only bring evil to the cause for which you struggle! And, we will answer and say unto them: Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm? Did you ever touch him, or have him smile at you? Was he ever associated with violence or any public disturbance? For if you did, you would know him. And if you knew him, you would know why we must honor him...he was and is a Prince-our own Black Shining Prince!-who didn’t hesitate to die, because he loved us so...”

Like those who know Malcolm, those who know me know that my eloquent fury is a very small part of my superior whole. Like Malcolm X, I will continue to be regal in my rage. And, I will continue to love all those who love me...Power to the People.