Visions of Black Life An Outstanding Collection of Short Stories And Poetry, May 2005

This collection is Africana Homestead Legacy Publishers? first annual monographic series, established to recognize the winners of our annual literary contests. High school teachers, undergraduate students, and graduate students, this year's diverse group of authors (2004 winners) captures the black experience from interesting perspectives: mature versus young adult and those within versus those outside the community. In Volume I, the short stories range from thought-provoking to humorous. ?Like White? captures the complex issues of an interracial family confronting racism during a KKK march in Newark, Delaware (Rachel Elizabeth Griffiths, first place, adult category). In ?My Sister's Keeper,? a newly divorced mother of two finds help and friendship as she leaves behind her privileged middle class life for more humble surroundings (Cassandra L. Manuel, second place, adult category). ?The Story of Tina? explores the troubles of teen life when Tina confronts love and deception in her relationship with her boyfriend Raashan (Cassandra L. Manuel, honorable mention, adult category). Similar to an African tale, and for the young and young at heart, the children at summer camp ask their mayor and city council for help when their lunch is a disaster in ?P?Nut Butter and Rubber? (Kemba Sonnebeyatta, third place, adult category). The poetry is equally rousing, even controversial. ?Just Asking? sharply criticizes black folk engaged in self-destructive behavior in the community (Cassandra L. Manuel, first place, adult category). A forceful warning for young ones growing into adulthood bursts from the page in ?Predators? (Cassandra L. Manuel, honorable mention, adult category). A historical retrospective on racism, ?Freedom? recounts past challenges, progress, and failure that impacts the present (Adrianne K. Scott, second place, adult category). ?Black and White,? with sophisticated imagery, captures the essence of the conundrum, ?separate but equal? education (Stefanie Gordon, first place, youth category).Griffiths, Rachel Elizabeth is the author of 'Visions of Black Life An Outstanding Collection of Short Stories And Poetry, May 2005', published 2005 under ISBN 9780965330862 and ISBN 0965330869.