Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous
Bio
Known as a Significant Voice in Modern Literature, a Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2025 Black Authors Matter Children Book Awards Nominee for his books, and International Impact Awards' Author of the Year Nominee
Stories (434)
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The Snappoli Files
I've been on this case for many years. I have been watching these fugitives congregated. They are nothing but the worse con artists around. I dare to bring them down. Detective Snappoli is my name. I have been watching the Wheyans with their Attorney Sheril Berrian. All they do is plot how to steal governmental information. These con artists owned clubs and entertainment venues in East Harlem, California. And they have connections to churches and informants. Churches such as the Cult Church. It sits by the California Bay. You wondered where they got all that lovely furniture and the luxury cars. They were selling out to the Wheyans. The Wheyans regularly sends informants to the church to make sure everything is okay with them. Especially with the Pastor, C.B., C.B. was a gang member that turned his life around supposedly. He preached the fight and no longer reenacted the fight. He encouraged his congregation to do things but doesn't exactly tell them how. C.B.'s strategies of staying out of jail and the government system. He would say when he get happy, The Kingdom of God is under violent attack and has no other choice but to fight for its existence. And God will be with that. C.B. was a regular Wheyans' informant lately. The Gang Family or Wheyans were running much of East Harlem and the government wanted to end this reign. Too many victims and too many families, so it was my job to investigate and to understand their reasons and their purpose.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Ophelia Claus
I didn't come to break traditions. I didn't come to start anything just spread holiday cheer my way. The holidays are for everyone. The holidays are about spreading joy and love to everyone. That's where my heart is in. I love little children and love them as my own. I would do just about anything to see them smile and laugh. You know children are precious and children are beautiful. The way they laugh and they way they see the world. It brings you back and it makes you think. My father always taught me to look, listen and learn. Look at all the beauty surrounding you, absorb it and embrace it. Listen to all the noise, decipher and understand it. Learn about what you hear and see and know to make sure if it is correct. All my life I wanted to do what my father you probably suspected Santa Claus, no he's my uncle but Robinnus. Robinnus was a fine man that raised me. He was loving and gentle. He was patient and kind. And he knew I wanted to do something great. So he inspired me to read and read and learn and learn. I remember how my father wanted to know his family and I promised him that I would dedicate myself to knowing my family and making new family around the world. My father loved children and he would never compromised any child.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Spooky All Year Long
So I know you wondered how did it all started? Where all these scary things happened? It started at a retirement home where I was the recreational director. Just a few years on the job, the staff asked me to do a Halloween party for the retired folks. Mr. Fred is my name. I have many disciplines and many areas of achievement in college. But this is the only place I could really show my learnings. This is the only place I could show how smart and creative I could be. So yes I took on this recreational director position and I fought hard for my job. And ever week before then I would coordinate with my staff to make sure everything would be safe. Finally the day came, Halloween. And we played Stevie Wonders' Superstition. And I joined the folks with my staff to bring joy and holiday cheer. I was feeling particularly good and happy. Seeing the smiles and that everything was going ever so pleasant. My eyes could not see anything going wrong. Then my staff assistant noted some are doing two steps, others the electric slide and others happy dance. I got so disturbed by the thoughts and what the bosses would say that I turned the music off and exclaimed while dancing. Remember folks like the Thriller video, you were suppose to follow my lead that I showed the staff to teach you. I'm the Michael Jackson and you are the zombies. Then as I finished the folks booed me and threw things at me. And I got on the mic threatening to cancel the party. And then a group of folks said You're gonna wish you did not say that to us. You're gonna wish you did not threaten us. Spooky all year. Then the crowd yelled Spooky all year. And I said all hell no Party is over. And one of the staff pulled the fire alarm and everybody exit the recreational room. Then months later while my wife and I were romantically dining at our house. I saw these demonic nuns went by. And I thought it was a nightmare come to life. I kept asking my wife did she see it. I looked outside and I was frantic with a weapon. It turned out it was some teenagers harassing me. Then my house lights started to flicker on and off every time I wanted to read. Then some shadows kept chasing me down the hallway, up the street and everywhere. Months and months then some women from my past, really who I went to school with a long long long time ago. They started showing up at my job pretending like they had grandparents. They kept wanted me to rate them and they kept asking for marriage and I told them peacefully I am married as I was on the job. Being badger at my job, I even threatened to call my wife to threatened them herself. Then Months and months later, I heard the song Stevie Wonders' Superstitious. And I was at a family reunion and Great Aunt Ginune, she wanted to read everybody palm and cast a spell. I got freak out that I took my whole family after telling her she is godless and sick. We drove to the other half of the country but something came right along with us. I drove till Sunday and we all slept, eat breakfast and got to church on time. I got saved all over again and left the retirement home position and applied for Head Director. I prayed that I would be a Christian leader. That I would be godly and denounce all evil ways. I did not get the job but another job at a local community center. I learned to let people be. I learned to not let people control me. I learned to not let my own ambitions get into the way of my success. And I was happier no longer spook. That spell That curse no longer made me afraid no more spooky all year.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Galactica
Now nearly a thousand years since Earth has been uninhabited. The International Space Council ordered all living beings to leave to Venus, Mars or the Moon. And they did this over a thousand years ago. I don't know too much about Mars or Venus but I know about the Moon we face harsh realities living on the celestial being. We have to be careful with our water. We have to save up food although food can come in different ways and different forms. We have to continually keep ourselves alert in this ship transformed into a space community. And we have to adjust to the new times and measures of the sun, those scientists that we do not believe now we should have believe. I wonder as Captain Marshales if we could have saved the earth, if we could have healed the earth then we would not have been place in this unpredictable position. But I was born in this environment as many children were in incubators and in science. We were fed these foods since we were conceived. And our mothers some live at a shorter time span which is why they give birth when they were mid-age. I just want to see the Earth. I just want to see where we all came from. I want to see the Mother of the Living. We were told stories that someday Earth will heal itself without mankind. That someday Earth will have no need for living creatures. And that someday the Earth will become once like it was before but more wonderful and more beautiful.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Superstar Christmas
Uh-oh its that time of year. Christmas and presents. Cooking and traveling. And they expect me to do a holiday song. I haven't had good cooking since Mom. And I would like to go back home but things have changed. I have a woman and I am rich and I am famous. Mom wouldn't understand. Mom is religious. Mom is not into the Superstar thing. I should just avoided this time and take a break from festive doings. Then I had a dream a few days ago. My mom wanted me to come for Christmas. She was really hurt that I did not call her. And that I did not come. And she said I should of came for my father. And how my family miss me. I woke up sweating next to Grace. Grace thought I had a nightmare. I told her the dream but she did not know that much about my family because I never told her much. I thought she wouldn't think too highly of me if I was that normal. Especially since she was hot glamour model. The following week later, i daydream about this angel who told me that love will come back into my heart. That all these lies and charades were gonna stop. And that i was not raised this way. Christmas is about love and you will show love. I tried to shake the dream off and I couldn't concentrate in the sound booth. So my manager told me to take the day off. Then I saw these kids playing and I laughed. I saw them throwing snowballs and it reminded me of when I was younger with my siblings. I stood for a good hour and laugh with them. After I helped one side then they all ganged on me. Then we made snow angels. I finally got back home to my woman. And Grace said Mikey I'm pregnant. And I was shocked. And we had a little argument that's when she said she is going over her friends' house. I was alone. And I thought that I was fun until I got sick. For three whole days, coughing, sneezing and just everything coming from one end to the next. It was like I was dying. I was hoping to just live. My sides hurted, my lungs exhausted and I was just clumsy. Then I made a promise if I get better I will build a family and go back to my mother's family. I even said God. And I eventually healed remembering Mom's advice to drink electrolytes and fluids and to eat when you feel like it. All those days turning and tossing, whining and complaining, pulling myself to get ready for the day. I even started listening back to other people's music. And I finally got better with adjustments. And I had the radio on, listening to Christmas songs throughout the ordeal. I would never look at Christmas songs anymore the way I used to even as a kid. They gave me joy about tomorrow. They gave me hope about the future. They made me smile. I became a better person. They told me that there is much to be done. And much good to do. I called up Grace and I called up Mom. Grace answered and was about to hang up until I said I love her and I want to marry her. Grace broke down. And I told Grace if she come back I will tell her the true story about my family with my family. Mom did not recognized my voice. But she broke down when I said its Little Mikey your son. Mom exclaimed that she did not care what happened in the past was the past. And that now she was all about the future. And me. She said she love me and care deeply about me and her prayers were heard. Last but not least I thank the angels, i told them I would sing any song they want from my Superstar's podium. And that's when the words of OH YEAH IT'S CHRISTMASTIME. And I even asked if I could dedicated to the little boys and little girls across the world. And they gave the okay even for my one yet to be borne.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Booker T.
A man is only worth where he is willing to work. Just because our ancestors were slaves doesn't mean we do not have a future. Doesn't mean we are slaves. We can achieve greatness. We can be something. God did not give us freedom to just give up. We do not have the freedoms and rights that our ancestors have so we can beg and whine to have all the things that others do. We must pick ourselves up and take every moment as it should be. We must take every moment in life and make something out of it. We have strength. We have health. We have life. We have the due diligence. After all our ancestors work for over 400 years, 400 years on the plantation. And they stood their grounds and they fought the good fight. And they endure unmeasurable hardships. And they were beaten because they did have a will. They did have a spirit. And God did made them equal. And they fought for Lincoln now it is our turn to set the standard. It is our turn to make something out of misery. To make something about strife. To make something out of bitterness. We must show them that we are equal. We must show them that we are smart. We must show them that we are able. We must show them that we are capable. We must show them that we are not just a color or race. We must show them that we are Americans. And as we read in the good Book, we must humble ourselves. We must recognized that we are not alone. There are angels around us. There are angels among us. Even in this time of lynching and time of hatred. We can survive. We are not forsaken. And we are not alone. We have rights. And we have freedoms. Just because we have to provide on our own. Just because we have to make ends meet. Just because we have to pay for clothes and food. We are not alone. Someone is watching over us. Someone is checking in on us. Someone is protecting us. Class Dismissed.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Max Amillian the High Achiever
Ever since I was young. I wanted to be a hero. I wanted to achieve the greatest I possible can. And my parents helped me. They saw the eagerness and savvy curious child I was. At an early age I wanted to be something. I would work hard at school. I would aim high. I would study hard and I would practice and practice. My father was my first teacher. He would take me to the library and showed me how to draw. I would draw my heroes in history as big as I possible can. I would work really really hard at it. It was what I did before going to first grade. I really wanted to impress Mom and Dad since they work hard everyday for me to have a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back, and spend time with me. Mom would love picking me up and tickling me just because she liked my laughter. She would sit me on the counter and tell me a story. My father would give me assignments. Then first grade really all the way to high school, it was the same for me. I would make straight A's at least once. My teachers saw I was eager to learn. I was eager to become someone great. That's why I loved history teaching me how to walk in the footsteps of the great and avoid the bad guys of the past. I would spend recess writing and writing. I could even write with both hands even to this day. I had no time for friends and silly get-to-gathers. My mind was focus on being a hero. To use my mind to do something great. To use my smarts for solving world problems. To use my knowledge to help lead the world. Though as I grew I was tempted but who isn't. However I wanted to challenge myself and challenge the world. In middle school, I was planning to be a teacher after all a teacher said that I am as smart as her when I made straight A's for the second time in middle school. And so I tried teaching but I found out that there is more to it then just talk. So I decided to study more and more. And when I went to high school, I was almost ready tutoring what I know and helping others pass. I did pretty well. I was on the National High Honors since 6th grade. I was on Who's Who's National List in High School for seven years. And I started elementary, high school, and college early. I took many honor classes in Spanish, History, and Science even English. I was an ambassador for Model UN. I was almost ready. Then I had a sickness, it came slowly over time crippling me up. And I got so sick I had to move into a hospital several years later. I couldn't think and I couldn't do anything. All I knew was to take my medicine. The illness I eventually found out was not deadly just lifelong. I thought my mind was crippled but I took computer tests in the hospital and excel them all. I was so smart that apart of my recovery was finishing college. And I did, I finished with distinctions and honors still not ready yet. Entering graduate program, the Masters, and getting praised for excellent writing, critical thinking and dismissing because I wanted to be a teacher. I was finally ready. Many organizations were willing to allow me to teach because of my academic mastery. But there was one final test, I had to submit those essays which were frowned upon to a scholar award. Each day anticipating and nervous, weeks and weeks then the email that I beat hundreds of other professors around the world. Now it was time. Teachers are educators. Teachers are heroes. Teachers are mountain movers. Teachers are something and they can live comfortably teaching. And they can do whatever they wanted to. And they could save the world and influence the world. Teachers were the real heroes. Then I took the tests, Science online Genius Test without any preparations and a Science Genius. Math online Genius Test without any preparations and a Math Genius. History online Genius Test without any preparations and a History Genius. I took a IQ over 130 Test and now have an IQ over 130 which is Gifted. I was on fire and ready and determined. I was back. It was my time. Max Amllian time to change the world as a multiple scholar and certified high academic achiever by four honor societies and lifetime member to two of them.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Grand Daddy Washington
I remember Grand Daddy Washington. After all we used to play chess just about every afternoon since he retired from the presidency. And he would win most of time, he would give that smile when he caught me. And he would say that I would get him one day. And he used to tell me stories as we set up the chess game. He would tell how he fought the Indians. And how he thought he was doing good until something happen. He was shot in the shoulder by an Indian. And how he barely recovered and that he begin to question his campaign or the Crown's campaign against the Indians. He did not understand the point. He did not really think it was worth it. And how he refused an order to continue fighting the Indians and complained that the men were discouraged by the campaign. Then he would tell how Benedict Arnold almost became the Commander-in-Chief. However he said that he did not have the charm, godliness or respect of his men. And that's why he think he betrayed the colonists. And he ran away to England. He said that he would of gave him a good position within the military if only he would have respected his authority and respected the cause. Jefferson was his adoptive son and I was his adoptive grandson James Monroe. Washington was all of our hero. He was gracious. He was respected. And he was loved. My wife and I cherished the companionship of the Washingtons. And he called me his grandson. Many children were named after Washington including his nephew and his wife Martha's children named children after him. Washington was loved by many. Washington even kissed babies and he blessed children named after him. He would travel the country as much as he liked Summer he liked Winter. He also went on about story of his brother Lawrence. Lawrence and him used to go fishing in New York. Washington regretted that Lawrence lived a short life and he promised his brother to take care of his wife. He told me of all his perils. Washington was not afraid to humble himself and spoke much about his faith. He used his faith to guide him. And he would not let anything hinder him from doing what he felt was necessary. Washington also told me about how he treated his troops letting them see plays such as Cato about a Roman Senator who helped Julius Caesar become emperor who then Caesar kills because he threatens to tell the Senate that he helped him. Historically it is based on a true story even though in history it was ruled that Cato committed suicide. Cato ran against Caesar in every emperor election. Then Grand Daddy Washington talked about his cousin John Adams who lived in Massachusetts and how he loved visiting him for the holidays. Washington loved traveling across the country because he loved surveying the land. He loved this country and was born in this land. He could not dream of a better place than America. He would give up his honor which he did. He said that he gave land to Virginia that he got from the King of England to Virginia for the hand of Martha Dandridge his wife. He said that they were childhood friends that grew apart and came back. Washington was just about to marry another woman named Sally but Martha Martha was like his mother, she was good and godly and pretty. Washington would let no one dance with her at his party. All his friends and officers would tell no one to dance with Washington's Martha. I adore Washington my Grand Daddy and his friendship and his mentorship and his love will last forever in my heart and all those who knew him.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
For Lincoln
I knew Lincoln ever since I was freed. He welcomed me to his house. He was a good man. He was a hard man. He loved his country. And he was not afraid to fight for the people. Lincoln was smart and a clever politician. I remember our talks over dinner with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. Lincoln was very much into politics. And he knew a lot about the system and the governance. Lincoln made me think twice about politics. And he wanted me to do something for him. He wanted me to make the country remember. To never forget the sacrifice that united it back again. I gave my word to Lincoln that I would fight for the union. That I would fight for my people even if something happens to him. Lincoln was my friend and yes sometimes we disagreed but love for the country and love for humanity brought us back together. I was so sure about the country as Lincoln regain the presidency. I was hopeful. I was inspired. I even dare came to the Presidential Convention. Because I knew that it was a special moment for the country. We were no longer slaveholders. We were no longer making slaves out of innocent people. We learned our lesson. We learned how to not judge a man based on his color. And by God, we did it. We became the nation that the true founders' envision. I Frederick Douglass got to see what my ancestors wanted to see justice. And I was so sure that nothing could take that away. I was so certain that Lincoln will live but he died by the hand of a traitor. That rotten no good man took the life of Lincoln. And the General Ulysses told me that he wanted to drive us back into slavery. He wanted to start the war all over again. He wanted to put innocent children and innocent people into slavery. And the mass killing of countrymen by war. That is disgusting and sick, but the General told me that he was found guilty and shot to death. Poor Lincoln, a man of dreams and a man of visions. A man that I looked up to. That's why I took so many positions in government, I wanted to finish the job that Lincoln started. You know we were like partners. His legacy was my legacy and my legacy was his legacy. Now that America has set my people freed, I can work. I can dedicated my life to a better union even if I died like Lincoln. I had other friends like Susan B. And ever so often we would talk about Lincoln. We would talk about what we've been through. We would laugh and cry. We would really really think about the country. She became my closest friend after Lincoln. She was stern about Women Rights. And I was stern about Civil Rights. And we would debate and enjoy each-other's company. And ever so often we would ask What would Lincoln do if he was alive? Lincoln was special to her ever since she introduced him as a presidential candidate in New York City and she gave him the overwhelming approval of teachers. She believed Lincoln was genuinely a good man, hard worker, and a good leader. After several years of traveling and encouraging my people, I was asked to run as Vice President. This lovely woman who was smart and clever wanted to make history. And my friend Susan B. was delighted and intrigue. She convinced me to do it. She told me that Lincoln would have wanted me to do it. And she exclaimed it would show the connection and power of our friendship standing for Civil Rights and Women Rights. So I ran and I did every means to show that freedmen were just as smart and just as clever. I may not have won but it was progress plus the General said I made them remember Lincoln and all the rights and freedoms we so fought for.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Merchantile Ship
I remember the Merchantile Ship as my father told me. Well it was my grandfather that went on that ship in the 1600's. They promised that Blacks would be treated the same as Whites. Even though they divided them, they were equal. In the Americas, they would be all treated as indentured servants. It was where Blacks could live on new hopes and terms with White people. My father told me that at first only Whites could row the ship but there was many storms on the Atlantic Ocean. They were so terrible that they made everybody work together. That's when the bond was created that Blacks and Whites need each other and should stick together. And that there were death on the ships especially among Natives and poor. The Merchantile Ship was the chance for greatness. It was the chance to make the New World work for everybody. And everybody was needed in the Americas, they promised jobs when grandfather was in England. They promised land and they promised plenty of opportunity. The sail took six months and sixty days. And everybody was sick of the sea and so happy to reach shore. Everybody rush off the ship after spending most of their lives within the months on the ship. There grew friendships as well as adversity. Some people were plotting to take the best of the land. Some were making deals on what they would do with the land. And they hope the Natives that did not die from the overseas' travel would help them create new friendships with the Natives in the land hoping that they speak their language and understand their custom.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
More to it
I remember growing back up down South. I remember the trees. I remember the wildlife. I remember the food. I remember home. Momma would have me watering the garden. And the bees, flies and insects would attack me. I would try to protect myself with a hood and water quickly. And Momma would say they better not become dry. I'm Matt and I have a little sister Hazey. Hazey was a good looking young girl that liked to discover the world. She was smart and cunning. I could not get anything passed her. She was always listening and thinking. Sometimes I think she wanted to be me. But I am the older one, I am the older brother. And Momma told me to look out for her. I love Hazey but she someitmes become too much to handle. And now its our first day going to school together. Dad was worried and so was Momma because the schools were just integrated. Momma feared somebody might attack Hazey and I. Dad told us to be brave and to be like Dr. King. He said Dr. King wants us to have a good education. And Dr. King loves the children so much that he wants them to play together and be friends with one another. And I said Daddy Dr. King is like Jesus, he's my hero. And Momma and Dad sent us off holding hands to the bus stop. At the bus stop there was no one there but us. And we were afraid because we waited on the curb. Then we saw the neighbor, Mrs. Evers was walking with her two daughters. Mrs. Evers introduced us to the two daughters, Betsie and Belinda. And I introduced Hazey and me. And when Mrs. Evers left she waved at us and she said that she would watch for us from a distance. Betsie said Hay Hay and Matt Matt. And Belinda laughed and they both laughed. And I told them to knock it off because we weren't making fun of them. I was just about to get back at them when Hazey made a cute sound. She was playing with the flowers by the tree and smelling time. She said Matt look I love flowers and nature. And I went over and play with the flowers, I told her their names and what they smell like. I told her that she would learn all about their beauty and attributes in school. Hazey was excited and then I saw the bus, so I hurried up Hazey to come. And she came just in time as Betsie and Belinda got on the bus I first let Hazey go because she was young and she was a future lady. And the bus driver looked mean but she smiled at the cuteness of Hazey and she was nice to Hazey but gave me the eye. I admitted school was tough. I saw right by my sister. And I was her defender. Mom and Dad put me in charge and Hazey was a big responsibility. Betsie and Belinda sat in front as I locked in Hazey's seatbelt. Betsie said that I was babying her and that I should stop. So did Belinda say the same thing and they were making fun of me saying that I think that I am the father. Then they begin to call me Father Matt. I just looked out the window and play with my sister. I love watching her smile and gaze at the outdoor as she was close to the window. Then we got off the bus last, and there were people who were fighting outside. And there were people who were yelling. Hazey and I had to be escorted by the security guard. I hugged Hazey before I turn her over to her teacher. She was happy and scared about Mrs. Dorothy. And Mrs. Dorothy asked my teacher Mrs. Tyson if we can do a combined class. Mrs. Tyson hesitantly agreed. And when Mrs. Dorothy suggested her students go over to Mrs. Tyson class then Mrs. Tyson agreed. And Betsie and Belinda were in my class. And Mrs. Tyson asked me to read and I was nervous but she sat my sister in front of me and she was glaring at me and the book. The other students did not think I could read that well and my sister and I were the two of three Black students. I read aloud and clearly. And Hazey celebrated and I hugged her. Mrs.Tyson cried and Mrs. Dorothy cheered on and they hug all their students. And Mrs. Dorothy's cousin was the guest and she played the guitar, she first played 'This Land is Your Land' then 'Dr. Martin Luther King was a great man'. And Hazey and I never wanted to leave the classroom. And the school felt it was too dangerous for us to take the bus so our parents came. And when they heard everything they took us out to eat and we spent time together being a family. I guess Dr. King's dream is a good dream. And if we loved then we can open each other's hearts.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Mack Augustus
I was born a slave. The son of a slave. My mother was a slave and my father was the Master. Many times I questioned my life and its importance. I knew I was born for a reason but I could not figure out the reason. My mother worked all her life trying to be something. She worked hard in the fields and she did not fail to do her part. She taught me perseverance. She taught me love. She taught me respect. At times I was confused about who I was. I am the son of the master yet I am a slave. Each passing day, it begin to eat me up and tear me apart. Mother knew how to console me. She knew how to keep me in my place. She knew how to talk to me. She knew how to comfort me. My mother was all I knew. She was everything to me. She was the glue that kept me going each day. I don't know what I would do without her. I don't know if I could be stable without her. I wanted to learn. I wanted to read. I wanted to do what other young kids did. But mother told me that I have everything that I needed. She told me that things would come in time. That I Mack would be something someday that nobody could talk down and that nobody could oppressed. And I believed my mother. I believed her dearly. I did not see my father much. He was usually away and the slave-drivers were harsh upon us. And they would be vexing and provoking. I would pay no attention because I knew how to work. I knew when to work. I was smart. I was strong. I was able. And I did not need a slave-driver to curse at me and beat me to submission. I had friends and relatives on the plantation. And some of them stood and some of them left. I didn't know about freedom. I didn't understand why people wanted to free. I didn't know myself that well. All I knew was on this plantation. Then as I aged Momma was shocked at the news from the Master. She overheard him saying from the slaves in the Master's house that he was gonna sell a slave. And something left Momma that day, she was never the same. She was stricken and tired. She was not the same. I caught her just before she fell down walking toward the field. And Momma told me what freedom was. She told me what freedom was like. She told me to read the Bible. And she told me that a man must fight for freedom. That people are not meant to be slaves. That people are not meant to oppress. That people are human beings with minds, thoughts, and free will. And Momma died that day in my arms. I cried like a baby. I was angry. I was mad. I was fed up. I wanted to be the man that my mother raised. I wanted to be the man that my mother created. And the slave-driver pulled me away from Momma's dead body. And now I was alone in this world. Mack was the only name I knew because my master did not think fit for me to have any full name like a human being. The Master came to my cabin and he called me by name. And he had a slave-driver with a gun. And he proudly said Now that my mother died that I can move on. And that he had business with me. He wanted me to sell off to his daughter who was getting married. I didn't say anything but kept my head low and didn't look him into his eyes. And he asked me to speak, he said speak boy. And I said My mother loved you enough to give birth to your child. I am your son. Why do you treat me like a slave? Why do you called me out of my name? Why do you speak to me like I am nothing? My mother was all I had. She was everything. I don't want to go. And the Master said so you speak like a man. Then he turned and laughed with his slave-driver and said slaves are not human beings and they must be taught obedience. Strap him up. This boy needs a whipping. And the slave-driver took me and stretch my arms in the barn tied up and stretch my legs and tied them up. The slave-driver was just about to start whipping when the Master took over and said I got to teach the boy that he is no man and that he will obey me. As the Master starts beating, I cried and started getting angry. The Master beat harder and harder. And I yelled and torn the straps and the Master was shocked. I took the whip and shouted So you wanna beat me now that Momma's gone. I will show you and he put the Master into a deep sleep. And I looked for the slave-driver but he was in the Master's house. And I grab a horse because I worked with all of the horses and slowly but surely rode miles away quietly and cross rivers with what I had. I came to a ship and said that I was a freedman. And I moved with the ship as a worker up North. I was able to purchase a bible and taught myself to read. And I added my last name Augustus for my safety. For I was freed and happy. I became a man and Momma would be proud up in Heaven. For I escaped and was never ever gonna turn back. I would rather died than be a slave.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
