Replica of Birmingham jail cell

Beale Street Blues

Today is the 48th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Just two days ago, I stood at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, where he spent his last hours. During my time there, I was able to spend time at the National Civil Rights Museum, reflecting on the sacrifices of Dr. King and so many foot soldiers whose names we may never know. While it seems natural that these would be the thoughts that I reflected on today, I am still feeling the weight of a different Memphis memory that I carried home with me. On Saturday Read More

Nowlin artwork photos

Freedom or Bust

It was a cold and rainy night in early February. I stood in the dark, on the property of Mr. Jacob Burkle, whose home was a depot on the Underground Railroad. I shivered from the cold but also from a fear that had suddenly come over me from out of nowhere. Was I as safe as I thought I was, or was my safety most definitely in jeopardy? I was beginning to rethink my decision, but something deep inside told me it was now or never… The character and event portrayed in the above excerpt is not fictitious. It is Read More