Stand For Something, and Someone Else.

Civil Rights protestor alone and defiant.

I grew up during this era and everything was devoured, meaning all information about the Civil Rights movement was taken in by the general public eagerly and with dread. It was exciting for reasons this generation cannot grasp.

Every time period exists within a period of time. How it was important and unique to its time is important to the future where it is judged. It has always been like this in human history! - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 9/7/18 

Kaepernick making a statement.

Cicely Tyson speaking at Aretha Franklin's funeral. 2017. 

I am always moved by Cicely Tyson's presence, what she says, does not say and how she conveys deep intangibles with her eyes, and by right of ancestry and legacy!" - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories (Sept. 7, 2018) 

Shekere played by Chadra Pittman made by Madeline Yyodele of Women of the Calabash. photo by Bill Thomas.

SHE Wrote her life.

Cicely Tyson speaking at City of Praise Family Ministries in August 2017, at 93 years old!

I wish it was a clear picture. The details of her face contribute to the depth of her living, and signals what is possible... Didn't realize she was old. I've long had deep feelings about her that started in the 1970's being in awe of her voice, character, the way she looked and faced white folks and their institutions. Then a crush developed.

When I found out she'd been married to Miles Davis, I realized I would always be out of her depth. Some people, like Cicely Tyson, remain ahead of the fearful, and those outside of the deeper acceptance of the deep truths within their souls, will not ever fully grasp the years of her life, or the roles she played as an old woman. It is a compelling concept portraying old Black women. The answer to why such an endeavor pushes the majority of Americans into what is culturally feared the most tells its own stories: old age, clarity, power and death! 

That is a responsibility to have to take care of! - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories [Aug. 12, 2017] 

Cicely Tyson speaking at City of Praise Family Ministries, August 2017. photo by Janice Payne.

REALITY = CASH in business.

Kim Kardashian for Vogue Italia

Kim Kardashian stuns the senses in a cherry red midi
(and matching Christian Louboutin pumps)
while out and about in Los Angeles !!!!

Despite being a reality star, and having a sex tape on the market, Kim Kardashian's appearances are international events. I believe the money she generates for other people, and an assortment of industries, or more succinctly the value she brings to the market place is the primal impetus of all the fuss around her. As her beauty unfolds many expect to be astounded by her appearance, and insight during her older years much the way people like Dixie Carter, Eartha Kitt, First Lady Roslyn Carter, actress Cicely Tyson, my mother and her mother did. Aging is impressive if one lives deeply and doesn't subscribe to short cuts or illusions of forever youth. 

Growing up physically, and maturing are not the same thing. Physically growing up only leads to dead ends, and disappointments if a soul cannot bend like the oak, or flow as a stream from within  Maturity is a spiritual undertaking, and intellectual development. It is the learned capacity to have control over one's emotions, one's spirit and the words of the moth. Maturity is control over reactions and actions. Maturity is revelation. Much is revealed during evolution, and creation stories are the process of budding understandings from crude abrupt awakenings to relationships with True Powers! - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 9.30.13

radio host Lady B at sunset sitting on Stone People !!!!

Real Housewives of Atlanta season 3 !!!!

A Composition

Cicely Tyson at Hearth Truth 2009

“Composure moves against the definition, and belief that composure is being still, and contained. Composure is movement within stillness the way power contained is not contained, but bristles beneath the discipline of character, restraint, and wisdom. Within a woman it merges with the capacity, the power and ability to give birth and hold a nations’ families together. Within men it is the power of knowing force and power and how to compose character and fairness around them the way his woman's arms embrace him and his passion, and the way her legs can wrap around his waist to balance his essential soul enabling him to protect his family better.

"What is composed with you?" an Elder asks. – Gregory E. Woods

Cindy Bush sporting a hat 

Proud of our BEST

Cicely Tyson, actress, was married to Miles Davis.

Miles Davis, and then wife singer Betty Davis

"We must understand that this music is not of a popular form,(commercial). There is no such thing as rating. Art is subjective. Either you dig it or you do not dig, ("Keep it moving") and there is no comparing one to the other. It's like looking at a bed of flowers. They are all beautiful. You cannot compare 'Trane to Rivers, Hubbard to Lee. All of these artists have their own thing. This is a classical art-form you appreciate it, if you are on the level. We cannot all be on the level and have that understanding of the complex art-form." - Rashid Booker 


Bessie Smith: I Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl