Book Look! With Gail Merriwether

Book Review: RACE TRAITORS by Mark Davis

     Recently I had the opportunity to meet Chicago author Mark Davis, former commander with the Chicago Police Department now retired, and author of a book titled RACE TRAITORS. We met at a law enforcement retiree function  (my background also being in law enforcement) where I was introduced to Davis and his book RACE TRAITORS. As an avid reader and author myself, my interest was immediately piqued, even more so when I noticed the book related to my hometown of Chicago and I immediately procured a copy.

     

RACE TRAITORS, according to the bio flap, takes places in the city of Chicago during the 60's and early 70's when gang activity and violence reached an all time high, primarily on the south and southeast sides, something I can attest to as a kid who grew up during that era and in that location.

The plot revolves around two main characters, detectives Aristotle Ashford and Myles Sivad, and their "suspenseful journey through the streets of Chicago in pursuit of justice."

Told mainly from Sivad's viewpoint, I found the story to be a virtual trip down memory lane, filled with references to places I'd known back in the day.  Izola's restaurant, the Woodlawn neighborhood, Cook County Hospital, Daddy-O-Daley, Hyde Park High School, legendary 47th street, and the newsstands on every street corner blending into the history and background of the city. 

Tension between the two detectives surfaces in their relentless quest to solve the gang killings, as Sivad is a rookie and Ashford, a veteran who despises blacks killing blacks considering them traitors to the race.

While populated with interesting characters and situations, Davis' writing occasionally seems to emulate  more of a police report style (just the facts, ma'am) than an author's narrative, but for anyone with decades of police reporting as his part of his legacy, perhaps it was bound to seep in. The ending, though satisfactory, left a question or two hanging with the reader, such as what happened to a particular character or the resolution of a particular relationship.  

And then coincidentally, I recently met Davis again at another retiree function where I learned of his new novel, RACE TRAITORS 2.   Of course I  purchased a copy immediately-- if only to find out if perhaps those one or two lingering questions from the first novel get answered.

Learn more about the author and book here:

https://www.racetraitorsthebooks.com/

What's on your reading list this summer? Feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

Poetry Corner* Dr. Archan Mehta

 

Fool’s Paradise 

The tragedy of our times is that we have divided/lines--

Our world, one world into winners and losers but,

In the end, we all face death and destruction on a

Massive scale and nobody is prepared to pay that price.

A bomb, drone or missile which falls from the sky,

And explodes, suddenly, within the blink of an eye

Does not discriminate between caste, creed, race,

Religion, color, nationality and gender. A weapon

Of mass destruction vaporizes life: human, animal,

Vegetable and mineral. Once we move forward, there

Is no going back, and we will not be able to get back

On track. Thus, we need to learn how to think before

We act instead of demonstrating impulsive behavior.

We need to resolve our differences and conflicts

Through diplomacy, negotiations and tact. Otherwise,

Mankind faces a bleak future for sure and even our

Children and grandchildren may not be around anymore. 

BIO: 

Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, Dr. Mehta likes to stroll in the outdoors and party with close friends. He is also fond of meditation. Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.

Join Poets United in Celebrating the End of Summer With Some Hot Poetry and Stimulating Conversation!

We hope you'll join us as we share some hot poetry, cool conversations, and afternoon fun!

DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

WHERE: 

WEST PULLMAN LIBRARY

830 W. 119TH STREET

CHICAGO, IL

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

2:30-4:30 P.M. (SATURDAY)

Open mic starts at 3:30 p.m.

Refreshments served

Free to the public

SEE MORE INFO HERE:

https://chicagolocalevents.com/events/rock-your-rhymes-poets-united-2026-09-19-west-pullman/

Guest Poet* Author Evelyn Cogdell

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

By: Evelyn Cogdell

For the naysayers

For all those who said 

We’d never make it

We made it

For all those who said

We couldn’t do it

We did it

We made it happen

Look at us

Standing tall, being strong

We are the champions

We made it work

They said we’d never overcome

They said we’d never amount to

Anything,

But look at us

We made waves

All are amazed

At how we defeated the enemy

We are the champions

We made it work

We rose from the ashes…

To reach the top of the heap,

We showed them all

We came

We conquered

We are the champions

Our train is on the right track

There’s no turning back

We are the champions

That’s a fact!

And nothing or no one

Can ever change that!

BIO:

Evelyn Cogdell is a poet, educational consultant, and cookbook author residing in Chicago.

Image credit: Pixabay.com

The Joy of June Brings Continued Blessings!

 

A popular TV commercial states that

"The key to being RICH is knowing what to count." 

I concur.

In this spirit, I felt compelled (and inspired) to pen today's post. Even though officially, I'm supposed to be on summer break at the beach somewhere with my suntan lotion and a cool drink. Hello?

Then I thought to myself, before I go M.I.A., I ought to pen this on-my-mind post to capture and memorialize this month and my current (and continued) blessings. 

The reason?

I am reminded that things can change sometimes in an instant. Without notice. An unexpected death. A health scare. A financial fall.  

I am reminded that even though things don't always go the way I would like, or even think they should, there are many blessings to embrace. Daily. Monthly. In the here and now. 'Cause things can always be worse. And gratitude counts.

According to Helpguide.org, "Taking a moment to notice and acknowledge the things you’re grateful for each day can brighten your outlook, boost your mood, and help you feel more positive in the face of challenges."

HERE ARE A FEW BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING FOR ME:

• This month (June) marks the anniversary of the conceptualization and execution of two of my favorite literary projects. They have both been a labor of love. I have successfully published two blogs on writing: one for poets and the other for writers of all genres and levels. I am proud and elated that they have both been able to go the distance and make a difference. And I thank all of you readers that have supported me in those efforts.
• June marks my birthday month. And it appears that the more candles my cake collects, the more my blessings do, too! This year I had big fun. I received cards, gifts, money, calls from folks across the country. From friends I've known since 8th grade; friends I met in college; friends I've bonded with online; friends who are fellow poets. From friends of all colors, classes, and experiences. People who have enriched my life more than a pot of gold. 

• June marks the initial formation of my group, Poets United to Advance the Arts. We've been on the arts scene for decades! Presenting poetry performances, workshops, and even educational literature, for global audiences. And the really cool thing about our shared interest is that we also share a mutual love and respect for each other.  What a great two-fer!

• And last but not least, I have activities I enjoy, love in my life, a place to call home, and fairly good health.

In closing, I am grateful for your time, readership, and comments. Please feel free to share something you're grateful for this month.

Now, I am officially on summer break until September 2026, when I hope to rejoin you.

Have a blessed, abundant, safe summer!

JEN  

Poetry on the Patio 2026 a Huge Success!

It was a day truly gifted by GOD. 

Despite the 11th-hour weather forecast prediction of rainstorms, the weather turned out perfect. Complemented by good food, good moods, good conversation, and groovy folks (as Lou Rawls sings about). 

Things started popping around 3:30 p.m.

On the menu for the gala celebration?

• Fried chicken
• Roasted chicken
• Bucket of chicken wings
• Macaroni salad
• Tuna salad
• Salsa & chips
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Red Velvet cake
• Pops/water/beer/wine

Throughout the hours, music and laughter filled the air, along with poetry, of course. Later in the evening, as parting gifts, guests were presented with free raffle prizes that included: a beautiful ice bucket with matching tongs, a red deluxe toaster, washroom accessories, and more!

Though it's difficult to capture the joy of the event in mere words, the photos below help to "paint a picture."

Here's what one celebrant shared at the conclusion of the forum: 

"Jen, thanks so much for your wonderful hospitality during your poetry event today. Everything was simply exquisite. The ambiance, fellowship, and food was truly on point."  

On a final note here:

I'm proud to share that my group and I have hosted "Poetry on the Patio" for decades. It's typically held in June (which is the anniversary of the formation of the group, plus my birthday month).  

It's a fun and innovative way to bring the joy of poetry to people of all ages and interests, in our ongoing mission to "advance the arts." 

It also serves as a great meet and greet!

A special thanks to all of those who showed up and showed out!

And all of those who contributed to the overall success.

Poets United to Host Annual Poetry on the Patio!

 

JOIN US FOR SOME FUN & SUN! 

As we share poetry, pot luck, prizes and more! 

June 13, 2026 (Saturday)

@ Jen's place

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

By invitation only* so check your mail boxes