Ruthie Foster performing her song "Harder Than The Fall"

A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN---HENRY L. JONES!

I'm happy to report the new release of RUN INTO BLACKNESS: FEELING MY POETIC GUMBO by Henry L. Jones.

This must-read is published by Pneuma Publishing International, and is available online for your enjoyment.

Consider it "required reading" from a heavy dude and an awesome poet and writer!

You do us proud (Henry)! Much continued success...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

JOIN POETS UNITED for 2 exciting upcoming events!

October 17--2:30-4:30--(in conjunction with the Beverly Library), will host Meet the Authors Day, featuring Chicago Writers Association.

November 21--2:30-4:30 Blogging for Writers--presented by Marcie Hill. Both forums will be held at the new Beverly Library at 1692 W. 95th Street.

Hope to see you there!

POEM OF THE MONTH--BY YOURS TRULY

RACE RELATIONS

There is but one "race"---the human race
There is but one finish line---the pearly gates!

15 YEARS WORTH CELEBRATING!

This past week, I had the pleasure of celebrating (with my poetry members), our 15th year anniversary as poets, creative artists, friends, and at times, an extended family.

What a blast!
...A back yard barbeque with beautiful weather and beautiful people. We had fabulous food and fun galore!

In attendance?
Lilllian Mitchum, A.D. Moore, Elaine Millsap-Parker, Daryl Avery, Mike Bowie, Crenshaw and guest, Sponge, Johnie B. Sanders of the Johnie B. Sander's Blues Group, and Damita Wilson.

To my regret, I forgot to take pictures, but I'll post comments as they become available.

We look forward to 15 more years of sharing our love of the arts and growing as individual artists!

Thank you for your continued support.

POEM OF THE WEEK

OUR GREATEST FEAR
BY: Marianne Williamson

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.

It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others...

CHICAGO WRITERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A SUMMER WRITING COMPETITION

Whether you are "versed" in creating verse, have a fix for fiction, or are into penning non-fiction pieces, here's the time to shine!

C.W.A (Chicago Writers Association)
SeeWWW.CHICAGOWRITES.ORG is sponsoring "FIRST THINGS FIRST", a creative writing contest that gives scribes famous first lines as the basis for competing for cash and prizes for winning entries.

See the website listed above for more details.