Football is KING in our home. You know this. But I try to keep the guys in good condition all year round. That means they either 1) work out with me, 2) have a personal trainer, or 3) do alternative sports during the off season. Ezra is finally on the varsity football team at… Continue Reading
Ezra Turns Sixteen—And Tinka Can’t Handle It
I wrote Ezra a one page letter this morning at 3:27 AM. Today is his sixteenth birthday. He’s not a ‘little dude’ anymore. Writing letters or poems about your children is quite possibly, as a writer, in my opinion, probably the easiest assignment you’ll ever have. It’s nothing. In fact, there are so many images,… Continue Reading
What Would Carter G. Woodson Do?: When your child’s school doesn’t celebrate Black History Month
In February of 2015, my wife and I noticed that the boys were not talking about any looming Black History month material from the elementary school we enrolled them in when we arrived here in Charlotte. Not one mumbling word. So we had an over the phone conference with the principal; a middle age, laid back… Continue Reading
My Daddy’s Records #6 “Bonita Applebum” A Tribe Called Quest-1990
Bonita-Bonita-Bonita You haven’t lived until you’ve looked into the rear view mirror of your mini van , and witnessed, in unison, four Black boys nodding and reciting that refrain, mimicking the lyrics of one of the greatest voices hip-hop has ever produced. Bonita Applebum, the second single off of Queens-bred hip-hop icons, A Tribe Called… Continue Reading
When Academic Giants Stumble:What to do when your teenager’s GPA drops and he loses focus
Ty I was running late. What’s new? It was October 2008 and Ezra was competing in a campus wide spelling bee against upper classmen. He was in the third grade. I walked in the auditorium right on time to hear him spell the winning word: incredulous. He stepped to the mic and spelled it correctly after… Continue Reading
Birds, bees and Truelove: Ezra finally reads my first YA novel that tackles sex and abstinence
My eldest, Pretty Boy McCoy, has been an avid reader ever since he was four. He. Reads. Everything. When he was seven he became my unofficial proofreader and editor. We bought more book shelves for his room, and he wouldn’t even leave the house without a book beneath his armpit. As a matter of fact,… Continue Reading
My Daddy’s Records #5 “Images” The Crusaders-1978
September 29, 2015 You may not know this, but I use to be an MC. An ‘ill’ MC. My rhymes, my delivery, my wordplay were masterful (I guess back then I would have said funky fresh or dope,right? Educated Negroes…) When I was seventeen, graduated from high school and enrolled in a junior college, I… Continue Reading
At The Table: The annual meeting before the first day of school
My guys do a great job of retaining every day interactions that I’ve long forgotten. Little things. But usually their rendition of things that I’ve said or have done are right on point. That’s why it’s imperative to 1) keep it real with them, 2) always have the best intentions, and most importantly, 3) create rituals… Continue Reading
Barnes Brothers-ism #3
BB-ism #3 “Finally!!! The BARNES BROTHERS ARE TOGETHER AGAIN!!!” This is a phrase I originated, and have been abruptly saying it around the fellas when this rare event happens. And as they get older, the event will become even more rare. If you have two or more children, and I know you try not to… Continue Reading
My Daddy’s Records #4- “My Philosophy” By All Means Necessary
My Daddy’s Records #4- “My Philosophy” By All Means Necessary August 20, 2015 Can you believe that this is the first hip-hop record I’ve shared on My Daddy’s Records (this is a weekly segment where I share the songs that I introduce to the Mighty, because they sure as hell won’t hear them on the radio.… Continue Reading
