blackgirl on mars: notes on a life in copenhagen (or how my alienation brings me closer to people).

Today I saw someone who looked just like Brook Stephenson (February 21st, 1974- August 29, 2015) at the busiest train station in Copenhagen, Nørreport Station. He looked so much like Brook, I considered asking him if I could take a picture with him. I decided not to - but seeing this doppelgänger reminded me how much I missed this friend, supporter and literary peer. I found some pictures of Brook today - from when I returned to the States, just to be at his Rhode Island Writer's Colony - an act that fortified me in ways I am still unpacking.

Brook Stephenson, Jason Reynolds Rhode Island September 2014 Jason Reynolds, Brook Stephenson and John Stephenson Harlem 2007 with the All-Star Cast at Marie D. Brown's Harlem Haven of Hope. I don't know what "death" is - but I learned a lot about Living from  Brook Stephenson - someone whose recent exit has left the world and my life, a lot poorer. I am thankful to have crossed paths with a soul who showed me laughter, positivity and an indomintable commitment to success - if even just by being there. Brook Stephenson was a true friend who not only talked the talk, but walked it. He was a champion of Blackgirl on Mars and Bandit Queen Press and knew how to pick hi s friends up and support them. I learned a lot from having his spirit in my life and I if there is one priceless gift he has left me with is a commitment to be half a good a friend as he had shown me. Many times when I was sad, feeling defeated, lonely - far away from home - it was Brook wh...

sakskøbing, 2014 Laika the cat, 2014 Luckily for me when I need to get out of the city, I get to go to a beautiful organic farm a couple of hours outside of Copenhagen. Recently I took such a trip and had the blessing of eating freshly dug carrots, freshly picked squash, onions and so much other stuff it makes me happy to just type about it.    While there, I saw Laika, the cat. Laika used to belong to my friend Ida, but her brother was extremely allergic to cats. I asked the folks down at the farm if they wanted a cat, and without an ounce of hesitancy Hanne gushed a yes! It's been about 8 months since we dropped her off there, and I haven't seen her since. I had the fortune of spending time with Laika, so I knew that she would enjoy every acre of that farm with its ducks, Hungarian pigs and chickens.  I was right. I was told that she rarely ever enters the house - but that on the day of my arrival, she was around a bit more than usual. As if she was expect...

I first met Suheir Hammad in about '96. At that time, I had the honor of working with my mentor, friend, professional and spiritual advisor Marie Brown. Marie Brown Associates was located at 625 Broadway. 625 Broadway was a collection of offices of many different types of businesses. There was an Inner-city program, an Independent Film association, and even a music-publishing company. Amidst all of these offices were two very meaningful ones to me: Marie Brown Associates and Writers and Readers. Writers and Readers was this publishing company founded by Glenn Thompson. Glenn Thompson was a visionary. He published folks such as Huey P. Newton and Suheir Hammad. Suheir, about my age, had just published her first book Born Palestinian, Born Black.  Glenn was dedicated to giving voice to every one. The existence of his publishing company, and all of its imprints, was exclusively dedicated to producing stories that balanced the rather skewed perception that can be cultivated throu...

Dr. Roi Ankhara Kwabena passed on January 10th, 2008. Dr. Roi Ankhkara Kwabena was born in the Caribbean island of Trinidad. He was a cultural anthropologist who has worked with all age ranges in Europe, Africa, Latin-America and the Caribbean for over thirty years. His positive cultural advocacy has ensured his suitability for a variety of specialist projects addressing wide ranging issues such as functional and Cultural literacy, therapeutic harvesting of Memories by elders and young people (including cross generational dialogue) Anti-Racism, Community Cohesion, Social Inclusion, Cultural Diversity , redefining the Heritages of Indigenous peoples plus confidence building for prisoners, excluded and traumatized students, Refugees, etc. Dr. Kwabena was renown for using critical analysis to examine the historical roots of racism and to assess the direct relevance this has on our lives today. He was the 6th Poet Laureate of Birmingham, U.K. and appointed Writer in Residence at the Trinid...

I not only find myself thinking about Glenn, but you, Arthur Flowers, Herb Boyd-too many to name, who paved the way for us. Where would we be without you all? So I find this socialist bookshop and this literary gem all you conjurors spun out cause you HAD to. Thank you all for taking the road you all did- especially given the struggle it continues to mean. You all are my heroes.

It's been about a week now since I've been back and I've had a lot of time to think and reflect on my visit to New York, and I keep going back to one thing only: I am a LUCKY woman! Finally John McGregor made his appearance (on Sunday I think?) and the first night we sat on Marie's stoop talking until 3.30 in the morning. The two giant trees, elm I think, canopied us and seemed even to crown us. We managed to talk about Fern (his old elementary school sweetheart), the meaning of love (putting someone else before yourself) and the New Adventures of John McGregor, my own Don Quixote. Next day was Monday, the day before Kai and I returned to Copenhagen. Brooke from McNally Robinson had agreed to carry a couple of copies of The Organist's Daughter, so I needed to run down there with one more copy and of course, to meet him. Big thanks to Clemenza Hawkins, a truly inspired artist and friend who recommended the hook-up and made it happen. Thanks Clemenza! Just talking a...