Tag Archives: life lessons

The Parable of Teaspoons & Bulldozers

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

“With my teaspoon and determination I have found my way to the path my great grandparents cleared for me. I proudly embrace my lineage and overstand the instructions that came with my teaspoon. I have decided to be a hero. I will widen the path. I will leave signs. I will till the dirt my family tree grows in with my teaspoon. ” Continue reading →

Posted in Grounding One's Self On A Moving Train | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Crows

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

In conversation with Crows ancient obsidian sentries of the gate between worlds they remind me to stand in my integrity to know what I know and stay the path WolfHawkJaguar told me “Don’t give up before the miracle happens” I … Continue reading →

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Pragmatic Optimism

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

The figs did not ripen this year nor did the dreams of democracy in the land of the free the hard green fruit only skin and seeds absent the flesh necessary to sustain the living who are left with only … Continue reading →

Posted in Life., North American African Perspective, Poetry, spokenword | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Importance of August Wilson to American Theater

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

August Wilson is a playwright. In my opinion he is the most important American playwright of the 20th century.  His work the Century Cycle is the most expansive chronicle of American life in  the history of American theater. His tale of America … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Arts, Craft, I'm Just Saying!, Life., non fiction essay, North American African Perspective, Performing Arts, Tales of Iron and Water, Theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

So THIS is transformation–

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I know my role. I am an interlocutor .

I am a craftsperson, an artisan. I create. My tools are word and story. I am an interrogator I listen. I speak. I question. I hold our place in conversation. It is my gift, my task, my purpose in this awareness. Continue reading →

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New Page

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

mornin dawnin new day upon us sun rising sun shine brand new page get cha news i’m on it brand new day sun rising day dawin brand new day brand new page & if ya reading this ya on it … Continue reading →

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Happy Cul-du-Sac: A Personal Deconstruction of North American Holidays.

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I do believe in the New Year. I like how it involves reflection, resolutions and comes with a clean slate like the turning of a page. My birthday is January 4th so the Year for me personally really begins then. This is all very personal. But I don’t think I am alone in the generality of repurposing American Holidays by North American Africans. Continue reading →

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Blessing are Due: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I have learned to appreciate the ease of that time with my mother. She taught me to cook

without ever writing down a recipe. I still measure my prowess in the kitchen by my mother’s.

We talked about things we never talked about at any other time. Continue reading →

Posted in Black Arts, I'm Just Saying!, Life., non fiction essay, North American African Perspective | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A writer writes. 2

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I thank the ancestors, my parents, my children, the spirits that walk with me for the gifts given. I remember. I am here. I am not done. I remain a willing vessel. I plan to run on until my day is done and when I get to my maker may she say, ‘Well done.” Continue reading →

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Comments on Walking thru Fire or Banging Full Metal

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I loathe the presence of a person who insist on complicating the simple. I abhor those who traffic in road blocks. For me that’s like a red flag to a bull. Continue reading →

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