Blessed Love Bredren!

A truly lovely site that I has put to-gather....I n I do not have any other writings of Haile I Selassie's visit to New Orleans except the one posted on I n I site, including captions under the pictures, of which was gathered from the local newspaper......would this article be suitable? If so I n I will gladly send it.

Much Loving RASpects,

I-sis Jah Roots

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Great page I look forward to perusing it more thoroughly. I am presently at a week long conference in Belgium. I will be returning on Monday, 12th November.

Fr. Linden

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The website looks great. I read a little bit but must be away for the next few days for meetings. Back on Saturday evening. Good luck with the site.

Fr. Zilonka

Doni Glover, publisher www.bmorenews.com

Maxine Thompson

Hi Rudy

Great to see your website advancing so beautifully. I checked out the Jamaican items you added. I also read the Walter Cotton story....powerful.

Fr. Zilonka

Shalom,

I viewed your site today for the first time and I think it is wonderful!

I teach 6th and 7th grade in New Jersey and a few of my students, including myself, are interested in submitting poetry for your review and possible post. How could I go about doing that?

Keep up the good work......our children NEED this.

Narubi Selah

*   *   *   *   *

Hi Rudy,

What a great issue! . . . . I always enjoy reading Kalamu. I think he's done a lot for poetry in New Orleans. I've copied your interview to print out and will do the same with Kalamu's poems. Did I send you a CD? I'll send you some new poems. They're not ready for publication. Just perusal. All for now. I'm trying to do a little work. Love,

Lee

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Just stopped reading new goodies on the site to say "Well, you have been working hard, haven't you?" I am telling you, it is chock full of goodies. Congrats! What a coup de maî·tre! Right/ride on ChickenBones.....Peace and continued blessings,

J. Suite

*   *   *   *   *

Peace and blessings Rudy,

I love what you have done. It is truly awesome. My daughters and I are telling lots of people about the site. I love the layout. I like the way you have included a table of contents for all the Kalamu material to help the reader. I have only had an opportunity to read "A Poetic Journey with Writers in New Orleans" and part of Interview I. There is so much to read. Your piece is an excellent introduction to the new material. It is very personal and as the young people say deep. You are an extraordinary interviewer; you keep probing and asking tough questions. I have a lot of reading to do of the material on the site this summer. Again, I remain very proud of your work and the knowledge that you have about writing. You have opened up a whole new world to me.

Yvonne

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Brother Lewis--

Congratulations on the magazine. It looks like a really important contribution. Kalamu's work deserves the comprehensive consideration that you give it. I have not yet had the time to read the journal but I look forward to it. I must call your attention to an error regarding Tom Dent's very important relationship to the Free Southern Theater in your promotional email. The founders of the FST were Doris Derby, Gilbert Moses and myself, John O'Neal. Richard Schechner came later and Tom, though we'd already met him in New York where he was the principal organizer for the Umbra Society, he didn't join us until late in 1966, after we'd moved to New Orleans in 1965 as I recall. Read THE FREE SOUTHERN THEATER BY THE FREE SOUTHERN THEATER which Tom edited along with Gilbert Moses and Richard Schechner. Tom played a very important role in the FST which makes it even more important the information about his work be stated correctly. Best wishes for the success of your venture.

Yours in the struggle,

John O'Neal

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What a beautiful website, My Brother! Here are three poems, in case you are still interested. Thanks for asking.

Mackie

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Rudy,

I was very, very impressed with your latest edition of ChickenBones. You bare your soul in "Poetic Journey." I was very impressed with your piece and the photos enhance the writing. I will try to do something for the Journal on Cuba.

As ever,

Herbert

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Rudolph, 

I have seen the website. It is excellent. I will send a word around to look at it. Thanks.

Mankekolo

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Greetings, 

I just visited the site, and enjoyed all of the valuable information offered. Thanks for the beautiful display of the MAWA's "Call for Papers." I have spent the last hour reading your journal. It is so informative. Thank you so much for all that you are doing. Will I see you in October?

Grace Coffey

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Rudolph,

Phenomenal interview!

You are a damn good interviewer. You understand it's all about your subject (interviewee) and you let his voice and his perspectives be heard, and his influence be felt by the reader. (Bob Costas ranks high; Oprah sucks.) And, ooooh, you're an honest one, too. No edits whatsoever in areas where some academicians and journalists would have tried to save their Pulitzer-Prize-seeking faces. Hell, your whole site is honest, which is the beauty of it. Always a treat when I find a few minutes to delve into it.

I've always dug Trane ("Equinox" is a favorite) and, sure, I've read Baldwin, Hughes (even portrayed Jesse B. Simple in Simply Heavenly.) et.al., but now I'm moved to revisit those folk from a critical and personally educational viewpoint. And, Malcolm I've got to check out.

You're gooooooood, dude.

Keep it up.

Stu

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Peace and blessings Rudy,

Today I read "My Lips, Her Palms" and all of the Nia Poems. I was just mesmerized. I also read the Yusef interviews. The new interview and the one you did seventeen years ago. You are so good at interviewing. Did you ever want to be a reporter? I loved both Yusef interviews. I printed them out. Rudy, because of our emphasis on reading and writing in the school system, I read a lot of books about the writing process and how to teach writing. It was so fascinating to me to see the same statements in the Yusef piece. . . . You know I was interested in his discussion what it was like working with elementary school students. I have learned so much from the site and have shared information about ChickenBones with lots of people. Please keep the faith. You are doing an excellent job!

Yvonne

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Hello, 

The journal is great and unique. I have read it over and over; its captivating, informative, and entertaining. You should feel proud of the service you are rendering . You are doing a superb job; your dedication is commendable and admirable. Keep up the good work: I am sure that your audience is increasing daily. Thanks for including the Christian essay. I thought I should do it, for he gave so much and asked and got so little it seems for his great works and dedication as a poet, historian and educator.

Thanks for the opportunity to add to his legacy.

Best, Deborah 

HATS OFF TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Hey, now Rudy

Just perused the ChickenBones: A Journal. AWESOME! It's blossomed wonderfully. Congratulations to you. I'm sure that I'll be reading this enlarged and lovely issue for some time. Hope all is well with you. Really, congratulations on your continued success.

Red Beans and Ricely yours

Mona Lisa

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GREAT

Lou Fields

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Greetings,

Thank you for emailing me about using some of my work on your site. I would be honored. I visited "Chicken bones," that's good stuff!

Thanks again. one love,

Ekere Tallie

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I love what you did with the page. everything was perfect. thank you brother thank you!

T. Long

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Peace and Power my Brother Rudolph,

I hope all is well with you and yours Big Bro. All is well with I pretty much. Steadily trying to gain and maintain as ALWAYS.

Thanks for the notice of what the new issue of ChickenBones consists. Looks like another dynamite issue Brotha. Lookin' forward to gettin' to it and indulging in the powerful and vital information you and others haves provided there. You are doing the Nubian diaspora a great service Rudolph, as well as other ethnic groups. It brings connection, unity and overstanding, which is what we need more of in these trying days in time.

Remain progressive and positive my friend.

Peace and Prosperity ALWAYS,

Soul aka Christopher

One Love

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What an interesting and informative journal.

alona

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Hello:

I just read yr journal ChickenBones, and it is absolutely amazing! I've never seen anything like it, and haven't heard of anything comparable since the 1960s. Will enthusiastically support yr efforts. Lots of the people featured are from New Orleans, where I developed myself, so that doesn't hurt. But the breadth, the insight therein is much needed on any urban area in the U.S. right now. Many thanks to you and the rest of the people who have made this happen.

Tony

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Rudy,

The web site is a breath of fresh air. Continue in peace and in the sunshine of understanding!

Goody

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Dear Rudolph:

Thank you, my brother, for setting up my work on your very handsome web site. I saw the site last night and was very impressed. It is an honor to be in such cyber space company as Kalamu and Hakim. I have had the honor of performing on the same stage with Kalamu in New Orleans, and he has had me on his WWOZ Community radio show a few times. I also know Ms. Mona Lisa Saloy and have performed at Dillard. As such, I am in the company of a family of poets that I know and respect on your site. And thank you for posting the listing of the current show at the Nuyorican Poets' Cafe. I greatly appreciate it. The shows have gone well, and I believe the audiences will swell this weekend for the final four shows.

I look forward to having an opportunity to meet you in the future. I will send you a copy of my spoken word music CD in the snail mail for you to enjoy.

paz y viva el arte subversivo!

Jose Torres Tama

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Rudy,

you have such a great emag. I am sending the page out to announce the exhibit so others on my email and my relay emailers can get your mag too. Its good for us all.

thanks a million, stay well and happy

Phyllis

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Rudy,

You sure are quick with the post!! Man, you are baddDDDD. :) Yeah, I am a poet, I am a student of Sonia Sanchez actually :) And a friend of Kalamu's. I call him one of my mentors, but he doesn't know it yet. :) I think I did tell him. Sonia is definitely a mentor of mine and lately I've been keeping correspondence with Dr. Nathan Hare. :) He's so deep, he puts footnotes in his emails!!! :) Are you keeping a printed version of all of this? This is archival stuff you know and I am fowarding your website also to Janet Sims-Wood at Moorland-Spingarn at Howard University in Washington, DC. It's amazing.

Janet, the info is here: http://www.nathanielturner.com

Thanks for the wonderful compliment too. I'll get you a few poems. Maybe three. Is there a limit? You can tell me what you think too. Of course, they all sound better when they are read aloud. But that's every poem right? Take care.

Jamie

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Brother Rudy-

Hell of a Web Page!. Congratulations on a job well done! The site looks beautiful. Thank Yvonne for her kind words. I am still struggling with Black Power. And, I have some doubts as to what to turn my attention to next. Logically, George Jackson would come next. Then, Huey P. Newton and the Panthers. But that will require me reading four books:

1. Soledad Brothers
2. Blood in My Eye
3. The Huey P. Newton Reader
4. Seize the Time

This would give us a review of six important books from or about the sixties. The next step would be an analysis of the "riots" and I look for you to help me find the appropriate books or articles to cover that section. Perhaps, we could also do a listing of hit music, plays, lists of books, television shows, etc. to fill out this data base. An article on "Soul" music might fit in nicely. Maybe, we could put up headlines from black newspapers from that time period.

You could write an article on the 60's as the second Negro/Black Renaissance. There is also the problem of how to deal with Dr. King. What books do you suggest I read to cover him. Suprisingly, I have read very little on him. But, we can't build a 60's database without him. I been also thinking about a list of black leaders with short bios that we could add to the database. I'm talking about forgotten leaders like Innis and Foreman as well as, Malcolm. Anyway, these are just a few ideas. Run them through your mind and see what happens.

Again, congratulations on this issue of ChickenBones!!!

The Struggle Continues,
Sharif

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Rudy,

Just checked out the September ChickenBones issue. That was an excellent essay from Dietrich Bonhoeffer' s No Rusty Swords on "The Negro Church." Fascinating...Also, it was rather pleasant reading the "Back to School" bit on the opening page and listing some books for students. "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears" and "The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe" are to this day two of my favorite books. It brought back interesting memories seeing those titles.

ChickenBones is looking amazing, I have to admit. Bless you a million times.

I can't wait to rap with you, man...

Peace & Love,

Dennis Leroy Moore

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Greetings,
It seems to me that every time the negative actions of far too many African-Americans starts to get to me, I am reminded by some unseen force that the struggle for dignity and self understanding is alive and well. I don't know who forwarded to me the link to nathanielturner.com but it was a refreshing escape from the suicidal idleness and the self genocidal apathy that permeates my neighborhood, my city, my world. It was a needed reminder that the struggle of one can lead to the survival of many. I will forward this site to all of my contacts and suggest it as a teaching tool to educators of African American Children in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thank You

Sincerely,
Dwight Williamson  

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Hi Rudy,
The September issue is very good. Although, I certainly have not read everything; the pieces that I have had an opportunity to read are fantastic. You did an excellent job of compiling all of that information in so short a time-frame. Everything that was included in this month's issue is so informative and thought provoking. I am honored that the school piece was on the opening page because the other submissions seem so deep. I started reading some of Kalamu's essay 'Debunking Myths". I think it is fascinating.

Have a blessed day!
Yvonne

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Hi Rudy,

Thank you so much for everything.

Blessings. I will send people to your website.

Stacey

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Reader response

In your educational section you highlighted books. I suggest you find more books by afro american authors and artists (tom feelings, etc). I would like to see some information about afro american artists in your journal.

thanks for the good work.

M. Hoo

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tremendous site/right to work. stumbled across your site whilst researching right to work states - what bullshit!!! I am presently in New Mexico - a third world nation to be sure, and headed for NC where my daughter is in school - I am originally from the NW; to work people's asses and spirits to this level is a crime against humanity - NM has a "wage" of 2.13 hr for waitstaff and they deduct 8% of your sales from this - I am an artist with 2 college degrees waiting tables and bartending for art supplies, and hear the stories of my coworkers who are attempting to support families this way - For the sake of brevity and decency I will not go off as I feel I should - I did notice that some states are lower - the fact that people are motivated to go to work and take care of their families should be rewarded. I do have a background in political activism, so let me know if you need some assistance with all this.

Reva

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Hi Rudolph,

It looks great. I feel very honored to be on the same page with Kalamu ya Salaam who is one of my heroes and Carol Chehade who I love with all my heart.

Kola Boof

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Peace and blessings Rudy,

Clever article. I had a few minutes to print the "Retrospective on Soul on Ice" article today. I can see your hands in this article. I have read two thirds of it. It is very good. I skipped to the end to see how you would bring closure. I really like what you did. You and Sharif are to be commended.

Yvonne

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Rudy,

Another birthday for Nat and a triumph for ChickenBones. Keep up the good work. Love the site. 

Chuck Siler, N'yawlins

*   *   *   *   *

Rudolph,

what an exciting piece of work. There's not a thing posted on the site that I don't want to read! I just finished an email note to Ayisha Knight's mother just prior to opening your Journal. I'm working on a play about the 1831 Rebellion which is focused on Nat Turner's mother, grandmother, and wife. Your book will certainly help me do a better job of it. I'm helping out with an educational project here in New Orleans that Kalamu is co-director of. The whole book seems like a meeting of colleagues and friends who are working hard to deepen their understanding and ours of what we must learn to make of the world a place that supports and sustains life.

I haven't forgotten your invitation to do a piece for ChickenBones. I hope the door's still open. The task that you suggested was so daunting that I have postponed thinking of it. Perhaps I can submit something that isn't quite so far from what I'm presently working on? In any case, I celebrate your magnificent accomplishment as an editor and as a writer of great substance.

Yours in the struggle,

John O'Neal

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Rudy,

Hello! Hope all is well. Just writing to compliment your web page. I read an editorial in the local paper on the Baraka poem which your page recently covered. You really have your finger on the pulse of many issues across the country. I can't say that I agree with all of the positions presented in the material on your page, but it certainly does challenge all of us to think about where we stand and why. Take care
and God bless!

Fr. Marc Stockton

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Hi,

I just visited your website, I thought it was really spectacular. I am a beginning writer, and I was wondering if you would be interested in reading some of my work. I write short stories, poems and letters. All which surround everyday issues about my life, culture and people.

If you think you would be interested in viewing my work and sharing it with others via your website, please e-mail me.

I hope you are having a good week. Thank you

Motun

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Rudy:

I never formally thanked you for what you've created. Your site is profoundly educational. I, myself, have learned so much from reading it. I was especially touched when you showed that, unlike many people, you are courageous enough to unapologetically feature people like my beloved poetic sister, Kola Boof.

Marcus Bruce Christian? My ignorance didn't even know he existed until you taught me that his existence left behind beautiful, deeply etched imprints. Nathaniel Turner. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to build an army of justice seekers in the face of brute hostility. Your site's name befits you. Your great-grandfather would be proud.

If I forget to tell you every now and then, please remember that I am always thankful for the humility you displayed, that went out of its way to reach out to people who others deem unreachable.

A generous spirit thrives on sharing. You are very aware that knowledge is not ours to horde.

Carol Chehade

*   *   *   *   *

Rudy,

I'd like to review Chehade's book. She's coming to my next screening on Tuesday, October 29th. I'm going to introduce myself to her. I've read her book and think it is an impressive, daring, intelligent piece of work. To be honest, I was a bit shocked at its honesty and its insight into the problem of Racism and white people being sealed in their whiteness. It was encouraging to read a new writer with a unique voice and also to read the work of an Arab-American woman...something I'm not used to. I want to interview her, if she'll let me.

When I can, I'd like to start contributing articles on artists and activists I am meeting whom I find interesting and worth supporting. One thing that ChickenBones has helped to revive is that of the Artist supporting his fellow brethren. The French New Wave Filmmakers all wrote and critiqued each other similarly as Baraka, Marvin X, Ed Bullins, etc,. all wrote and interview one another during BAM in the 1960's. That definitely is something that needs to be brought back into vogue. I want to read Louis' book as well as Kola's also...

I'll be in touch. Gotta bounce to rehearsal.

Dennis Leroy Moore

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Dear Rudy,

I'm thrilled to hear how well ChickenBones is doing! Lots of hard work and inspiration on your part. Congratulations! It's hard to sustain the kind of effort you've made to put out something fine, and online seems the way to go if you really want to reach people. I'm proud to be part of the journal; there are so many sharp views on it.

Lee

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Mr. Lewis,

Thank you so much for your continuous update. It's rare that one works with anyone so sincere and willing to treat the other person as they would wish to be treated.

I look forward to seeing my book and info out on your site. I am humbled to have this opportunity and so very pleased to have met for myself (if only on paper) someone who truly wants to help and see us advance, and apparently in a position to do so. Reaching out to help someone else is truly our only avenue to ever get any notice, press or anything else, not to mention justice or equality. We are forced to make our own as no one is willing to give us a fair share, nor even let us work for that same fair share. Then, our duty should be to share with our own and not continue to remain so divided, as others would have us.

Sorry, get me started and I do go on and on.

My family and friends all call me Dee. Please feel free to do so.

Thanks

Dee

*   *   *   *   *

Dear Editor, 

Just came across your web site, ChickenBones, with the link to the Black Indian Research Narrative of Geraldine Elliot Robinson. We share a common ancestor, Cow Tom. I am a descendant of Melinda Cow Tom. I would very much like to get in contact with Geraldine Robinson, however she had no email address or way to contact her. Do you have contact information. If so, please relay my message and email address to her, I would greatly appreciate it. I am in contact with three other descendants

Sincerely,

Grant Perryman

*   *   *   *   *

Mr. Lewis,
Thank you for seeking me out (smile). It's always good to hear from a home brother. I was quite excited, and your site is simply marvelous. I just browsed it, but I love it and will be recommending it to my email list definitely.

We'll get into swapping links later.

I edit this poetry site www.poeticallyspeaking.net
and you've seen my personal site at www.latorial.com

Also, after Nat Turner and where we're from, my husband and I just created a small publishing company www.crosskeyspress.com

I will definitely be submitting some poetry most appropriate for your site this weekend. I already have a few poems in mind. Continue doing what you do? Where are you located now? NY or DC area? Guess what? I've gotten quite a few letters from Kola Boof. That sister is something else. Take care.

Latorial Faison
www.latorial.com

*   *   *   *   *   *

Mr. Lewis,

You have made my day, my week, my month!!!!!!!!

I love the site!!! My daughter, who lives in New (York) Jersey, has already been out to view it. She loves it as well.

I hope your hits and visits (stats) will increase due to me, my family and friends, for I've told literally everyone I know with e-mail.

I initially saw Walter Mosley on the site, but he is no longer there. What is the time frame for which you will allow me to remain on your site?

I saw a request for donations earlier, but must have overlooked it in my last visit. I need an address and I will happily forward a donation. It is only right that I support this cause. I wish I had all day just to peruse all the good info piled into that one small space.

Peace and Blessings, Sir,

Dee

*   *   *   *   *

Rudy,

I have an idea that has been haunting me and it will not let me forget it. So I will now share it with you its all about Christian and your work. Think about it. I envision you putting on a conference/seminar/ workshop/symposium you pick the one. It might be entitled A Marcus B. Christian Seminar held in n\New Orleans. Call for papers-presentations of papers on some aspect of Christian his works, and his life etc. I am sure UNO will allow this to take place on its campus; Mackie Blanton and James Perry can work on this with you perhaps.

Also the program will consist of readings of Christian's works-like a dramatization segment. There can be workshops, panels etc. It can take place for 2 days that will keep expense down if that is a concern and it probably is. It can create the mood of a Marcus B. Christian festival-like a Shakespeare Festival etc. Also similar to the conference held that focused on Langston Hughes this year. With the right people involved and good public relations, I think it can fly.

I suggest New Orleans because it is the place he loved and people do remember and appreciate him here. I will do all I can to help and be a part-I already have ideas for a fantastic paper, ideas for discussion, programs etc. Please let me know what you think. I think it will certainly coincide with your efforts and the journal-all which can be a part of this seminar, conference etc. Let me know. About me being the third authority person on Christian, I love it thanks for thinking of me. I am honored. Let me hear from you.

Best,

Deborah

*    *   *   *   *

What a beautiful, fulfilling, and copious issue this one is, My Brother! I'm jealous that I've not sent you anything for this one. It makes me want to send you a whole manuscript of poems, just for you, just to be up on your site. I am going to send this one around to lots of friends and tell them to get on board, now!

Mackie

*   *   *   *    *  

What a tremendous and well-executed undertaking. This is wonderful. How do I keep it coming? I'd like to send it to everyone on my list. Hope I can print it out. I want to explore and savor every bit of this. Congratulations to Rudy Lewis. Thanks, for this marvelous feast for the soul in these barren times.

Audreen

*   *   *   *   *

Dear Rudolph Lewis,

I am deeply appreciative for the spotlight on Passed On on your site. It's a tremendous honor to be a part of such a comprehensive focus on African American Literature. And I want to say again, thank you for this very generous consideration.

Sincerely,

Karla

*   *   *   *   *

Dear Mr. Lewis,

I am writing a paper on Nat Turner and I have been using some of your writings from ChickenBones. I want to give credit to the person(s) who wrote these papers. My question is, did you write all the articles and papers on Nat Turner? I am indebted to you and your Journal for them. thank you,

Sincerely,

Peter

San Rafael , CA.

*   *   *   *   *

Brother Rudolph,

I can see why the site is so popular. When Jamie told me about it and I first saw it I was impressed by the breath of material, the seriousness of the contributors as well as the lay out. Outstanding! Thank you for making me look so good. I hope my contribution helps stimulate thought and adds something positive to your fine site. Actually Sistah Jamie Walker told me about it several months ago in reference to Amiri Baraka's piece on why he refused to apologize for his poem, "Who Blew Up America." I checked it out and was surprised to see my review of Marvin X's book and several other familiar faces like Kalamu ya Salaam there. You guys are serious, I like that.

As for Roy Innis I received a post from TheBlackList E-group about the article. When I read it, I was moved to write something about it. It's amazing what some Negroes will do to ingratiate themselves with the oppressor. Anyway you can use the Innis piece and any subsequent pieces I send at no extra charge. :0). If you want I can send you something on a regular basis and you use your discretion whether you want to run it or not. Won't cost you a dime.

Thanks for the fine layout and presentation. By the way would you be interested in being a guest on my Internet radio program? You could talk about the site and the state of African cultural liberation etc. It airs live on Sundays from 12 Noon to 2 PM on www.NewBlackCIty.com. If so let me know and we'll make the connection. Stay strong Black Man!

The struggle intensifies.

Junious

*   *   *   *   *

Hi Rudy,

I have been perusing your website. I'm tremendously impressed. I will definitely pass it around. Hope things are going well.

Laura

*   *   *   *   *

Wow Rudy

. . . you are fast. . . . I just looked at the website again...it seems like it changes everyday: I don't know how you do it!!! Anyway, thank everyone down at ChickenBones for their constant and loyal support. I pray you have a blessed holiday season. Blessings and God's peace ALWAYS...

Carol

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updated 4 November 2007