I became aware of Rudy Lewis’ labor of love a few short months ago during a visit to Kalamu ya Salaam’s e-drum listserv. As soon as I saw the title of the journal I knew it was about Black folks, and the power of the written word.  A quick click took me into a journal that’s long on creativity, highlighting well-known, little known, and a little known writers, and commitment to the empowerment of Black folks. I contacted Rudy to ask if he’d consider publishing some of my work. His response was immediate, and a couple of days after I’d forwarded some poems to him—they were part of ChickenBones. What I didn’t know was that this journal has been surviving for the last five years with very little outside financial support. As editor, Rudy has resisted taking on the advertising which could make this journal a financial success, because he wanted to keep the journal for “us” and by “us” without the pressures that come with having paying advertisers, each with their own agenda.If we want journals like this to “thrive” we need to support them with more than our website hits, praise, and submissions for publication consideration. I’m asking each person who visits the ChickenBones journal during the month of February to send a ONE DOLLAR donation to the journal. I will match the first ONE hundred dollars.

—Peace, Mary E. Weems (Januray 2007)

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Dear Mr. Lewis,

I was referred to your site by Mary Coulter, who told me about the piece she wrote.  I LOVE your site.  It is simply the best.  I am an activist/feminist/sociologist who teaches anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-classism and found many of the included writers/artists listed on your site some of my favorite "people" to use in the classroom and in my everyday life.  Thanks so much for a great site! I have already referred the site on to others who I know will feel the same way!

Peace, Nicole Braun (Sunday, February 4, 2007)

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You know you the baaadest, Rudy! I'll see if I can get one of my students to do a "ChickenBones" project and use this material—also Scott's essay. YOU are the "heroic mind" in my book.  Joyce (January 20, 2007)

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Dear Rudy, Thanks for spreading "Heroic Minds" around. It's become clear to me that you are one of those "heroic minds," yourself. Sincerely, Glen (January 20, 2007)

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I'd like to say I appreciate your site. I don't believe there is any other like it on the web. Why don't you set up a Paypal account for your donations? It would certainly make giving convenient. Just a suggestion. LJ

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I will be getting a computer with my taxes and online, hopefully, early in Feb, but for now, I am at the library.  I just wanted to tell you again that I am so happy about the letter you published for me.  My daughter showed it at school and I did at work and my friends, etc.  Thanks for giving me a place to express myself.  I only wish I was on line at home already so I can read more of the publication.  So far I have only read some here and there. . . . I just read something you wrote and saw your pic . . . nice to see you! What you wrote about repairing an old house, I live in one so I know, I know. . . . I am at a time in my life where I am needing a second wind.  I will keep reading on, because I think I will get a lot of inspiration from the journal.  Your journal is great.  It is not futile. Mary (15 January 2007)

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Hello Rudy my brother , My salutes to you for your great work in building this great ChickenBones Web Site with those fantastic numbers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have built the best Web Site in the African World from scratch! Salutes to you Rudy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely,  Ukali  11 January 2007

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I hope all is well on your end. I continue to admire the outstanding contribution ChickenBones is to our experience. Bless you for it. Much love and respect, Stuart (17 November 2006)

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Dear People: Please find my humble check . . . to keep the home fires burning. I've enjoyed ChickenBones from the moment I discovered it about four years ago. It is bright, charming, diverse, argumentative, angry, humorous, spiteful, inconclusive, kindly, over the top, timorous, and insightful; all those elements that comprise the human condition--and especially us.

I hope you find the wherewithal to keep it going. It is like an online magazine of soul, and saves a lot of time and money not having to search elsewhere for this kind of divergent, intelligent opinion. I wish I could send more, but as a retired person with maniacs in charge of the country, one must pinch every ducat. I wish you every success with ChickenBones. --Doug

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Rudy,

The past year or so I've benefited greatly from our cooperation and collaboration. You, Jon, Amin & Floyd in particular have assisted greatly and provided much to my thoughts and perspectives as well. I thank you for that, and we will keep it going. I have directed people to ChickenBones, and as my girlfriend informed you, I speak highly of it. . . . ChickenBones, however, is a national treasure, one that I'll continue to cherish. Peace -- Rod.

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Dear Rudy,

       Just to tell you, ChickenBones, is a great work. I am an old man and a very experienced promoter. I have been there with them all from Dick Gregory to James Baldwin to Sarah Vaughn and Sidney Poitier. I know the real thing when I see it and ChickenBones is real class. We will overcome, Ben

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keep the faith. time longer than rope. -lmsekou

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Rudy, the service you provide is invaluable. --Tiger

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Dear Rudy,  I will be back on 16th February. I would like to come down to Baltimore and visit with you and try to help you organize a financial plan for ChickenBones. I think a hard-cover quarterly will have a large subscription and provide an income source both in advertising and subscription sales. You have brought together some of the best minds from the global literary scene and done it on a shoestring. I compare ChickenBones with H.L.Menken's Mercury (which I also believe came out of Baltimore) ChickenBones should be in every class room in America.  Regards, Bn

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