Today was a historic moment for our nation. Garry Brown, Tennessee District Attorney, announced that he has re-opened the investigation into the 1940 murder of whom some have identified as the “first martyr of the civil rights movement”, Elbert Williams. Mr. Elbert Williams was a bright, outspoken 31-year-old family-oriented man in the predominantly black community … Continue reading Reenvisioning Justice
A Belated Happy Birthday to Elbert Williams
Leslie had the seminal experience of testifying to the Tennessee Legislature on the lynching of her great grand uncle and voting rights activist Elbert Williams and its effect on subsequent generations of her family.
Three years ago exactly, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my favorite poets: Ms. Nikki Giovanni. She came to one of our favorite local bookstores, Nicola's, in promotion of her new book, Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid. While I was there, I felt like I was in an intimate conversation, although there were close … Continue reading Life is a Good Idea
Veterans' Day, unlike Memorial Day, is for all (this world and the next) those who sacrificed their freedom at any point to secure ours. My Promise to myself, my country, and those that I love is to not forget. Ever. I want to give pause to expose my heart and shower attention towards my veteran … Continue reading Thank You Veterans
New Navy Recruits Try on Their Uniforms With his permission, a friend and Veteran has allowed me to share his reflections about his time of service as a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Over the past few years, I have been feeling like the expressions of gratitude and the political discussions, albeit important, have drowned … Continue reading Don’t Hate the Uniform by Guest Writer
Below is a blog post I wrote when Whitney died. Oddly enough, when I hear her voice, she still seems alive. Art is where human creativity, skill and imagination all meet and create a moment in time which is beautiful and beyond ordinary. Ordinary things take on new meaning. An artist is not separate from … Continue reading Still Missing Whitney: One Moment in Time
Tru Story Exclusive: About Elbert Williams If Flags Could Talk: Written and Curated by Leslie McGraw Thank you for tuning into the Tru Story blog series: About Elbert Williams. Beginning in June, I began to address circumstances surrounding related to one of the nation's forgotten heroes, Elbert Williams. June 20 marked the 75th anniversary of … Continue reading TRU STORY EXCLUSIVE: If Flags Could Talk
Tru Story Exclusive: About Elbert Williams A Seventy Five Year Old Lie: Part II by Leslie McGraw Elbert Williams Historical Marker Unveiling on June 20 Photo courtesy of Sharon Hayes. Thank you for tuning into the Tru Story blog series: About Elbert Williams. Beginning in June, I began to address circumstances surrounding related to one of … Continue reading TRU STORY EXCLUSIVE: A Seventy Five Year Old Lie pt 2
Adventures in Ann Arbor!
A Tribute to the Phenomenon of the Mundane
in Writing, Community, Health, Social Justice & Life
Jungle Juice Bar | www.JJBMich.com
A Space for Writers of the World
Writing, Teaching and Tearing Down the House with a Toddler
My Professional Portfolio
