Attached at the Roots
I’ve known people who have had some success, and the next thing you know, you can’t reach them. It’s like they drop off the map, at least socially. I still live in North Oakland; I’m still invested in the community.
–Me, quoted in the San Francisco Examiner, November 19th, 1998
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About Ishmael
Author of twenty-eight published books to date, Ishmael Reed is a novelist, poet, playwright, and essayist. He is also a publisher, editor of thirteen anthologies and numerous magazines, television producer, public media commentator, teacher and...
What a great quote!
I love your humility. North Oakland is lucky to have you.
Best,
Firoozeh Dumas
Ishmael you are a writer,
Ishmael you are a writer, teacher, and one the best this country has produced. Thank you for your writing, and your willing to teach the rest of us.
I enjoy your thoughts and
I enjoy your thoughts and your work and appreciate your stance on community. I was wondering if you couls stop by my page and critique my work. I would be honored for any pointers or suggestions.
Thanks
No Comment
I mean I feel you. Once you obtain a level of success I think the general perception is that you don't need anyone anymore. And that's a bad outlook to have on life. Someone gave you an opportunity, you should be helping others to do the same.
Change
When the wind blows, and the seasons change, time goes forth, and everyone’s life produces a different scene. This is one of lifes greatess gifts, and this gift produces new friends like me, and others that will come. Your contributions have opened doors for many, and I extend the highess salutation to you a man can give to another.
It's funny (not really) how
It's funny (not really) how life seems to work that way, and I've also noticed that it's those very same "successful people who knock those of us who maintain our roots. But, when you think about it, no matter how "successful" they become, each always seems to come home again when the going gets tough.
Gratitude
Thank you for remaining true to who and what you are. That simple radical act of personal integrity has made a powerful difference in many people's lives.
Aberjhani
author of The American Poet Who Went Home Again
and Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (Facts on File)
Hi Ishmael!
Judy Joy Jones
Great having you as a fellow author on Red Room. Really enjoyed having you on my Judy Joy Jones Show as well!
Much Continued Success,
Judy Joy Jones
http://www.judyjoyjonesshow.com
Hello from Oaktopia...
...at least, that's what they call it up here in Millsmont (between 73rd Ave, Seminary, MacArthur, and Edwards, aka the Southeastern part of District 6. We just managed to buy a fixer-upper here and we are here to stay. Of course, I'm not even faintly successful, but you know what? Before this we rented in Lower Glenview (average home price currently over half a million) for three years, all very pretty, but we only got to know one set of neighbors. Here everybody pretty much knows everybody and they look out for each other. I'd rather be here any day. I live between Sandy, who is African-American and an RN at Kaiser, the Lees, who are respectively a litigator and the head of the Invertebrate Zoology Dept at the California Academy of sciences, and a large Tongan family (also a family of large Tongans) whose name is too long to stay in my head. You should come visit. Oh, and I agree about poetry. It's carpentry.
Warmly,
Adam
Just wondering
Are you still there? Ore have dropped off the map by now?
Saying hi,
Vi