Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous
Bio
Known as a Significant Voice in Modern Literature, a Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2025 Black Authors Matter Children Book Awards Nominee for his books, and International Impact Awards' Author of the Year Nominee
Stories (429)
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The Band
It was the 70's. The time of music was this era. And we were ready to rock and get to the top. We were ready to conquer Pop too with R&B and Blues. We were still young. Still kicking it. We were ambitious. We were brothers. We cared for each other. We stick up for each other. We lift each other. Our dreams were the same. Our dreams were one. Our band St. James was the new sound. We were to new rockers of our time. We were hopeful. We were strong willed. And everybody knew it. I am Johnny. My other band mates are Jonathan, Caleb, and Bradley. Jonathan was the oldest and he loved to rock the guitar. He always had the itch to add funk to the song. He really was a true rocker. And the fans really love him. Caleb was the youngest. Caleb was everybody's little brother. He always would do something risky on stage and get the fans rowdy. And Bradley was the songwriter, every beat and every word that gets to him, he would make into a song. And the song would take over the airwaves. And me Johnny I was the bandleader, I was the lead singer who could bring the act together. We were upcoming stars. We were on our way to stardom. We were ready to be legends.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
For the love of Maya
It's the Summer of the late1960's era, when I attended class at Brockman College. I was young. I was smart. I was in love. Every course in school got deeper and deeper. I got more into my courses. I wanted to learn. I wanted to be something. But Cindy was there too, she was lovely. She was special and she was funny. I was in love. I couldn't stop laughing around her. Ahh Cindy Kelly, I wondered if she liked me. I wondered if she notice me in class. I wanted to be with her. I wanted her more and more each day. But who would want to be Mrs. Dave Bankee. Why couldn't my parents give me a romantic name like Sted or Marvin. I had to be named Dave. I eventually worked my way around it. I got into the notion that if I be the smartest then the right woman would come along and be mines. Ever since I was 13, I knew I wanted to get married and have children. But I knew that I had to be something, Momma said you have to be the smartest. And Dad said you have do your best. I took my parents' advice seriously as an only child. My mother was preparing me for the woman of my dreams. My father was telling me how to be the man I wanted to be. And now I am in college after passing basic education with flying colors as the old saying says. I never had time for girls. I never had time to be popular. Even in elementary, the most popular girl wanted me to be her boyfriend however I let her down gently blaming my mother. And in middle school when I made straight A's and was lifting weights. Mom said I could have a girlfriend. I did see this hot German American girl in middle school and she had a Coca-Cola bottle shape. I would pay attention in class. But she was definitely a distraction especially when she stretch in my view just about every week. A lot of guys liked her and it got so bad that a group of boys were gonna come after her. I became her best friend, risk my life for her. And I said If you touch her I will beat you. The group of boys left and she hug and kiss me. However her parents thank me and moved her to another school. Then in high school, I was so smart that I was tutoring other students in math and chemistry. I met this beautiful Hispanic girl, she could sure enough wear a beautiful outfit. She was one aisle away from me. And she was my fantasy. She finally worked with me. And I told her my secret to Chemistry that it is just like cooking. And she passed and I was in the Top Ten Percent of Chemistry in the whole county.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Let it snow
It was 1950 all over again. Summer has passed. Fall has ended. And Winter begin. I had my heart set on Christmas. I love Christmas the lights. The singing and the caroling, everything was just about joy and laughing. And I could not wait for my presents. My life was surrounded by Christmas. And the community would come together just time for Christmas. Heather Boeski is my name. My family would do every tradition that they could think of in the books. I could not help myself. I was young and adventurous. My family love doing something adventurous especially around Christmas. There's nothing like a good holiday. People laughing and children playing. People hoping and love felt everywhere. I remember when I was young and naïve. Nothing could stop me. I would put my hope into the wondrous snow. If its a White Christmas then it is a good Christmas. I would make snow angels with Mom and Dad. I love looking at the beautiful flakes on Christmas. I love tasting the flakes from the sky. And I love hearing Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas song. And drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace. So till Christmas, I would look forward to seeing Dr. Holub. He was the family physician. He was a good man who did no wrong. He also sponsored the Community Christmas Tree. Dr. Holub recommended celebrating traditions and holidays so patients would get over the gloom of winter. But today was different, weeks coming near, I had to see Dr. Holub. And he was not like himself usually. He was a little down and trying to be gentle as he broke it down to me about this Christmas. He said " I am so sorry Heather. Christmas made be a green Christmas. All those children in the community are gonna be sad. All those children and families without snow to play in. Sorry to break it down to you." Heather begins to frown and feel sad. She begin to cry. And Dr. Holub pat her on the shoulder. Dr. Holub tries to cheer her up and give her a lollypop.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
For President
I like Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson. Not for his livelihood or the slavery issue. But Thomas Jefferson embodied the American Dream into his unique ideology. It was Jefferson who pinned the words life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. It was Jefferson who eloquently declared our Declaration of Independence. I am honored to be president. I am honored to stand for those ideologies. I am honored to be the Executive who can make America a more peaceful, friendly and just nation, said President Pope. And at the news conference for his reelection he announced that he would seek a second term with his vice president Ms. Robinham who was from Wyoming. In the current polls, Pope has a leading charge because of his war record and the economy. And because Pope chose a woman to be his vice president. Ms. Robinham served as Wyoming's longest governor before becoming the vice president. And she was a strong, mid-age, and determined woman who earned her stripes in politics. Pope met Robinham when they both were competing for the Democratic nomination. Pope overwhemingly won because he was a war hero and he knew how to lead and charge. Pope used his successful military career. And he used his charm as an experience politician plus seeing he was a presidential favorite. Pope had numerous of endorsements. And he was experienced in politics as a longtime Congressional Representative from California. He made numerous of friends in Washington working on both sides of the aisle and using bipartisanship as a key part of his legacy. Pope was always successful, it took him four times to actually win the nomination. And his first was that he was too young. And his second and third, voters felt it was not the right time for his presidency. Then Pope waited long enough and work hard enough, and he overwhemingly won the nomination which lead to his first term.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Story of the Beautiful Scars
I once was beautiful. I had the world at my doorsteps. I was loved by many. I was the heart of my people. People from around the world would come to see me. They would come to meet me at my father's mansion. I was the delight of many. It wasn't always like that. I did not always think highly of myself. I did not always gloated. It so happened that I met this fairy woman who told me everything I wanted. She told me everything that I could be . She impressed my father. She came to my father's mansion and she convinced him to let me see the world. And I wanted to be free. I wanted the adventure. And father allowed me to travel with some servants. I was so happy. And the Fairy Woman gave me a contract and she said I could get out of it whenever. And after I signed the contract, she said Sign your life away. I never knew what that meant. But I was free to discovered and to be discovered. I was no longer a beauty statue in my father's museum.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Legend of the Strongest Man
I once was strong. I used to lift many barrens of water. I was the pride of my people. I could ride with the best of them. I could swim with the fastest of them. When I was young I lifted 4,000 pounds with my strong back and my strong legs. My people were a strong people. We were a smart people. We were a united people. We've been on the land for thousands of years and we thrived ever hundred years. We built this land. We reshaped this land. We grew with the wind. And we grew with the sun. And we grew with the trees. And we grew with the flowers. And our cattle ate from the grass. We were the original people. We were the original destiny of the land. And it so happened that other tribes started to face a drought and their land was not good in shape. And they kept requesting assistance food and water from us. My father was the Chief. He was a proud man. He was a great man. He was mighty warrior. And he understood the need of the other tribes but he could not jeopardize the need of his tribe. He would reason and provide as much supply as possible to these tribes. And most of the tribes were thankful except one who was led by a Shamma.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The First Cowboy
Way back in the West before cowboys were famous. They used to call them cow hand. They would call the black helpers cowboys. In those days, everything was divided. There was no integration or sharing of help. The cowboys who weren't boys at all but grown men but because of their color they were called boys. They went through a lot in the West. They almost would not survive but they knew how to survive. They come too far just to give up and turn around. They were valiant men. They were loyal men. They loved their country. And they were willing to die for their cause. And the baddest of them was Jared. Jared was an orphan and adopted by a military captain. Jared was the roughest and meanest. And he was not afraid to fight with some cow hand. He knew how to outsmart them and the law if need be. He was the leader of the cowboys. And they were proud of him. And they knew that they could depend upon him. They swore that they will never leave anyone behind and that when they had to fight that they will fight with honor.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
A Twist of Fate
I come from a proud historic past. My family lived here since the 1800's. We've been proud of our roots and where we came from. We come from the island. The island where there is always a celebration. We love to dance. We love to sing. We love. We love everything about our culture. My first love was the food that my mother cooked. She would make everything you could think in the Cuban cuisine. And my family would love to gather around the table and enjoy a good meal. That's what inspired me to cook. I wanted to cook since age 12. And I finally got my chance in school, there was a baking contest in Home Economics. I was dying to show how good of a cook I was especially for Papi. Oohh Papi was fine. He was smart. He was strong. And he was every woman dream. Papi blowed my mind the time he sat next to me in the classroom. And he was sweet, he had the nicest attitude. Even when I was acting clumsy, Papi would gently smile. And so I wanted to bake my mother's special Cuban cuisine. And she showed me how many times but I got kinda of nervous. And she stopped the last time and asked me what was a matter. I said Papi is gonna eat some and I don't know what he is gonna think. And my mother stopped and hugged me and kiss me on the forehead. She said Maime' everything is gonna be okay. But I said Mommie that mean girl Pristine is gonna be there. She and her gang of friends. They are always picking on me. And she wants Papi. And she is the meanest girl in the whole school. Plus she rich and gets anything she wants. My mother said Maime' don't worry girl. You got this. You are pretty. You are smart. You are beautiful. I said Okay okay Mommie.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Mahalia and Me
I told my grandma when I was four years that I wanted to be a singer. I asked her to teach me. She said No Mattina I can't teach you. You have to learn from school and church. So I did my school work since age 5 and never looked back. I sung in every choir I could possibly sing in. I was performing since age 8. Singing inspired me to do well in school. It even inspired me to make A's. As I got older I asked my grandma about my parents especially about Mom. I wanted to know what happen to her and her dreams. Grandma explained that it runs in the family where parents leave before their children. My father left before we knew him she said. My mother was a good woman, pretty and can sing. She would worked hard cleaning houses and working every job she could to provide. She also had a dream to sing. And then Grandma showed her only copy of this beautiful Gospel Singer. Your mother loved Mahalia Jackson and she would sing everyone of her songs by heart. Take this Mattina, this is my gift to you from your mother. I kissed and hugged my grandmother. She said I know you have been working hard in school and doing well. I wanted to inspire you to fulfill the dreams of your mother. She wanted to sing gospel. In fact she was a lead choir singer and Preacher's Singer. A lead choir singer means that they wanted her to do solos a lot in church. And a preacher's singer means she would sing so beautiful that the preacher would do a sermon based on her singing. Mattina I want you to go to school don't go the church way yet. Because your mother did and they loved her dearly. I say a little too much that they called her Little Mahalia. Then some time after when they found her singing other songs and wanting a career in gospel, they kick her out of the church. And that's what torn your mother down, she was so hurt that she could not keep her soundness. Your grandpa and I tried to encourage her. We tried to stop her from giving up on her dreams and preserving for you but she was angry. And pretty soon her health begin to deteriorate over her grudges. I say this to you now because you are becoming a young woman and you should know.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Uneven Sisters
I always got to work. I always got to clean. Belinda doesn't have to do anything. And she always getting into trouble. But that is my duty as the housekeeper. My family could barely afford to live. My family grew up poor. They couldn't afford much food and they could not afford much clothes. Momma said that we nearly starve just to make it. This is what encourage me to work for the Lenfords. The Lenfords are good folks that never done anything wrong. They care about their workers. They care about the people that protect their home and keep it safe. My name is Flower. Momma gave me a simple name to remind her of what father would do for her on Valentine's Day. Dad would give flowers to Momma. Mr. Lenfords always gave me an extra tip whenever I would work for them. The reason Momma passed her job down to me so the family can live within their means. I loved working because I would just make sure Belinda was taken care of. She was young and wild and free. I would read to her and make sure she was well taken of.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Dave and DC
I don't like being pushed into something. I don't like being told what to do. But Pops gonna kill me if I don't help Dave. Dave is my younger brother from another mother. He's fine at one time then the next he is getting into trouble. Pops would say DC that's how you were when you were growing up. You were hard. You were tough. Can't you show Dave some compassion. Yeah that's my name don't wear it out DC. My father named me after the place he met my mother. He was feeling the cool vibes of DC and chilling with his Hip Hop friends. He was planning to become a rapper until he met that fine woman, Mom. She was Hip Hopping and wild. And Pops knew it. She gave him something he could feel and that's how I was born. To make a long story short, Mom left him. Pops kept drinking and hanging out with wild women. Grandpa helped Pops to get back on with his life. And Grandpa help raised me. He was loving and kind. And occasionally funny because he would show me that he still got it. At Grandpa's funeral Pops promised me that if I live with him and do what's right that he would do exactly what Grandpa did for him. Pops even pinky swear because I was little back then.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Tataski's Final Testimony
In the Western United States, Asian families were doing well back in the last century. Before equal rights and before Civil Rights, there were Asian families that were making more than White Americans. They would come from working on the trains in 19th Century to making profitable businesses. Some of them were becoming millionaires. And Tataski was one of them, he was from generations of hard-working Americans. He was a proud Asian American. He loved his country and his relatives fought for the country since the Civil War. His family became rich off of their many businesses and franchises in the city and across the West. But there was one thing Tataski wanted was equality. He wanted his children and his family to receive the same privileges as White people. And his family agreed to his pursuit in order to protect their wealth. They wanted to have the same freedoms as White people. So their family hired a lawyer and sued in Court.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
