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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Orlleo & Penelope
Well before the Civil War freed all enslaved people. There were people buying their freedom. There were slaves who master let them go. There were freedmen who paid the widow of their master to become free. I was one of them Orlleo. All my youth I gave to the system. All my strength and all my life, I was mostly enslaved. My parents came from Africa. And I was purchased at conception. Master attained about three hundred slaves. And I am one of the youngest when I was born. It happened after I raised a family. After I worked most of my life. That master died and his widow fell unto hard times. She could not afford all the slaves that she had and so it was lawful to give them their freedom. My plan was to first get my freedom then to free the rest of my family. So I told the miss that I would make a deal for my freedom. I would work for three more months and I will be freed from her. And she agreed and made a contract and she gave me my freedom papers dated on the time I could leave. So I was happy working for my freedom. I did more work than I ever because I knew freedom was coming. And I kept up. The widow came to remind me Orlleo you worked hard enough. I decided to let you and the rest of your family go. I took all the papers and shook her hand strongly. And that night we left.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
My People Chose Me
Why was I chosen? I never knew why I was chosen. Chosen to carry the burdens of my people. Chosen to speak on behalf of my people. I love my people with everything that is within me. I feel their pain. I feel their burden. But can one man carry this burden alone? I hurt when I hear them called out of their name. I hurt when I hear them degraded. I hurt when I hear them crying. My soul ache and my mind wanders. I love watching father and my uncles make maple syrup. I love seeing the bees dance around the just tap sap. It makes me smile from the inside to the outside. And I realized how much nature is like us. Then I love seeing the maze grow taller than me over six feet and the trees that bring so much comfort. Everything has a purpose and everything has life. Everything is for a reason. And everything has a point of existence. I must have a purpose and I must have a existence.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Princess of Her People
They think they own us. They think we are property. They think we are nobodies. I come to tell my people. We are free. We are something. We are able. We are mighty. For I am your princess, Yoli. As Yoli exclaimed at a classroom protest. She was the daughter of chiefs and princesses of Africa. She was tired of the oppression. She was fed up with the lies and maltreatment. She was hurt over the inhumanity. She would fight back tears as guns were pointed at her fellow classmates. She would fight back tears as she saw the struggle was real. Her home, her school, her job, and her country were at war with her people. And this was just the beginning, she would see more and more atrocities. Yet she refused to back down. She refused to give in. She refused to be afraid. She was a Queen in waiting and a verified Princess of her People.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Wisest Emperor
There was no one wiser. There was no one clever. There was no one who understood like Qing. Qing was keen. He was well learned. He mastered at age 15 what most master in their graduate studies. Qing was the son of an emperor. And he was getting ready to become emperor. He was watched most of his life under the care of the Imperial Guards. He saw the ups and downs of reigning yet he still was fascinated with the power and the privilege and the prestige. He really wanted to reign and he really wanted the honor. He would spend his time in the room behind the throne room just to listen to the emperor, his father pass judgement. It was his favorite thing.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Reputation & Dignity
I wanted to find out about my ancestry. I wanted to see the noble men and women that made me. So I will know where I came from. So I will know where I am going. I will know my purpose. However my family did warn me that you might find bad history and you might regret what you find. I still waited all my life to do a test. I had to afford the fee for the test and take it properly because I don't want to pay that fee again. And there are lots of people taking the test, celebrities and notable people. I want to see how far they can retrieve of my ancestry. Here I go and mail it.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
War's over and Love's here
The 1917 war was well over. And soldiers were returning from duty. I had a love from yonder met him when I was just shy of 16. He was both handsome and strong. He made me feel like a woman. I loved his charm and sweet kisses. He swept me off of my feet. It was good back then but now I am out of my parents' home. I am completely on my own. No man to help guide me through the day or write sweet love letters. I stopped getting love letters from Mickey way back, a few months or weeks ago. I asked the postal man and he keeps saying the same thing that I did not receive anything. I called his family and no one responds. I couldn't reach his old friends because they all served with him. Yup alone in this big city. Something you learned from growing up poor, you learned guts. You learned grits. You learned how to tough it out. I recognized life is no apple pie. But life should be simpler. Life should be complete. Life should be whole. After all this is the country of freedom. This is the country of grace. This is the country of hope. Mickey would say that he loved me. Mickey would say that he missed me. Mickey would say that I am all that he dream of. He better not have gone off with some other woman. Some other who would care for him like me. Someone who would love him like me.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Buffalo Loves
It was right after the Civil War ended, we were commissioned to the West. I never been to the West being the son of a slave. I had never been exploring the country. I never had the money or the freedom. But I needed the job, I needed the challenge. Too many things happened in this country. Too many injustices and now it is time for my people to see the world. For my people to become something that they never were able to become. I did not agree with the cause but I wanted the adventure. My dear father died during the slavery years and my mother I did not know much. I had nothing left down South. I did not want to reminded of the pain and the terrible past. I was fully ready for an adventure. And I did not want to look back as a person, as a citizen and as a freeman. My eyes were set on the West. And I had a captain who understood my hopes and dreams. I had a captain James who understand my bout with life. A captain who would risked anything for us to get the justice we so desire.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Back in Burroburg
It was way after slavery. It was somewhat peaceful. Momma said People were prospering like never before. People were doing things, inventing stuff that could change a million lives. I always looked to Momma because she was the smartest woman I've known. She would treat me like a treasure. I guess because I was her only child from the man who loved her so much. Momma said she believed father died from the war. All she knew was one day that she got a letter from the military when she was pregnant with me. The officers said their condolences and bow their head handing the letter and Papa's last check from the military. I grew up in Burroburg. Burroburg is my home as long as I can remember. It is a cross between a city and the country. My family was all I knew when I was growing up. As my cousins went away, and created their lives. I was hopelessly in love with Burroburg. I would go on walks with Momma throughout the nighttime. We would talk about growing up. Momma would reassure me that she loves me and I would tell Momma that I love her. As time went by other people were moving into Burroburg and as a long time resident of Burroburg I wanted to know. The community was thriving and upcoming. We have many businesses. We were building many houses. Every year most of the men would fix the roads. Then it was that year starting to become a woman and wanting new friends. I prayed to God that I would met someone who would inspire me to do something great. And a few days I met Haddie, she was lively and she was bursting with new energy. I don't think I ever seen someone in town who had as much energy as Haddie. "Pollie when are you gonna stop reading and start playing," said Haddie. I tried to tell her Momma wants me to do something great and be something better than her and Papa. I even offered to read the story to her. She listen and wanted to know where I got the book from. I told her it is from school. She walked me to school and I walked her school. Her school times were different and the weather did not help much. After some time, Haddie wanted to see my school so I asked Momma. Momma looked distressed she said " I don't know child. People aren't that open. And your relationship with Haddie is conditional Pollie. You can hang around her as long as you get your schooling okay." I signaled Yes obediently to Momma. Haddie was dying to meet my school and so I invited her to a community gathering. Most people ignored Haddie. Some said Hi and wave. I was embarrassed because they did not act that way when I was around them. They were lively and homely and welcoming. So after several hours, I told and motion for Haddie that it is time to leave. Haddie was still having fun and I was shocked by people's reaction. Haddie and I walked home. I said "You know Haddie they were putting on a show. They were doing that because you were White." Haddie ignored and kept smiling. And Pollie said, "Haddie, its your friend Pollie. And I had to tell you the truth. Momma said if I don't continue doing what's right and my schooling. Then we can't play together anymore." Haddie said "I know my mother and father said the same thing." "Hey we are of age you're 16 and I am 18. We haven't had our first kiss," said Haddie. Pollie uncomfortably said "Momma told me to wait till marriage." "Well maybe tonight is the night. See that young fella throwing rocks at the tree. He's cute," said Haddie. Haddie leave Pollie and begin to approach the young man. Haddie said "Ever kissed a woman like me fella." And the young man signal no. Haddie suggestively kiss and hug the young man. And Pollie in emotions begged Haddie to hurry up and she dragged her slightly . And Haddie signaled it wasn't over between her and the young man. Haddie said "Why did you do that?" Pollie explained "Haddie you just moved here. But people are racists. You kissing that young Black man could get him lynched. Are you crazy? If Momma hears about this then you can forget our friendship." "Well you think I am White. I'm Jewish Pollie. They act funny with me too. I'm tired of the looks. I'm tired of the acts. Why are people so racists?" said Haddie. And Pollie unable to explain walk away and they both go home crying. Haddie haven't heard from Pollie in a while, both are thinking about their friendship and the joys and ups and the downs. After several weeks of being apart, Pollie send Haddie a simple letter. And they met by the pond "I'm sorry Pollie. It will never happen again. it is not your fault or mines." said Haddie. "I am frustrated too. You are not my foe. You are not my enemy. You are my sister, my Jewish sister. And I will not never treat you like a token," said Pollie. And the two hugged and promised to secretly fight for eachother and look out for each other no matter what.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Beloved Princess
I remember a little bit about my mother and father. I knew they were in loved. I knew they were close at one time. I knew they were best friends. But I never understood why they parted. I never knew why they separated. My grandmother who raised me said they had loved but as much as they had loved, they had disagreements She believed that my father's family wanted him to marry someone else. And my mother felt isolated and unwanted so she ranaway with me. I longed for my father maybe sometimes even more. My father has always been in my heart but I could not express it. My mother left me when I was twelve and she told me everything she could about my father. She said he was some king in a faraway country. She said many things about how powerful and prestigious he was. And that she wrote him letters about me and she received no response. Now that I am about to marry, where a father supposed to wish his daughter well. I don't know where to turn. I don't even know he would notice me. He probably doesn't care. Maybe father moved on and started a new family. However grandma told me to write him as she gave me his address.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
True Redemption
I remember my father the way he was before what he is now. We used to go on walks and rides throughout the country. We used to bike and see the world. My father was loving, hardworking and honest. My father was caring, good nature and decent. He used to tell me wise stories about life and read to me about what a real man is. He used to have hope for me. Things aren't what they used to be. I'm Kc and my father is President Billy Cleveland. My father was a minister turned politician. He loved people and leading them to the right way. He loved church but he had an urge for justice. He wanted things to get better. Sometimes I think the injustice turned into an ambition because he was determined. But I missed the father who showed his love in practical ways and now that he became President of the United States, things have for certain changed. My mother noticed. Her name was Glo Cleveland. She went from first lady of a church all the way up to First Lady of the United States. My mother for certain noticed the changes in my father but she just dismissed it as job stress. We used to gather at a peaceful dinner but now its just my mother and I.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
The Professional Code of Ethics
A professional code of ethics is a moral framework that guides the way teams and organisations behave and make decisions in the workplace. It provides the opportunity to set minimum expectations for staff on what's acceptable and how employees can approach and solve problems. Creating a code of ethics takes careful consideration and understanding its significance is important for the organisation and its staff. In this article, we explore what a code of ethics is, why it's important to have one and how to use one
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in The Swamp
Dreams of my father
My mother is Nichelle. Nichelle was a hard working woman who loved her work and family very much. My mother would work all day and all night in her little garden pulling weeds and planting flowers. She would always dedicate herself to the garden and community garden so I know hard work ever since I was young. I know what real labor as my mother put everything into her love of gardens. I believe my grandmother was the same. She would worked hard in the field until she got what she wanted done. She used to say that "That's how people were back then. That's how people act with dignity and due diligence." And my grandmother was a godly woman who taught my mother everything she known. She was the main cornerstone in the family. Anyways back to my mother, my mother was the center of my daily life. I only remember her raising me and taking care of me. And my mother did the best she can. But as a young man, Mikey is the name. I just was a little troublesome. Seeing other boys playing with their father, seeing other boys laughing with their father. I would just stand still and daydream what life would of been like if my father raised me. What life would of been like if he would of got back with my mother. They say children dream all the time. They have good dreams. And they have bad dreams. And my dreams as I aged became more complicated. It happened that I got in a fight one day. A boy at school with his friends were laughing at me in math class, he flicked my ear about ten times. And I know the teacher saw him and so I got angry. I jack him up against the file cabinet in the class. I yank him three times yelling and frustrated. And the teacher had to stop the fight. We both went to the vice principal office. And the boy went first and said his side uncaringly. Then I went in crying because I knew mother would be disappointed and I was gonna be in troubled. I tried to explain my side. And I was held till my mother came. My mother looked at me harshly and she compelled to the vice principal. And I knew I was gonna get in trouble. Nichelle said "Boy what's got into you. You're getting into fights. Acting up at school. Daydreaming." I acted as if I was listening because I did not want to get a whipping. "Mikey do you hear me talking to you? I am trying to understand you son. I am doing my best to raise you. Are you showing out because of your father not being apart of your life," said Nichelle while driving home. "Your father was a good man but too controlling and too career-focus. We did marry briefly. And you do look like him," Nichelle said trying to ease her son. "Yeah ever once and while I wish he would come back. I wish he would be the man I fell in love with." "Mom yeah I dream of my father. I dream of my dad. Other boys have father," Mikey confessing to his mother. "Well I understand but as Mama would say ain't no need of fussing over something you can't really change. I guess you old enough to hear about JJ. That was his name JJ. He was a hard man. He loved music. We used to do things together. And your father did held you in his big arms. I knew he did at one time love me. And he definitely loved you. And if he was here he would proud of you," Nichelle holding back the tears in her eyes. "Don't cry Mama. I'll tell you like I told my principal. That boy kept bothering me. The teacher saw it. And I overreacted. Sorry Mama. sorry for disappointing you. It will never happened again," confessing Mikey. Nichelle stopping at the home, "Mikey I'm gonna let this one go. Because I know the real reason. A mother knows. Son a mother is just as good as a father. A mother can love just as hard as a father. A mother can fight just as much as a father. Let this be a lesson. A mother is just as good as a father. I love you. I gave up everything for you. Do you understand me?" Mikey quietly responding and Nichelle said "You can dream. Dream of your father but be better. Be the man your mother always knew."
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
