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 Passionate Scriptures
The Scriptures were never told this way. They were never known this way. Literally poetic in every form. Literally spoken in the language of the people. That's why it spread like wild fire. The people knew the language. They knew the stories would surround something. They had an idea. They had an hint of the ideologies. This was the Scriptures. Yes the people heard about great gods and goddresses but who would have thought of one god. These radical ideas were delivered by simple poetry. They were delivered by eloquent words. They were delivered by fire burning preachers. They were delivered by ordinary men and women with a mission to change the world. This was not just a fad. This was not just a moment. This was not just a time of sympathy. It was great enlightenment. It was great exploration. It was revolutionary. People weren't fighting as much. People weren't interested in war that much. People weren't infaturated with violence. They were ready to learn. They were ready to hear. They were ready to listen. It was the age of knowledgement. It was the age of advancement. People had many motives. People had desired to know what others have known. They were interested in culture. They were interested in rituals. They were interested in the world. And the Scriptures made known these influences debating Greeks' theologies and ruffing Roman governance. It terrified the rulers that knowledge was being spread and people especially those in boundage were advancing and changing the world. And they proclaimed no right to the knowledge, they only stated that they known the truth. So they could not contained them with their prisons. They could not contained with execution. How could they proclaim peace among their many provinces with violence? This paradox blow the Roman Empire apart. The very Scriptures weakened its grip on the world. The very Scriptures created a new kingdom that did not rely on dictatorship and tyranny. It was said that Messaic kingdom, where there is a unity where everyone matters where freedom will be respected. This has morph the world's governance and the world's views. The Scriptures time and time again have evolved the world's thinking with powerful men and women in power who lean toward their moral and religious belief to appease their people and the standard which was given. The Scriptures have shaped this world. The Scriptures have change history. It is only now we are beginning to uproot the very influence the Scriptures have on our commodities, our way of living and our known traditions.There is no better time than now than to understand the unforeseen. There is no better time than now to rationalize the untold. It is our duty to continue analyze the impact of the Scriptures, historically. They are moving and uplifting and lifechanging. Constantly as the number one book in the world for hundreds of years. We must strive to understand its influence and its driving force on our daily lives. We must learn to deal with its messages throughout our lives. We must learn to apply careful understanding and exact perception of its meaning. We must know the connotations that it leaves on the world we now know. We must try to fight for true paradim. True paradim comes from seeing and perceiving the inevitable and being prepared for the notions.It takes constant studying and constant open mindness. A daily habit of learning by sensing physically and spiritually and morally. We must learn to not be offended and understand the historical context. We must break through the modern norms and take a journey into the unrealized past then we can see the major and profound influences and recognized the truth.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Journal
The Queens of Benin
All the men are gone. All men are stolen away. Only women left in the nation of Benin in Africa. Can you believe it? Can you fathom it? The men were our protection, they were our warriors. They were our brothers. They were our fathers. They were our sons. They were our friends. They were our husbands. .They were our cousins. They were our uncles. They were our grandfathers. They were our hope. Now there is no hope for Benin. Nothing but women left. Women in chains everywhere. And they have us working the field and we're doing it. But it was much easier with the men. It was much easier with our brothers. Never did we have to gather food alone. Never did we walk alone. Never did we carry heavy buckets to our villages. But there's something the colonists never knew. Each day we grow stronger and stronger. Each day we fight harder and harder. Each day we think deeper and deeper. Ah yeah we want that freedom. That freedom that our ancestors gave to us. That freedom of our own land. That freedom we never knew until now. And each day they teach us something new. We're learning how to farm. We are learning how to survive. We are learning about the world. We are learning how to make clothing. It has been years since we were devastasted never seen a man, never been held by one gently, never been so yearning. Yet we hope. We learned to lean on eachother. We learned to fight besides eachother. We're becoming friends. We are checking on each other. We are gathering. We are knowing more and more. We are not alone anymore. We are one. And our new masters don't know our ways entirely. They don't know how smart we become. They only know we are workers and not like them. They underestimate us day by day. As the years press on, we are given more freedom yet a stern hand. We can gather but we must do so around work hours. We can sing but we must sing their way. We can smile but we must smile within. 11 years of slavery, 11 years of toil, 11 years of strength, 11 years we will get back our revenge. I am Baku, I was just a ten year old girl before my father left but now I am a woman. I am a warrior. And today we lead a revolt. Its been too long of harsh labor. Its been too long of lies and deceit. I know as much as my master. They think I am too stupid to lead. They think I am too poor minded, less willed but I am taking my revenge with my sisters who were wipe for speaking out tonight as soon as I leave the master's house for the hut. I see the stars are wide tonight. I see the moon is bright tonight. I see the field are plenteous. I see the fire has eased. It is time to start the light. Sisters, sisters let's gather today. I am calling sisters sisters let's take our land. Sisters let break this chain. Sisters sisters we have the power. You see we learned to see at night and we learned how to carry weapons. We learned how to use swords and axes. It is our time. Everyone grab their weapon and take the horses. And so the women of Benin fought with resistance the colonists in Benin raging all night for days. The colonists were unprepared and starting moving and retreating towards the ships. And those who tried to keep their land died on their land. The women of Benin fought their oppressors. They killed most of the colonists and they did not cease to stop on their attack. The colonists cried for back up but the women of Benin raged on and they won. The rest of the colonists escaped and fled. Benin was the only freed country from oppression during the colonization of Africa. The Women of Benin proved there's nothing a man cannot do that a woman cannot do. They conquer a civilization and made their freedom. They became the leaders of their destiny. They empower themselves to learn everything until they were freed.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Humans
The Emperors of Europe
Now Mozart played with all his might and wonder Europe at the age of 15. He played the church organ so well that enchanted Europe. And his parents were given access to the important people of Europe who loved gazing at the young fellow and dancing to his waltz. Mozart grew even better and had friends who were composers. They would come together just to make music and play intuitively. People could hear the music filling the streets near the theater. They would sturn and shocked at the percussions and deep mind boggling melodies. These band of friends would play constantly and throughout the day and night to get better and better. The officials asked them to play gently at night than the day so people could sleep through and not be disturb. And as they played children would make up rhymes to their music and women would try to laugh to see if they could catch the attention of one of the friends to lure for a romance. Yes the friends played and that was their job. It was their duty to their country. It was their ambition. It was their passion. It was their motivation. Then suddenly war broke out overseas. And the nation was trouble before the friends would travel freely playing the music of their heart. Playing till the morning and evening fell at their will. They would play with all their might and the audience would gaze every step of the way in wander, in excitement and in ethusiam. These were the greats, these were the magnificent, these were the immorals. They were the emperors, where kings would give great ransom to hear. Where kings' daughters were just maidens of beauty and delight upon which they could pleasure their minds. Where kings' servants were their servants and kings' treasure were nothing to the vast entertaining of their shows and feats. These were the true emperors of Europe. Money was what they represent. Money was what they always had. Money had no price on talent and smarts. These friends were close, these friends were tight, these friends were the talk of Europe. Now the war gloom the wealth, taxes were raised so they had to raised their prices. They bet on the war to regain their lost. They would play every soldier's tune, they would do concerts simply for dancing and delighting the crowd. They would play as much as they can to spread word about their company. And it did not matter about a gain or lost from the war because now they have become more than emperors of music, more than emperors of Europe for now they have become heroes. Their fame shot to the moon and there were talks of division. The company has lasted so long the members were into their mid 30's but the brotherhood must go on. They must find a way to keep it together. They must find a way to make the spark that united the countries, united poor and rich, united young and old, united have and have not. Mozart was the one that broke away and he gave each member their wealth but he declared his family needed more. And so the brotherhood tried to stay together but others began to fall away. And say that it is not like it used to be. Eventually new talent did not pour in as thought, the company started to lose funding, its stars, its kings, its emperors, its heroes all left to be famous and compose their own main attraction. As years passed, many members became unknown wallowing in debt and dying, Mozart was the first of them. The last of the brotherhood, the last of the company told Mozart's wife who bear him children of their company that she never knew much. They slowly helped her put it back together and she reprinted Mozart's music and now it is left to history. Their moment of greatness has been engraved and now their time has passed. The time of the emperors of music, the emperors of Europe must now rest.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Humans
Drum Majors for Justice
Now this war has brought a lot of pain and suffering. It has brought a lot of anger and shame. We have lost a lot of men. And we must try new strategies to win. We have to distract the Confederate. They are strong. They have dogs to hear. They have good weapons but we can outgun that. We can created a diversion. We can create a trick. It's gonna take wit. It's gonna take smarts. It's gonna take you. We need you to do the hard job. Soldiers will protect you. We can only take the most brave and skillest.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Journal
The King from Alabama
Dear Mr. President, I have tired to obliged to the standards of America. I have tried to honor its history. I have tried to be the best American I know how. But the scourge of injustice cannot stand any longer. The affliction of hatred on my people is fierce and agonizing. I have seen the injustice. I have seen the poverty. I have seen the misery. I cannot take it anymore. This is why I stand in prison today. I am in prison for standing for what's right. I am in prison for my faith. I am in prison for telling the truth. They called justice, putting innocent people into prison, tearing down their faith in American justice, and interrogating them at every chance. They called justice, lying about their means and disturbing their life with pain and struggles. They called justice, no power to the majority and best in the hand of the few. I cannot turn around. I cannot back down. I humbly asked for your support. I know you are a man of faith. I know you will keep your promise. You represented America. You represented freedom. You represented hope. You represented all the promises that America has told and now must fulfilled. Free me so I can do the good work and set right this injustice.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Humans
The Space Race
It appears that Russia has plans to begin space exploration. We must do something Mr. President. We must muster up the power to defeat this Cold War's Space Race. We have intel that defines our capacity. We can build a space station. We can build a space ship but we must make sure the American people is behind us every step of the way. Kennedy said after hearing this from U.S. Intel. I asked the American people to dream. I asked the American people to believe in their government. To believe in the ideologies of the founding fathers. To trust in a new America where we respect each other, where we treat each other as human beings. The American people are ready, they are able to take on this space race. We are not tired but thirsty for justice. We are not worn but ready and viliigant for peace. We are not weak but amp for equality. I stand on my promises ready to avail the will of the American people. I am ready to protect the interests of my nation. To protect the desire of the American people to break the discontent brought by Russia. I am able to meet the challenge. I am able to fight for the American people. We will prevail in this space race. Kennedy close down the phone conference from the White House. His advisors meet with him in the Oval Office. And they wrought up plans to established the National Aeronautics Space Administration. Now Eisenhower knew about the Russians and he helped established the space administration but it has an unpopular name and it was just used for defense. He also started a new system of communication used for defense. I believe called something like the internet. We can rename his space administration to something the American people can relate to. Something the American people can dream and hope and aspire to be. We have to reinvent an industry. Kennedy spoke, Let me give it some thought. We need a name. A name that says America can and will meet the challenge. I want you to think about it for the upcoming weeks. We also need to find the man power to achieve a man on the moon. We have to do something great to outdo the Russians. We have to set a goal for the American people. We have to do something symbolic to reintroduce the space administration. Think about it and get back to me as soon as you come up with a plan. And so Kennedy's advisors took weeks and weeks checking in with the President on progress and completion of tasks. After a couple of months into the project, the President recruited military intel agents and previous war experts. Mr. President, Germany was planning to go to space if they won the World War. We have intel on scientists who have done exploratory work in space. It is our only hope to exceed Russia who could be using some of these secrets. We have to acquire their feasibility and establish the space administration. Kennedy responded I need proof of American excellence. Bring them in and see what they can teach us. Do this secretly so the American people won't be alarm. Do not worry I will tell the American people when we have succeeded at our quest for space. And so the military intel agents and previous war experts work with Kennedy's advisors for less than two years. And they completed the rockets prototype and engines, they were prepared to explore space and change the face of history. Kennedy spoke to Joint Congress, They said we will never accomplished anything because we are too freed. They said we will never meet their demand because we aren't smart enough. They said we will never break their record in space. Well Mr. Russian Leader and Russia, we have succeeded. We have accomplished. We are ready. the American people I presented to you NASA, the National Aeronautic Space Administration. Our children can dream of being in space. They can dream about reaching the stars. They can dream about flying space. We have a chance to take the American Dream to higher heights and do what we never done before. Touch the sky and explore the Universe.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Journal
Leader of the Free World
Mr. President it has appeared that Israel became a State out of the ashes of the World War 2. All other nations are hesitated to recognize it. We have read that other nations fear that their country will be at the edge of a war. If you recognize it then you will risk national security, if you recognize them then you may start a war. We cannot tell you what to think or how to go about with the new nation of Israel. Truman said, I would have to do some careful thought and prayerfully think about this decision. Though the people have been through so much. We cannot continue the history of abuses and hatred. We cannot prolong their freedom and justice. We cannot overlook their right to be protected. I am leaning toward them because this may prevent another genocide. This may prevent another injustice. Our founders believed in the Word. And I will carefully use faith and diplomacy to guide me along this unknown path. Freedom should be universal. Justice should be without restraint. We must, we have to end this cycle of bigotry. I have seen much. I heard much. It was the hatred of these people that led to this massive war. It boggles my mind to step aside. So the President took his normal walks and talk to his advisors. He walked unafraid and with dignity. He walked with sincerity at heart. And he held his decision in disregard of his advisors and in keeping a steady hand for the people. It was rumored that the President would pray daily before his meals and he would read the paper. He would do this normally without disturbance. But something was different about this day, he read the paper and he skip breakfast calling his advisors on conference. Truman said, I see the people of Israel have spoken. They truly are a nation. They truly seek independence from persecution and strife. I am standing on their side. I will tolerate no more agony, pain, and strife. I have decided to recognized Israel bring in the Prime Minister into my office immediately. The President's advisors were quiet and ended the call. It took weeks and weeks of preparing but the time finally arrived. The Secret Service met the Israel's Prime Minister at the airport and drove them straight to the White House after lodging at the Ambassador Hotel. Truman waited peacefully at the White House's corridor and the Associated Press was there. Truman shook hands with the Prime Minister and ushered them in. Truman talked to the Israel Prime Minister. Madam Prime Minister of Israel be assured I welcome your country. It has been long expected. Israel deserved to be a nation and America will recognized its sovereignty. The Prime Minister, my nation seeks only peace. We are tired of persecution and we are tired of strife. Our hope is to be a protectorate for Israeli people. Our founders seek justice and restoring of the promise. I assured you Mr. President. We mean no war. Truman said, The American people will deliver. We want a just world. We want equality and freedom. Here's my office. And the Press followed in the room yelling for the President. Truman said while sitting in the Oval chair, I have with me the Prime Minister of Israel, they have assured me that they come in peace and seek justice as America. I give Israel my right hand of fellowship and welcome them to the table of peace. Welcome Israel. And Truman shook the Israel Prime Minister's hand and signed the Proclamation declaring Israel a friend of America.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Journal
Reporting from the Frontlines
My gut determined me. My will to understand the State of our Union and where we stand among the people. I was set on a mission to deliver to the people's representative. Our country has been so divided. One against another. Some against others. We need to know what is going on. We need to know what is happening. Something isn't right. And I got to see justice. So here I am preparing to go through the wilderness. I go unfiltered, unscripted, and unprotected. I am dressed like the average man. Like an average Black man, I want to see the horrors of segregation. As soon as I start traveling, we are stopped by the way. Officer pull us over and check the car asking for my license and registration. He holds me in handcuffs for a long 4 hours and then let me off with a warning after radio in the local police station. So I wait until he drives by and he slowly does with a stern face. I watched him and slowly get back into the car. So I am driving further down South. I'm kind of hungry and I got to used the bathroom. I drive to the nearest rest stop. Oh good there's two and as soon as I get out I see a man with shot gun at the entrance of the bathrooms. One says White only and the other says Colored. The White only was closer and the Colored was far away. I had a hard time trying not to mess on myself. And the White Only look brand new while the Colored look dirty and small. I slowly walked to get gas and the man with the shot gun was making sure his shot gun was working because he lifted it up while having one eye piercing me and he was dressed like a midage farmer. I walked in the store to pay but I had to go through a back entrance that said Colored only. The cashier would not take my money out of my hand told me to just drop the money on the counter. The cashier said I was a few bucks short. And I know I counted the money right but I gave an extra amount. The cashier said that there is a restaurant next door and to enter through the back. I said thank you sir and left out the back door. I walked a way to the restaurant through the back door and it was somewhat pack. I was the only Black man in there or so they suppose. And I heard the restaurant owner telling me he has no more room and that he could get my meal to go if I wait outside. I had to of course pay first which I did. It took an hour and when I came in. I heard a kid say who is that Momma? And she said it is just some N Word who got no business being around here. I put my face down and walk looking to the ground while taking my meal to not cause a disturbance and I ate in my car. Then I went further down South, I had to stop by the nearest hotel which was far off my trip, the Black owner of the hotel warned me that it is one of those nights and I should not be caught wandering. I was in my hotel room sleeping when I heard some noise outside. The Black owner of the Hotel and his staff were arguing with men in white robes and they said that if another thing happen this is what they would do. And I saw the men in white robes put a cross on the front lawn of the Hotel and set it on fire. From my window I was enraged. I was furious. This is not freedom. This is not justice. I will do one more thing before I return. I want to see and walk about. Walk about and see if this is what they called freedom. So first I stopped by the local bar, dancing to jazz and hearing Ella Fitzgerald's Swing but the bar was only half full and the band was sensation. After a few drinks, a White couple pop in and the bar owner said we want no trouble. And the White couple smiled and the bar owner removed the Black customers from the bar table to seat the White Couple. One of the men hit on the White Woman and she brushed it off. The White man said She is with me. I sat alone drinking a few more drinks and sitting up close to the band. There was a communtion outside after I left the bar, two Black men fighting in the alley one owned the other some money and I heard the police coming. I did not want to get in trouble with the police. I already had one experience. So I ran into the forest after I parked at the hotel and the cross was hours put out. So after hours and hours in the middle of the night, I walked through the nearby forest, quietly as the Moon was shining. I was humming Ella's song I like from the local bar. And I ran into a body hanging from the tree. I screamed and I had to cover my mouth if someone heard me. I might be next. I ran in the opposite way and there were a few more bodies. As I lit up my lantern, and I found my way back to the hotel. And I paid the receptionist and early that morning I left. I could not go deeper down South. I could not see anymore horror. I am just a reporter but Mr. President this has got to change. We have got to do something. It is unacceptable the conditions of Blacks and Browns. Our State is a State of Chaos and Division, where murder can oblige and crime is acceptable. Our State is a falsehood, freedom is a mirage. Blacks and browns may not be slaves but we have made them servants and their lives meaningless. We have lied to the people. We have stolen their dignity. We have disenfranchised them. We cannot promise hope without delivering freedom. Reporting to you Mr. President as an uncovered Black man stating the conditions of the South.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Humans
The Unlikely Friendship
I can't believe Papa. He would betrayed them like that. You see ever since I was young I knew them. I would play right here under the Oak Tree. Job was always my friend. He would pick me up and carry me along the field. We would play hide and seek. We would sing together. When I was sick, he would tell me stories. He was the best friend I known. He loved me and I loved him. He was like a close friend. I would take my supper under the Oak Tree and share it with him. Although I told Papa that I wanted fresh air and that I was sick of the big house. Job's family were kind and gentle. They were good people I tell you. Good people that never did anything wrong. I could trust them for everything. They were my childhood. Papa would always be about his businesses while mother was running the house. They had no time for me. Job always had time for me. Sometimes I would ask if he could read me stories. But now Papa is trying to take him away from me. He's trying to divide this home. Sometimes I think he hates the love I had for Job and his family. I tried everything. I tried arguing with him in front of mother, in front of church, and in front of his friends but he just doesn't get it. I gotta to do something. I gotta fight for them. I gotta to change this. But how am I gonna fight with Papa? Sometimes I just break down. Sometimes I just want my own freedom. Life seems complicated. And life seems confusing. My only hope is to talk to mother. She might understand me. She knows what it is like to deal with Papa. She knows the kind of man he is. Maybe she can make peace between us. And stop this horrible thing from happening. Mother, why does father have to make things complicated? He has the power to save Job. He has the power to free them. Why must his family be in chains? And mother said, Papa has his hands tied. He has no choice. He has to do what must be done otherwise we will lose everything. I'm sorry Zax. And that's when I realize it is up to me. I am alone. Within days, my friend will be gone. I will lose everything. I will lose comfort. After searching endlessly and traveling a little ways, I stood throwing rocks by the river banks and seeing two strangers talk. I came a little closer. And they talk distinctly. I moved a little closer. And I heard about the Underground Railroad. The strange men who did not look around here. They had a map and they were intensely talking. I stumble and they heard me. My leg got caught. And they begin to come toward me. I was screaming in pain and fear. They said Boy what is your name? And where are you from? I cried Zax from New Acres. My family own the field nearby. They said Did you hear everything we said? Are you interested or do we have to silence you? I said, If you could help my friend Job and his family. They've been with us since I was born. My parents want to sell them for finance. And how could they do this when they have done nothing wrong? Could you could you do something? Please. They said as they lift me up and remove the rock on my leg. Have them meet me here by the river banks tomorrow. So the next day, a few days before the auction, I requested a feast to celebrate good times with my parents knowing when my parents ate their meal that they will immediately rest and with wine they would be sleep for many hours. After being reassured about them, I told everyone else that I have to meet someone and required protection. I started walking toward the way and sneakily found the back door to the cabin of Job's family and call softly for Job. And Job came uncertainly, I told him to come with me quick with his family and not to argue. He complied and we walk the secret path to the river banks. It was very oddly quiet and after sometime we thought there were not coming. They finally came and the strangers met Job and his family. Although Job was scared, I reassured him that my parents did not know. Job gave me a huge hug and shook my hand while his family jump on the boat. The strangers told me to come for my safety. Until Job asked and I could not resist afterall I was twenty something and I did not have a home without Job. I was his protector as he protected me from Papa's neglectance and mother's void. As soon as we got to the other side, we saw lights from fire and a band of bounty hunters were we first started and knew of the long journey to freedom.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Journal
Bourgnew's Universal Economic Barter Agreement
THE UNIVERSAL ECONOMIC BARTER AGREEMENT For the foster of preservation, unity, and collective bargaining to forge a better co-existence. And to unite against the forms of divisions for the conservation of resources and the inevitable stake we hold together. We must band together as partners, co-heirs, and neighbors for the betterment of our communities and for the welfare of our citizens. We yield to humanity and not division. We yield to justice and not money. We yield to freedom and not ambition.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous3 years ago in Journal
