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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Burying the Truth
You probably too young to remember those times. Those times were our people could not be too careful. We have to be tough and we have to be strong. It was not easy back then. People were just stranged. People were just mean. People were just ignorant. This is the way I grew up in Savanaah. Savanaah used to be strongly racist. And the folks were not as kind as they were today. Those people have too much power and they were corrupted. They thought they could do just about anything to anyone. And I tried to teach my children this. I taught them to humble themselves and keep being smart. it is better to live than to die a fool. And because they were from our people, dying was just that easy. All my children survived their childhood and times started to get better. But oh the danger was still there. People were just more clever than they were back then. And my children freely taught their children. They taught them to be free thinking and super smart. And it started a commotion. It started a fight in my community. They did not like people like us being so clever, being so smart, and being so inventive. And I tried to tell my children. I kept calling them and worrying about their safety. I even talked to my neighbors and had a neighborhood watch. We all were worried about our families in Savanaah. Savanaah usually is quiet and well kept. Savanaah was safe and comforting or appearing that way. We usually keep to ourselves and to our families or close friends. Yeah there has not been troubled in Savanaah for a long time. And people liked it that way. And so my children comfort me and said that there is nothing to worry about. They said that being smart and black was not a crime. They said that there is nobody that is gonna harm their children. And they told me that they would fight like heck if something happen. And I was hopeful. I believed that my children were strong and well raised. I remember telling Ms. Lyda my boss, a white woman about the issue lightly. And she acted like she was concerned while reading the paper and smoking. And she would listen carefully while reading and watching the news. And I thought she was concerned. I told her that it is ok to be smart and black. And I wished I was half as smart as my kids or grandkids. Then she received this phone call and she gave me the rest of the day off. I was disturbed because Ms. Lyda was so loud that you could hear her out of her big house. And she talked about burying something. I just decided to walk home and go buy some groceries. I did not live very far. And my daughter Diddia stopped me at the store crying saying that they've done something to Sammy. And I got my grocery and got into the car with her. She explained that the kids were playing when a gang of white men surrounded them and attacking them. She think that they tied them up with ropes and put them in the back of the van. And I was worried and shouted I told you Diddia. I told you and Fred that something would happen. That these crazy people would be jealous of your children being smart, being talented, being who they are. And we worried for hours and hours and I decided along with the neighbors at church to call the police because a band of our children were missing. And Diddia said Momma don't you know Ms. Lyda is the leader of the white gang. And I grabbed my mouth and shouted My God Lord Jesus, she said about burying something. I did not know that they were gonna bury our children oh my God oh my God oh my God. And the police were a force and attentive as I confessed. And they looked for Ms. Lyda and pull her over for speeding. And she confessed and said where they would do it in exchange for a shorter sentence. And the police search on and on and the cemetery called the police and they caught them just about to bury forty children. The police with guns and rifles stop the burials. And they arrested the white gang and made them serve forty years in prison. I never worked for Ms. Lyda again and never seen her again as she never came out of prison. And Savanaah was freed and the folks never forgot that dreadful and drastic day again.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous11 months ago in History
Presidential Symphony
It was a very harsh harsh race. My father was brilliant. He was afterall Washington's choice. And he served him so faithful. And he loved this country with all of his might. I watched my father fight hard for the presidency that he waited his whole life for. And I saw him in his victories and I saw him in his defeats. My father was John Adams. And Jefferson beated him in the presidency. My father took it hard but he had mother. Mother encouraged him to keep fighting for the country. And just when they thought Adams was out. Just when they counted him out. My father did not give up on this country. The country he help architect. The country he so faithful served. My father picked up a new hobbie music. He gathered up mother's love letters and begin composing. My father loved music and said it run in the family. After all he had me to do violin. My father went composing. And he was in love with it, practicing and practicing. And he enjoyed being away from office. He loved spending time with his 13 children and many grandchildren. His heart was for joy. After serving so long and fighting a war within and around his country. My father was entertaining his fellow citizens. And he was living again. Many came to his concerts including Jefferson. And Jefferson and many politicians attended. And they were moved at his compositions. And they loved his control over the orchestra. Jefferson begin to have meetings at my father's concerts to meet up with him. And my father could advise anyone and do his job. And he was quick and witty and smart. And he was well respected. And he told people about his influences mainly his wife. And mother would attend his concerts. Mother fell in love with him all over again. And Jefferson made amends with his former friend. My father was co-leading the country. And he gave Jefferson the Federalist Party and he strived to unite the country. And he honored his cousin George Washington by taking his place. And he did not let them forget George Washington. My father never gave up on music. He never gave up on patriotisms. And he continued to work on this for his whole life. He lived an honorable life and set the example for me. And he would invite Jefferson for private concerts at his home when he became older. Jefferson would bring his favorites to the table. And I got to work for the president because of my father. And I got to stand in my father place as his political heir. My mother was proud to name a son after him, John Quincy Adams. Father gave me much inspiration and so did mother. Before I became the president I was, I was young and admired my father having wild hair and being witty. But now that father long passed on the same day as Jefferson who father said that he taught him in school. I had closure about father every once and awhile I play the violin with one of his masterpiece. I realize when a man had a good example that he is more of a man, he can walk more stronger. He can think more clearer. My father was not a tall man but he had the gut and statue of a great man. And he humbled himself for whatever position that befalls him. I love my father and I am proud of his presidential symphonies. Because after all peace is a symphony, it can be smooth or it can be turmoil like father always said.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous11 months ago in History
Douglass: Bigger than Life
So class we started today to learn history. We must learn the history of America because the history is what makes the nation great. And learning the history makes us better because if you remember then you shall never forget. Lest we lose our souls and darkness arise. So today class we are talking about The Civil War and one of the heroes is my friend Frederick Douglass. He was born a slave and whose mother was a slave. What a depressing life? What a way to begin? But Douglass never gave up. The Bible is what he was taught by himself. And he learned it well. Some people say he kept a Bible with him everywhere he went to encourage him and strengthen him in his faith. Because you see back then times were hard and harsh. That's what happen when history is not taught and fought for. People had ignorance. Anyways, Douglass rose to prominence after successfully freeing himself from his master and escaping after 20 years of praying for it. Douglass was on his own with his freed wife. Douglass could of left America. He could of disown his citizenship but he did not. He fought the more harder for those who could not which was in his heart. He found Garrett and begin to be an orator. He begin to bring a face to Blacks in America. I know because I was his friend, Susan B. Anthony. And Douglass would write me all the time everywhere he went. He wrote about his successes and failures. Douglass spoke with President Lincoln, I got to introduce Lincoln before he was President at the Teachers Conference. Douglass was strongly involved with the Civil War. He worked tireless for freedom. And he spoke to sold-out crowds even when forced out of America. He had a grand voice, stern and strong which is why many called him a Lion. And he was strong willed. I remember a debate among several. And it was over the Civil War as well as women rights and freedmen rights. And I felt that we should fight for women rights afterall women were being treated like the property of their husbands. And I understand well the oppression of my fellows. And Douglass made the case that we have to show them that slavery is an atrocity then we can show them that women are equal. And I was uncertain and hesitantly agreed. Douglass was my friend and ally. We fought together on many occasions even with differences. I learned to respect his dignity and class. And he encouraged me with his intuitive and purposeful ways about doing things. And I met some of Douglass other friends and companions. Like Harriet Tubman, Douglass said she was a good woman and that she could represent women rights as well as ending slavery. She was a kind soul and strong woman and very religious. She loved listening to Douglass and I debate. And even she believed we both had good points. She became a friend of mines too. And she told me what she knew about Douglass and I told her what I knew about Douglass. Douglass was called upon daily for the abolitionist movement. He was glad to give his voice to it. And he was glad to represent it. He had a grand smile and he had good fashion. And then the unthinkable happen well after the Civil War, after Douglass' great victories to end slavery and his faithful activism. Douglass felt sick. And as his longtime friend I comforted him. I remember talking about Lincoln and Tubman. I was hopeful of him getting better. I remember writing for the last time. You are my best friend. You inspired me daily. I shall never forget what you've done for this country. I shall keep the spirit of fighting that you kept. Douglass what you've done was bigger than life. You lived a well life. God bless you my friend.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous11 months ago in History
The Last Verse of the Bible
Debated for centuries and centuries even now. I study the Bible all way through college and seminary school. And did so many essays on the Bible. It has been in my life since I was four years old when I confess that I needed to be saved. I watched countless movies and documentaries. I heard many educated men, religious women, and well known orators speak on the Bible. I have been to many conventions. My name is Pastor Jedid Ames. My family has been in the church for all my life and more. My father was a minister and my mother was a minister. My grandparents were minister and so were my great great grandparents. I was conceived on the word. And I learned how to debate since high school. I had many friends some were Jewish and most were Christians. And we did some debates. I remember one debate most importantly which the change my life completely. My friends were scholars too like me in the National Honors Society. It scared us to find out about the end and reading Revelation gave us fright. And we watched the theologians debate over this nonstop in fact there was a telethon on the Christian network. And many of them were reassuring but there were also those who were deep very deep into the theories. We watched afterschool until my friends started to fight because they were scared of the Bible. And that's when we broke up and I stood with my Christian friends. And now after college and graduate school, I made it to the top of the class and I became an official scholar. I begin to work for the Seminary school and teach on the Bible. My students always got insight and ask lots of questions. I was a notable teacher besides pastoring at my father's church. And it happened one of my students asked me a very very dark question and it was deep. It took me weeks and weeks to answer. I tried unsuccessfully to contact my old friends. And as soon as I wanted to answer. It was outshined by the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery. Every seminar school in the country was tune into the Documentary. And we spent most of a semester teaching about the Dead Sea Scroll. And many talented and intelligent professors called around the world to interpret it. I gave Jimmy the answer he wanted and lead him to the last verse of the Bible. I was preparing to leave and my family was preparing with me. And we ate a good meal my wife made fried chicken and fries served with Hawaiian Punch. It was Friday afterall and I was planning to leave for a week. When Jimmy interrupted us, he was knocking at the door. And he was scared and shaking. He asked me about the last verse of the Bible. And he was scared. And he asked about knowing if you are saved and he kept asking how do you know. My oldest daughter watched her younger siblings while my wife Anne and I talk to Jimmy. And he still was shaking and crying. And we prayed and he stop. And I told Jimmy to come with us to the convention. And my oldest daughter promised to babysit the younger siblings. And we left with Jimmy after he called his mother to verified. As we were travelling through a couple of cities, Jimmy was thinking deep about the Bible. And my wife Anne answered most of the questions. And I told Jimmy about my past about being his age and having Jewish and Christians friends. And he asked why we separated. And I told him because the last verse of the Bible, it caused a stir and anger my friends where we broke apart. And that I prayed for them and hope they are still saved. And finally we got to the convention and there were powerful people there. There were notable Jewish Rabbis and Christians Scholars. And the crowd was huge mostly expatiators looking for a spectacle. So I bravely took the table of experts. And I was quiet during most of it until I felt offended by the lack of concern. Some were loosely interpreting especially Hercules Dias. Dias was loose with interpreting and he tried to stand in the middle. He slowly was leading the conversation. Then there was debate over whether the Old Testament or New Testament was the most important book. Dias said the Old because it established the Bible especially with the Dead Sea Scroll. And many was appalled and stunned. And the scholars turned toward me because of my reputation and family history. I agree to a point but I read the last verse of the Bible and explained that New Testament explains the foundation and edified and justified the entire Bible. And I concluded both are important. And I rebuke Dias who was seeking authority and power in the field. And I warned him to not be so lose again quoting the last verse of the Bible. And as I walked off to a full applause, I found some of my friends both Jewish and Christians after hugging and talking. I introduced them to Jimmy and my wife Anne. I called my oldest daughter and check in with my kids. And I was elected Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Altar.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous11 months ago in History
The Death of George Washington
After a rough election and rough years for the country, as the country was trying to get pass a tough election. I needed the help of my friend George Washington. And he reassured me that he was in good health and good spirits. So we hit the campaign trail and we fought bravely and defended our record. And I surprisingly won against Thomas Jefferson. The country was still an experiment and not yet carved into history and not yet great enough to be independent of the General or Washington. Yes I John Adams, the sole witness of it all among other witnesses. We needed much progress. We needed much wit and influence. And Washington had it all. He intrigued me with his humor and thoughts. And I thought we should have a long friendship after all we had a lot alike. We were both countrymen, we were both statesmen, we were both lovers of our wives and we saw eye to eye on most policies. And we were even cousins as we shared the ancestor John Washington. And George would love coming over to my house and spending time with my large family. Even in winter he would make his way with his wife to dine with our family. We had a common bound. We were both determined to make America carved into the pages of history and forever a changer of governance and empowering the people. A nation where we can be morally guided yet strong on the will of the people to prove justice and strengthen ties. George and I had high hopes for the country that we created and that we loved. What is this? I received a message from Martha Washington. I knew Martha as long as I knew George, I was George's Best Man and my wife Abigail was Martha's Maid of Honor. Oh no she said it is urgent. I must stop what I am doing to visit my old friend. Being president is nothing without George's guidance, he encouraged and inspired me for the job. As I am riding down to Virginia, I hope my friend is alright. It will be sometime before I reached him. And after sometime quickly met Martha at the doorway. And she said It's George. He usually recovered but he isn't recovering that fast. I don't know John. And as I took off my hat with a frown, Martha introduced me to him. And he had a grin but cough profusely. He said John I don't know how long I have. I don't know if it is my time. Preserve the country. Too many have fought for our nation. Don't let them take it back. Don't let our country fall apart. Be quick to lead as I led with dignity and honor. And remember what we fought for. I tried to lighten the mood, Ah yes Mr. Washington. You have already done that and more. Remember when we went fishing with your brother. Remember the dinners we had together. Then I pat his hand and said Friend I will do everything everything within my power to keep your legacy and this country together. You are the President now and forever. You have set the immeasurable precedent. You are I know you don't like this. You are America's King. And Vice President Jefferson entered and said I heard news about you uncle. I did not know how sick you were. You know I will take good care of Aunt Martha. You too have been like parents to me. And Washington said grinned and said I know you mean well Thomas. You are just like your grandfather who I worked for. Don't lose hope if you keep my legacy and this country together you will be president one day. And the other founders came along with notable leaders, Washington said Upon this I charge you and say remember your country, remember your home. Don't take us back. Don't leave the ties that bound us. We are that nation that stands against tyranny. We I prayed will remain until God said so. A nation bound to the creed that all men are created equal and given the rights to self-govern. And Washington passed out and I told everyone to leave the room. Martha finally got him to wake up. And he told her before me that he leave everything to her and when she is gone to free the slaves. He said that he promised freedom and swore that he would undo the harm that he has cause. And Martha promised with his hands in her hands. And he went to sleep. After the grand funeral, I gathered the people to together to one last time honor its hero and we built the Washington Monument to remember the standard he laid. To remember the lives that committed to him. To remember the dedications. To remember a good man. And I touched the monument and took off my hat and cried with all the people Washington.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous12 months ago in History
The 1st Woman President of the United States
Here we go again. I remember this race. And it was no ordinary race. I fought hard. I was in it for the long haul. I believe in myself and the people. It was purposefully past campaigns. And even though I was defeated as the Vice Presidential Nominee, I will not let this detour me. I will not let this stop me. I have high hopes and a bright future. I am determined. I am certain that I can find a way to heal this country. I believe in the power of consensus. I believe that is one of the greatest gifts of our democracy. I believe it makes America strong and the world better. I believe everybody must have a say in this country and voting is the way. That we must vote to make our voices heard and that we must make our stance. All my life I worked hard in politics and my Baptist father helped me to accomplished this. He was a good man. He was a lover of this country and its creeds. That all men are created equal. And he preached throughout his life. And he walk the walk and he talk the talk. I am Yolanda Jackson-Cain. I worked my way up from an intern to a Governor. And I've seen the massive poverty. I've seen the massive homelessness. And it disturbed me. I walk the streets. I lived down the boulevards. And the classism is massive. So much I am afraid it would take great strides. After being a State Senator and bettering my home community. And championing the common man's issues and gaining the help of my community. I was inspired to run. And not for that only but because we need representation. We need to show America by its many diversities and by its many shades. And we cannot back down till America is what it should be. I was at first losing to many prominent challengers. And I was nowhere in the polls and I did not know what to do. Till Kat Jacobs became my manager. Kat was smart and savvy. She worked at the community center. She researched a lot in college. She was fixed on getting me to win. And she prepared me for the debate. And at first I was a greenhorn. I did not know the ropes but I warmed up halfway through. I challenged the other challengers and asked them what will they do about poverty. What will they do about homelessness. And they scramble to get an answer. And I proclaimed my plan and I stated what I've done in my community. I stated what I have done for many years. And I also showed how I influence the laws even bipartisanship. And that's when the numbers were looking better. Kat was amazed and she told me that we had enough funds for me to show commercials. And so I showed my family with John Jackson-Cain and our two daughters. And they described my passion and my influence. They described me as a champion of the people along with many friends I made at home, in the office, and in my political life. And then after months and months I was in the lead winning the primary and eventually winning the election. It was simply a landslide. So much that I got national attention. And even though I was a first time Governor, I was ready to do more. I was put on a list of potential Vice Presidents in the next election before my re-election as Governor. Role Warren was the Presidential Nominee for the United States of America and he picked me as his vice. But that was after I campaigned hard for him. And spoke at the Lincoln Memorial, just stating who I am and what I stand for. I wanted to make myself clear that I was ready for more and that the American People were ready for more. And that our fathers and mothers paid the way for a better future united and stronger. Kat was again my campaign manager and advisor and she applauded the speech along with many others on the Anniversary of the March on Washington. And we were set to win. Just before the election, Role Warren was caught in a scandal in his past, he cheated on his wife. And he has been paying this mistress secretly without continuing the relationship. And he refused to back down because he claimed it was simply blackmail. And I believe him because I wanted to be Vice President so badly. And we lost by a wide margin. And so I told my supporters that this is not the end. It is only the beginning. America has made its choice and the future is still bright. I congratulate the new President, President James Burnkins. And I waited consciously and restore my reputation with Kat as Advisor to the Governor. We made progress and challenge the new administration. And we won the party's attention and the party's chair was interested in my career. And I got to give a rebuttal to the State of the Union Address just before the election chaos. And Kat said we are in. We can do it. My sister called and she said Mom wants to campaign with me. And we campaign and I was prepared for the debates. And I took the stage by force and charisma. They called me a rising star. And the polls put me at the front and lead. I was uncertain and shaky about the first debate because President James Burnkins was tough and experienced. And just before halfway like before I got my win. I challenged him on homelessness and poverty. And his cuts to the domestic programs. And his unfair jobs plans and President James Burnkins walked off the stage. And I tried to hold my reserve and I thank the President and viewers. We stood positive and optimistic. We showed what America would be. We showed the America that we love. We showed America as a leader. And we were proud to run. And then eventually it was election night, I was certain and filled with excitement even though I was behind, I started to gain then in the lead then close. And I fell asleep and Kat called me and she said Yo you made it. You are the first woman president. I jumped up and down. And minutes later received the concession call from the President. President James Burnkins wished me luck and said I win a good race. God bless America.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in The Swamp
Hip Hop Artist Darrow
It all started with Source Magazine. I loved Hip Hop. All the hot women that I had a crush on and the cool men that I wanted to grow up and be like. It was like a dream. I wanted to rap. I wanted to be Biggie or Tupac. Just to see what it would be like if I was a major star and on stage in the front of the world. My brother and I spent countless hours studying Hip Hop from Source and everything else. It was fun. It was incredible. It was amazing. It was life. The older I got the more I wanted to do my thing. The more I wanted to show my game. It was becoming more of who I am. So much my brother had to drag me out of the store. I was infatuated with Hip Hop. And then watching the stars on TV, seeing them shine and represent. I was completely captured and in a daze over their game. I could not stand missing their show on TV because I could not afford to pay for their concert. And watching them give back inspiring the youth and showing others that they could be just like them. Finally my mother got to me, she was a single mother and a Christian woman. She did not like my infatuation with Hip Hop. She knew I was in love with Hip Hop as much as she was in love with Gospel Music. And she would not let me be late to Church. And I could understand the Lord is good and the Lord gives gifts. Even Hip Hop artists thank the Lord. Maybe the Lord will give me a gift like rapping. I was hopeful and praying. Some of the guys at school were at church and they would talking about my brother and I . They would try to outdo us. They would try to outsmart us. They were jealous. And my brother told me to wait for our turn. It turned out one day that our mother got sick and told my older brother to take me to church. And my older brother learned how to drive way before me. And he told me that we are gonna do something. We are gonna show those boys that we could do it. And I said how? And he said you're gonna freestyle. And so we drove up. And the boys were making fun saying that driving in your Momma's car. And my brother calmed them down and said let's rap freestyle. And so the boys chose their leader to rap and he was good. And my brother gave him his props but he said I know something better, someone better and he introduced me. And I first had a hard time until my older brother threw down a hot beat. And I started Yo fellas I hate to break your game. I hate to break your style or confidence. But let me break it down. Teach you a lesson that never been taught. Teach you something about my neighborhood. Yeah you say that I am corny and a geek but I'm hard as nails, hard as scales and if you mess with me you'll be down by the riverside. Cause it will take God Almighty to get you back up. So enough with that stuff brother let's diss these misses and get a fresh anointing from the Holy Ghost. And my brother laughed out loud. And the boys gave an ugly look and they were divided on how dope that was. And my brother cheered me on and said how proud he was of me. And we went to church. When we came home, Momma was at the door and she was interested at how church went and if we went. And after arguing and saying she cook dinner she said that her church friend called and told her what had happen. Momma said Darrow you are going to college no matter how good you are at rap. And I thought hard until my last day at high school what was I gonna be. And a counselor tried many jobs but they did not work. And I took a test. And the results came in but they were inconclusive. Then my principal Mr. Balckman took me aside and my mother and said Darrow how would you like to study Africana studies. And I said what and so did Momma. Mr. Balckman said it would teach you rap and the history of your people. And Momma almost objected until Mr. Balckman said that he could be an executive in a company if he studies Africana studies plus learn about his people, what they did not teach you in school. Mr. Balckman said Don't you know one of my rapper friends teach a class as professor. And I said I could try but I want his class. And Momma eventually agreed. And so I met with DaRock the Platinum Producer who produced for so many rap artists, he talked to Momma and I. And then he asked me about my rapping, so I freestyle. And he asked Momma if I would rap for him and that he would make sure that I get the degree. And Momma agree hesitantly. And that's when Bobble was created. It came after I battle numerous of rappers on Coast to Coast Showcase but the wait was worth it. It became a Hollywood Number One and showed up with the Grammys.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Motivation
A Twist of Fate
My father was an honorable man. He had weaned great power. He was highly respected and loved by his family and friends even neighbors. My father was the glue of my family. He kept this blended family one. He was able to preserve the life that my mother always wanted. And I wanted to walk in my father's footsteps. Like most sons that were my age and it was common to do so. My father was brilliant not just at war but also at peace. And he knew how to resolved conflict so much. That even the king delighted in him and gave him land as well as position and power. I only saw a glimpse of this influence. I only saw a small part. Gus Bellington is my name. My father named me. And when I asked him, he just said that he liked that name for me. That it suited me well. That I was a curious baby and a curious boy. And that he had high hopes for me. My father intrigued me even more than my mother because I was a son who admired his father. And the things that my father had done, I always wanted to do. I wanted to adventure. I wanted to explore. I wanted to be like by my friends and neighbors. And yes I even wanted to have a family with a woman that I loved so dearly. My mother would tell me stories about my father and her. She would tell me how they met. He was this amazing soldier and she was this beloved farm girl. And she told me how they would do things together like work on the farm and go to parties. She told me that she was not my father's first wife but that she did not care because he was always the man of her dreams. And I would asked her if I could be like father. And she would kiss me on the cheek and touch my nose and say you are already like your father. Father was rich and had much wealth. I could literally walk everywhere and father's land would not end. I was born in the midst of his wealth. And father said that I was a happy child and good child. Though I was not father's first child yet I had the responsibilities of the first son. I would monitor father's estate while mother took care of father. Because as I aged father eventually became sicker. And each time he would fight off the disease and be even better. And mother knew how well he could be. Mother specialized in caring for father as my siblings and I grew up. And then eventually mother asked me to help my father as mother was no longer young and strong like she was when we were young. And my father would tell me stories of how he won military battles and stories of what he thought about my siblings and I. I had to adventure and leave the farm of my father because I became a man and the king required that young man serve. And I was planning to come back in time. Mother comforted me by writing letters of my father's health and her wellbeing. Then mother became too busy and started having Susanne write for her. And my officer thought it was my wife. And my officer sought me back home because of the constant letters distracting my service. And when I came home, mother met me with Susanne. Mother told me that father died. And I was heartbroken. I told mother that I would return and leave the military. And mother told me that she loved me and left home with her secretary Susanne. And Uncle Ben found me still crying and hurt in the forest. I believed my mother called him too. Uncle Ben talked to me and fed me over a campfire. He said that my father was a great man. That my father's family were one of the first to settle in this land. That my father will be remembered. But I was heartbroken and angry, and I brushed Uncle Ben off. Uncle Ben is what I always called him. Even though he was a friend of the family, I was angry and I had nowhere else to go so I went home. I was hungry and still somewhat angry. I saw my favorite cherry tree and I thought there was cherries on it but there were none. So I chopped it down, my mother found out and made me plant a field of them. My mother had a long talk with me and she suggested that I think about marriage. I was still angry. And she told me a story about when I was young that I promised to be like my father. As I was planting the cherry trees, Susanne came instead of mother. She wipe my forehead and attended to my need even more so than the other servants. She loved my hair and she liked to gaze upon my eyes. And after sometime, I fell for her. When the cherries blossom, I brought mother and Uncle Ben and took Susanne and bowing a knee, I asked her to be my wife. She was overjoyed even though she was widow with children. However she accepted and mother was proud as well as Uncle Ben.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in History
The Animals' War
Long ago very long ago but not so much ago. I remember it like yesterday. King Sealies was having a feast. And all the King's wives were there including the Queen Queen Elia. The King had forty wives and they were all dressed distinctly different. And he had at least a hundred children. The King had mistresses besides his forty wives and Queen Elia. And all the great dancers were there and the great singers were performing. It was like no other occasion. King Sealies wanted the people to rejoice and be happy. And that's what many kings like King Sealies did to keep the spirit of his people up. And the people were all dancing and celebrating the King. They acknowledge that he was great, strong, and powerful. And that he built up the nation of Ethiopia, and all the dignitaries and envoys praised the king and his policies. They even made the king laugh and smile even the Queen. As the King was adorned in his lion wardrobe and the Queen in her lioness wardrobe. Then the Captain of the King Sealies' army interrupted, he tried many times to warn the King but the King was not having it. He never heard of a land name Europe. And he did not think that his country will fall to these European people who don't know the land or the people. And the Captain almost got his head cut off because the King and Queen were having such a good time. So the King and Queen drank along with the other forty wives. And the people were ready to stone and laugh at the Captain. The Captain was almost embarrassed till he showed proof, the spies described the invaders. And they made fun of the way they spoke and dress. They showed the people what they look like as pale as the moon. And they told the people of the weapons they had. And this went on for hours till the King interrupted. Musse I made you Captain to keep the peace. We have kept the peace thus far. What makes you think they are real? And that they will come to our land and take our land and take our people. Captain Musse said O King live forever. O Queen it is true that these invaders have arrived. Look at what they've done to your neighbors. And they are out to get Ethiopia and make the people slaves. And a messenger came to one of the forty wives of King Sealies, and she asked the King if she could be excuse. Nobleness Estra was one of the wives of King Sealies and he excused her. Her servant told her that they are planning to come in the land of your father's. They are coming quickly. You have to convinced the King to protect your father's lands and all of Ethiopia. And finally when Nobleness Estra came back the King dismissed the claims and threatened to hang Captain Musse. And Nobleness Estra spoke humbly and without hesitation. O King who is strong and mighty. I asked that you send your own spies to the land of my birth. And see for yourself what the people say, not just your loyal subjects but all of your people. And King Sealies was about to speak when his wife interrupted Queen Elia. You should know that you cannot overturn the king's orders and that you should not speak to him publicly. And the King dismissed the fest till he think over what he should do. And Captain Musse was relieved. That night King Sealies dismissed Queen Elia and spoke with Nobleness Estra. And he told her that you know that I love you like my wife and my other forty wives but is it true. What did that messenger say to you? And she told him. And the King was shocked and angry. And the Queen overheard through spies. And King Sealies called in Captain Musse and told him to muster up an army. Nobleness Estra said Wait a minute O King, they are from a faraway country. They don't know the land. They don't know the people. They don't know the animals. We can use that for our advantage. And King Sealies told Captain Musse to follow her advise to save as many soldiers as possible for the real war. Queen Elia was angry and furious. She sought Nobleness Estra back to her homeland. And Captain Musse met with his leaders and they plotted how to use the land, the animals, and the unknown. Captain Musse said that he want soldiers and spies at every point. Give them what they came for. And the plans work first the insects blocked their ways and invaded their camps, then the wild animals claim their territories and fight viciously, then the lions and beasts claim the open land and charge after their troops. The rest of the invaders left and Queen Elia was shocked when the plan worked. Nobleness Estra's father died and King Sealies thought she died. And when he found out that Queen Elia wanted to kill Nobleness Estra. He held a fest and he pulled the crown off Queen Elia and placed it upon Nobleness Estra. And he banished Queen Elia to a home in the wilderness. Ethiopia was never colonized or conquered in 3,000 years..
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in History
