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 Story of The Candidate
I had a traditional family growing up. My mother Lydia Gaines was into gardening besides work. She would spend time beautifying the house. And making sure my brothers and sisters and I would do chores and do well in our studies. She was stern and lovely. And she knew we were smart as heck. She would give us a chore and time to do it before she would punish us. And although the chore was hard, we found a way to do it. That's how I learned to brainstorm and use my mind for things. And my father Edward Gaines was very political as he was a political foreman. He would love reading the newspaper and watching the news. I never knew why he was so into the news so I asked him and he said that you can gain a lot by watching the news and reading the newspaper. You know Ben there's a reason we named you Benjamin James Gaines because I want you to work with the President. You can be like Reagan, Bush, or Clinton. You are sure smart enough. Who knows maybe one day you would become President? And my father sat me on his knee and pick me up. I was just ten years old. My father was giant and he had a big grin. My mother and him would always have a secret talk about us. I learned after childhood. They were deciding what each child would do. And then it happened after 40 years together, my parents divorced. The last thing I heard from my father Edward Gaines was that to remember what he said and he asked me to come back to him if my mother leave me. And so I promised secretly that I would. Mom was fun. She would let me embrace my destiny. After sometime, I finally got the nerves to seek a virtual internship with President Hebert Cokley. President Cokley was smart and funny and he did not mind getting good advice. I did not directly speak to the President but virtually. God bless the internet. And President Cokley wrote me a personal letter after several months of successful advisement. He thanked me for the advisement and helping the troops gain victories in the war. I remember to stay humble like Mom and Dad taught me and I thank him for giving me the opportunity. That's when President Cokley followed up months later and he met me along my way to the library as he wanted to meet me and he said Ben James Gaines you would make a perfect candidate for office. Have you ever thought about running? And I said but no one would let me in. And I don't know if I want to. And President Cokley said Nonsense. You are good enough now find a way. And that's when I started searching for an opening position in government. And I found one first an FBI Agent then a Congressional Budget Analyst then finally a local School Board Member, and I wrote a compelling essay and got in the Top Ten Percent of Candidates. The local Party Chair advised that I run for State Office. So I tried to find a party but none of them took me seriously. So I had to build a party. I forgot to tell you that I built a business before so what a PAC could not be that hard. It was. I thought about Senator but Senator Hart Redding was a hard choice, she was one of my heroines and she fought bravely in the Senate. I would not want to take a fighter out. So I ran for Governor and put up a hard fight, won at least 50,000 votes and three million votes up in the air. The State Elections said I qualified fro the Presidential Race. I was fired up and getting offers for debates in Georgia. I was getting autographs. I was getting a lot of attentions. I was a political star. It was close to the end of the campaign. Then my father came back and he said Ben you've done a lot. You are the man I thought you would be. I need you to take care of me. You see I got this illness. And I said Dad but I am just about to be President. And he said Remember family remember your responsibilities. And I said I will announce that I will drop out of the race and support the other candidate. And the candidate I chose won and invited me to the inaugural and I work in his Kitchen Cabinet becoming a Presidential Partner. And that is my story the story of the Unlikely Candidate.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Confessions
Presidential Choice
That is it President Hardforth, we are tired of you. You changed Vice President twice and your policies. We have a right to choose. We have a right to determine the direction of our country. For far too long you have swayed the American public and undermined our unity. And we want you to resigned said the Leader of the Other Party. I brought the news to the President and President Hardforth consulted his close advisers. He was distraught and tired anyways. And he served almost two terms and he aged during the process. But he felt as young as any businessman in his prime. And he kept reading the newspaper that Hardforth should resigned and that he should be impeached. And he tried to swayed the public. He invested in the common good. President Hardforth wanted to be remember in a good way. And then months later the unthinkable, the Cabinet members were thinking about invoking the 25th Amendment. And so President Hardforth asked time away from the White House and he took some friends from the Cabinet such as The Secretary of State, The Secretary of Agriculture and The Secretary of Interior. And he went on a hunting trip and they discussed policies. And he ate with them while the Vice President Bradman calmed the public and ease Congress. And kept the country moving forward and held up the standard. After some days, he asked each one of them separately what they would do if they were the President. The Secretary of State said he would fight to stay in office and punish those who resist. And demand accountability. And President Hardforth listened as he fished too. And The Secretary of Interior said he would simply resigned because the country is an uproar and the economy will suffer from resistance and your legacy will be in tumoil. And the Secretary of Agriculture said Look President Gene Hardforth I know you are tired. You have served long and prestigously. You have made America better. You have lifted the standard. Unite the country once again. Please choose a fitting successor. VIce President Bradman cannot unite the country and he will falter. Chose anyone someone to help you bridge the gap between the country. And then President Hardforth decided to return to the White House. He gave a stirring speech to the Press forbading them and rebuking them for outlandish remarks and he defended his presidency. And he seemed determined to stay President of the United States. He recalled his memories and he recalled his disgraces. And he counted everything a success because his success made the country great and his failures taught him what is important. That America keeps moving forward. That America survives. That it's ideologies and symbolism carries on to future generations. Then he quoted from the Great Presidents one by one in detail and he called for Vice President James E. Bradman to resigned and that the Secretary of Agriculture John Goodmen take his place. And immediately Secretary of Agriculture John Goodmen took the podium and outline that the President is doing this to keep and preserve ties and to unite allies and to forge alliances. Our national interest is at risk and we must find a way to bridge the gap. Vice President James E. Bradman within days walked out and supporters rage. And President Hardforth called Vice President John Goodmen in the Oval Office. And the President watched the crowd roaring outside the White House gates. Vice President Goodmen was clever and witty and he had an answer to everyone of the President's questions. He even gathered up the Congressional Leaders and Party Leaders. And after the uproar cease, there was a calm reassurance. The President welcome in the Vice President Goodmen into the office smiling and when he heard the ease and the good news he threw his hands up while he sat at the Oval Desk and said Thank you God. Then puttting his hand on his neck and turning toward the window. Vice President Goodmen said we survived. Your legacy survived. You outdid the opponents and naysayers one last time. And the President said Yeah but I am tired I am weak I am worned and it is time for something new. And President Hardforth called on the Oval Office phone and said Ginger get me the press. And Vice President Goodmen was pleading not to get fired saying it is the best job he ever had. And the President told him to sit down and be quiet. So the press came through the Oval Office and the President spoke, I had enough. I had enough. All I am saying it is time for me to leave. And I leave my country my nation in the hands of the best diplomat I know. Vice President John H. Goodmen will be your next President of the United States effective immediately after he is sworn in. And the President did not answer the Press questions and had his guards excort them out. Vice President John Goodmen stood up and said Mr. President. And President Hardforth said It's all yours kid. Don't screw up and keep us united, stronger, and better. Let this tired diplomat rest.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Fiction
Cousins & The Presidency
Having time off was fun and exciting but I missed the work. I missed doing good. I missed working hard. My parents told everybody and all my family were excited at the reunion. I tried to dress casual but Mom told me to wear a suit. Dad was cheerful and laughing. And my cousins were saying that they would vote for me. I already felt like a politician. And I had started planning my campaign at the same time planning Senator George Clinton's presidential win. It was tough but I had a lot of time to think since Mom and Dad urge me to find a platform and agenda. Dad wanted me to work hard with integrity. Mom wanted me to do my best and shows smart. I thought long and hard. And I remember Grandpa. I told Mom and Dad that I thought about Grandpa lately what he would do. Grandpa was a Lincoln fan and he would always say for the people, by the people and of the people. And Mom and Dad agreed to run like Grandpa. Just when I was getting into the campaigns. Mom invited Debra and I like Debra but I was just busy. Debra was trying to help. She was lovely and much of a distraction. She was a few years older. I just needed a companion, someone who would keep me in line and focus. So I brushed Debra off. Then days later Mom invited Pila. Pila was smart and in tune but she was not attractive and she liked me. She would give me ideas and she would be helpful. There was no romance. And I let her go. Then Dad and Mom had a talk with me. They explained that I was being to big headed. That I needed a good woman to settle down with. That they wanted me to choose before I go back to the Senator's office. So I worked remotely, I told my ideas to Senator Clinton for his campaign. And he said that they were fantastic. And he said that if I continue as his Chief of Staff he can guarantee me as the next appointed Senator to serve the rest of his term. And he asked me why haven't I been back at the office. I explained to him that my mother and father wanted me to find a wife. They did not want me to a Senator without a companion and family. It was a matter of honor in the Cable family. And so I asked him what made him choose Sarah Clinton? And he said she was lovely, my first love. She was smart and kind. She was just a good woman. Son don't choose a woman because she is a good tactic but choose a woman you can put up with who respect you and loves what you loves. You can play politicking but at the end of the day you will lose. Go with your heart. So I told him about Debra and Pila. And he just said you know what to do. You are smart. You know what your heart wants. And at the end of the conversation, I said Senator George you are my hero and I got to show you something that my father revealed after that dinner. It's important. But I gotta do what I gotta do. So I called up Pila and asked her to be my campaign manager and called Debra asking her to marry me. Pila said she would but she wanted a permanent position in the office. Debra said she is really grateful and said it is okay to marry quickly in front of family and that she would go wherever I go and stand besides me no matter what. After the quick Honeymoon, Debra and I went to Washington. And Senator Clinton met us at the airport saying he announced his candidacy and is facing backlash against his campaign. I said it's okay. We can win them over. We talk about policies and we talk about domestic responsiblities. I issued out statements about optimism and the American way. And begin pursuing bipartisans supporters and I advised Senator Clinton to be more outspoken and obsinate to show leadership in the Senate. Senator Clinton was a natural orator and he beated many debaters in the preliminary debates. And he was sure to be Vice President or President within months. Then he took me out to dinner and I brought my beautiful wife Debra. And We talk candidly and I finally showed him the picture. That is my great grandfather Senator George. And he said he look like me. Oh man Scott you should have told me. I knew we have a connection. I knew we were related. Forget it, I am making you Chair of my Campaign and I would give you a Cabinet position. I really was thinking you might be in good position to lead the Cabinet. I said as I stood up Yes Sir. And we shook hands and hug. And Senator Clinton said to my wife Miss are you pregnant. And Debra said Yes with twins. And I was shocked and Senator Clinton said I know because that's what my wife did for me. It was a close election and Senator Clinton became President Elect George R. Clinton and I was the President's Chief of Staff Scott Cable ready to serve.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Confessions
Cousins
It all started with a letter to Senator George Clinton. Senator George Clinton was a famous politician and he did many good things in office. He restored the trust. He restored hope. And he restored faith in the union. He helped pass many legislations that better people lives. And I was glad to intern with him. He was a young Statesman and fine orator. He could speak just about anything. And he loved to talk about life and liberty. He was a law jurist or doctor of law was his degree. And he carried the Constitution everywhere he went. Working for him was a lot not only would it build up my resume but also it would give me quite the attention. Usually Steve would give the rebuttal or clarification of statements made by Senator Clinton but there was this one time that I was put on the spotlight. So I improvised and spoke freely and wisely about the statements of the Senator. And it grew national attention so much that I was promoted by Senator Clinton to Chief of Staff. And I was able to forge new legislation and work within the Chambers of Congress. Senator Clinton allowed me to work overtime and on major deals. And somehow we got them done not all of them but most of them. And Senator Clinton would invite me to 3am early breakfast. He even allowed me to call him George. And he would ask about my family, my upbringing and my education. And this happen often that the Senator really got to know me. And Senator Clinton and his wife Sarah Clinton met my family over dinner. And Senator Clinton was the center of the conversation and he talked candidly about his career and focus. And when Mom brought his favorite pie Pecan Delight to the table. He complimented the pie and said just like my mother. And as we were eating dessert. He asked my father about our family history stating that he has family around here that's why the area seems so familiar. My father Earl said that Scott our son does not know but our family has a lot of roots in America. We have a big family. We go back to the Mayflower. Some of our family served in the military, some as doctors and some as politicians. Senator Clinton grinned while his wife Sarah Clinton help my mother in the kitchen. And she asked my mother about how good I was and how well oriented I am. My mother Jill said Scott is a very fine boy and he listens and obey. And Mrs. Clinton said do you think he would make a good politician? My mother Jill said yeah he could be anything that's what his teacher said after at age 11 he read up to the college level. And Senator Clinton and his wife Sarah Clinton were just about ready to go. And on their way out they thanked my parents and me. And Senator Clinton said Scott I am thinking about running for president. And if I do I am talking to party's leaders to make you the next Senator. You are old enough and you've been with me for many years since you were way back in college. So Congratulations next Mr. Senator Scott Cable. And I rushed to shake his hand and his wife Sarah Clinton's hand saying It has been my honor, such a pleasure Sir and Madam while walking them out. And Mom and Dad looked and was so proud. I told them the jest of what I have been doing for Senator Clinton. And I stood up the whole night and fell asleep at dusk. Sleeping during the day as Senator Clinton gave me necessary time off to redirect and focus on my life. Mom told me that I would have to find a wife and Dad revealed that Senator Clinton could be my distant cousin showing me a photo of a relative that he looks like.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Writers
Meranialian Republic Constitution
Meranialian Constitution Preamble The Republic Nation, desiring to establish justice, liberty, and security, and to promote the wellbeing of all its members, in the exercise of its sovereignty, proclaims its will to:
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in History
The Boy that never grew up
He loved to play games and tricks. He loves to play all the time. It was his hobbies. It was his leisure. This boy never wanted to stop playing. And he just could not help himself. He would love enjoying himself. And Charley would love to sit back and do his play. He did not mind making friends with anyone as long as they play. He would not hesitate. And it did not matter the weather, it did not matter the moment. It did not matter the occasion. Charley wanted to have fun. And Charley did not like school much but he had to attend as it was required. And he would tell jokes and laugh through every class. And he was very popular. Charley kept meeting the Principal many times. And his parents tried to convince the school to keep him. They wanted him to stop playing so much. But Charley would not have that. They kept meeting him but Charley had a mind of his own. And then one day Charley ran into an Angel in life that he thought was a friend. And Charley did not know so he would plot and play. He behaved badly and he would say mean things about others. Charley showed out and he was thrilled with himself. And he would roll over laughing about his jokes. And the Angel questioned him, Charley did not answer. The Angel tried to explain to him right from wrong and wrong from right and guide him but Charley refused. And so the Angel said you will never grow up. You will never be mature. You will just be the same Charley. And Charley laughed and was sarcastic. Till it hit him after sometime saying you mean I will never grow up. You mean I will never aged. You mean I will never be an adult. And Charley tried to shrugged it off. And so the Angel said Because you play tricks because you play games because you are mean. Let me show you. And the Angel lifted Charley upon his shoulders. And Charley felt the wind and clouds. And at to the future and a certain place, where he saw his old friend from Elementary school saying That's Sidney my Penpal. And he tried to talk to him but he could not. And Sidney was happy and playful and his Dad came in. The Angel said That's not Sidney. The man is Sidney. He grew up he aged. He became a family man. And his joy is in his family. Charley was mad and hurt and said Why would anyone want to grow up? It's just working and getting old. And the Angel said It's apart of life. Let me take you to another. And they flew this time in his arms. Until he came to a house and Charley said This is Matilda's house. And the Angel knocked on the door and a grown woman opened the door. And the Angel said Are you Matilda? And she said Yes but I don't know you. The Angel said Did you know Charley? She said That kid never stop playing. And he was bad as ever. Nobody knows what happened to him. And she closed the door. Charley was shocked and hurt. And the Angel said see Charley everybody's growing up but you. You are a boy forever. Because you refused to mature. You refused to accept life. And Charley said how can I? I did so much. I lied. I trick. I love to play. And the Angel said one more stop before the time is over. And the Angel walked Charley over and Charley remembered the house saying this is home but it's old and worn. And they looked through the window. And Charley said Mom Mom mom. And he asked for his Dad. And the Angel said Charley he died of a broken heart. His only son did not grow or mature. And now his wife is ailing and striving to live. And Charley ran crying and the Angel followed him behind. Charley fell after sometime and the Angel tried to comfort and help him. And he said I don't want to be a boy anymore. I want to grow up. I want to change. And the Angel took hold of him and he cried I want to grow up. And he woke up hugging his parents.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Opal Walker
It happened again, another mother lost a son. Another good woman who has nothing left. Yet she holds on. She believes and she has courage to fight on. She sees that there is a need arising. She understands that she has a voice. She understands that she must accomplished something in her life. She realized that she is here for a point. That she has a destiny. Losing your son is like losing your heart. It's like losing your husband to a single mother. How could she recover? How could she get back her dignity? I am inspired everyday by women like this. I am inspired to believe. I am inspired to hope. And I hope you too can be inspired to do go where no one's gone before, to seek what never been done and to do the impossible. Thank you and congratulations Class. I spoke at the graduation of Lincoln College which was an all girls college. Women need to be inspired. Women need strong role models. We hold much and we do have a say. We must not be afraid to speak up and be heard. We must not be afraid to live and love and laugh. We must not be afraid to come together and assemble. Our voice is stronger together than apart. We are more important as one than as two or three. We are more stronger in numbers and we are stronger than naysayers. And so I met Mr. Jesse along the way out from my speech. He said Opal Walker you are amazing up there. You got to join politics. You got to share your voice with the world. You got to liberate all of us. I am telling you. And I said stop right there. I am no Dr. King. I am no Medgar Evers. I am not even Malcolm X. It was just a speech. And he said But look at what the world is like Opal. The world is not what it seems to be. We need heroes as well as heroines. You may not think you are great but if you look deeply if you reach a bit hard and if you think on it. You will know what you really are. That is all I am saying. Think about it. And don't think lightly. Just look at the news, the paper and TV even listen to the television. And I thought for some time as he left. How could I change the world? How could I change the future? How could I make a difference? I am just a professor. I only teached but action is another thing. Well Opal Walker what are you gonna do? What are you gonna be? Just a voice or a voice with action. Eventually I called up Mr. Jesse who worked at the local church and he was glad and said he did not hear from me in a long time but he was sure glad. And I asked him a few questions about how to get involved and how to get my students involved. So I researched and I saw the issues of my people locally, statewide and nationally. I was so stirred in the spirit that I registered for a poltiical party and decided to vote. And I was campaigning for Senator Warner because I believed she would provide representation in government. Without representation there is no democracy. And Senator Warner was running for Governor and she wanted me to give an endorsement speech.. And that night I got a called from my doctor that I might have cancer. So I told her I needed time and I was depressed and sad. I was disturbed and hurted. All this appeared for nothing and I was very upset and acting unusual. When Mr. Jesse and church folks came to my door and he said We all know you are in there Opal. And I said Get away leave me alone. And he told the church folks to sing on the steps of my house. And he said What is wrong with you? I thought you cared. I thought you wanted to make a change. And I eventually opened the door in anguish and said Jesse I may have cancer. And he bowed and he tried to comfort me. And he told the church folks that we need to pray and so he prayed for me while they laid hands upon me. And he said I will go with you right now. It's been too long since the doctor told you. I will drive you there right now. We are gonna find out. And so I went to Miriam Central Hospital. And I could not find my doctor and it was hours and finally the head nurse said that doctor left and I can look in your records. Then she came back with a large file and look for sometime. And she said that it was a mixed up. And I was just gonna tell her off but Mr. Jesse said saved it the Lord has been good. And he sought the church folks away and he drove me home. And I felt cheated and angry. And I told him about the speech and he suggested I do the speech that I did at the graduation in support of Senator Warner running for Governor. And I said again I ain't no Dr.King. I ain't no Frederick Douglass. I ain't no Harriet Tubman. I am Opal Walker. I stand on their shoulders and I come to tell you that it is time to change this. And that's what I added to the speech. And I was apart of the campaign officially as I knew we needed to make a stand O my people.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Confessions
Dear Gisee
I wrote to you many times Gisee. I seen your picture in the famous magazine. And you looked amazing besides your parents. You became great. And you are on your way to being a legend. I remember when I first wrote to you. You could not make up your mind. You thought deep about life, love, and family. You were wanting to live freely and enjoy life. You were so young and curious. I could see and hear the youthfulness. I could see and hear the excitement. And you were so funny and lovable. I could not stop searching you. And I know you had many suitors and I could not be in the running. I just thought to be your super fan. To love you as a friend. To love you as a supporter. To help you reach your destiny and to help me find my way in life. And I know your job is complicated so I will stand in your corner whenever you need me. And family I understand the difficulties of family from my past but I never thought about it being public. But you carried yourself with grace and dignity. i hope to see you one day either in concert or in person sincerely. And I sought the letter like the other ones before me. I don't know why I wanted to dream but I did. i don't know why I wanted to be apart of her world but I did. I talked to Gisee before I started my career. I was just a writer. And it was hard in entertainment finding an agent. I remember singing on voicemail and on the phone. I remember writing resumes. I remember going in competitions. I remember using all my smarts to do something. And after sometime I left Gisee who inspired me alone. She was already doing great. She had big concerts and her voice was strengthened. She was moving like fire on stage. She was fierce and funny with friends and fans. And she eventually gotten married. And she was happy. I started my professional career and I was performing many times in churches and events. And I eventually became apart of the prestigious ASCAP. I was getting buzz about my first two albums which were circling the globe. And I was wondering what would college do for me? I missed two auditions to be apart of some Gospel Record Labels and to sing with a world renowned choir like Richard Smallwood's Vision. i also was offered a music minister position. But I did not know. I wanted to learn more. They say knowledge is power. So I studied and studied to become better and better at writing and I kept doing my career. And when I was about to finish college, Gisee showed up undercover. She said Barry Barry you haven't written me in so long. I thought we were friends. Friends don't do that to each other. And I heard your albums. And i said Gisee I thought you were too famous to see me. I didn't think you care. She said I was busy Barry but gosh you could have stood by me. I went through a lot. I changed. I don't know if you can look at me the same or forgive me. I said Gisee I forgive you. You inspired me to start my own career. And you know what I got nominated for Best Song in R&B/Soul consecutively many times and this is my fifth time getting Aritst of the Year nomination. Gisee said Alright Barry. Can we be friends again? I said Sure Gisee. She said Now I am married now with kids but there's nothing wrong with having a guy friend to keep you in check and help you balance. I said I could help. Gisee I am talking to someone but I can make time for friends. You always was special to me and in my eyes and I am sure in other people's eyes too. And Gisee kissed me on the cheek and said Barry I will always love you because you are a great friend message me anytime. Here look for Gisee Fierce. And this time I will respond. As she handed me her name, email and number and left. And that's how Gisee and I got our friendship and we both respected each other and continue to inspire each other in the entertainment and music biz just because we both wanna make it to the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Confessions
