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Mahalia and Me
I told my grandma when I was four years that I wanted to be a singer. I asked her to teach me. She said No Mattina I can't teach you. You have to learn from school and church. So I did my school work since age 5 and never looked back. I sung in every choir I could possibly sing in. I was performing since age 8. Singing inspired me to do well in school. It even inspired me to make A's. As I got older I asked my grandma about my parents especially about Mom. I wanted to know what happen to her and her dreams. Grandma explained that it runs in the family where parents leave before their children. My father left before we knew him she said. My mother was a good woman, pretty and can sing. She would worked hard cleaning houses and working every job she could to provide. She also had a dream to sing. And then Grandma showed her only copy of this beautiful Gospel Singer. Your mother loved Mahalia Jackson and she would sing everyone of her songs by heart. Take this Mattina, this is my gift to you from your mother. I kissed and hugged my grandmother. She said I know you have been working hard in school and doing well. I wanted to inspire you to fulfill the dreams of your mother. She wanted to sing gospel. In fact she was a lead choir singer and Preacher's Singer. A lead choir singer means that they wanted her to do solos a lot in church. And a preacher's singer means she would sing so beautiful that the preacher would do a sermon based on her singing. Mattina I want you to go to school don't go the church way yet. Because your mother did and they loved her dearly. I say a little too much that they called her Little Mahalia. Then some time after when they found her singing other songs and wanting a career in gospel, they kick her out of the church. And that's what torn your mother down, she was so hurt that she could not keep her soundness. Your grandpa and I tried to encourage her. We tried to stop her from giving up on her dreams and preserving for you but she was angry. And pretty soon her health begin to deteriorate over her grudges. I say this to you now because you are becoming a young woman and you should know.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Writers
Oneg Tristán's Appearance on Ten Questions with Rick Henry Christopher
This interview is the companion piece to a youtube interview I did with Oneg Tristán. This interview and the youtube interview have different questions. The youtube interview hits on more personal topics. Combined they give you some insights on one of Vocal Media’s most loved creators.
By Rick Henry Christopher 2 years ago in Writers
"Unraveling the Mystery: The Enigmatic Quest for the Lost Ark of the Covenant"
The Ark of the Covenant is a relic of immense religious significance for both Judaism and Christianity. It is described as a wooden chest overlaid with gold, housing the two stone tablets bearing the Ten Commandments, which, as per biblical accounts, were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. The Ark also contained a pot of manna, the miraculous food that sustained the Israelites during their wilderness journey, and Aaron's rod, which blossomed as a divine sign of Aaron's appointment as the high priest. Beyond being a repository for these sacred relics, the Ark symbolized God's presence and power among His people.
By Unique writing2 years ago in Writers
Deadline Dilemma
As the clock struck midnight on Friday, trouble erupted in the nation’s capital. The halls of Parliament buzzed with heated debates, passionate speeches and wild discussions. The government found itself on the verge of a shutdown, and its stake was even higher.
By Mohamd Elnagar2 years ago in Writers
Jill Stein
Jill Stein is an American physician, activist, and politician who rose to prominence as a presidential candidate. He was born on May 14, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, and is known for his involvement in Green Party politics and the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns
By Mohamd Elnagar2 years ago in Writers
