Atherton Elementary and E.O. Smith Jr. High is where I began formal educational journey. I joined the Kashmere High School Basketball Team in 1965 under the legendary Coach, Weldon Drew. Coach Drew was a coach and father figure to many of his players. I also joined the Dramatics Club, becoming active in debates and participating in the Kashmere Talent Shows with poetry. Many of my friends from 5th Ward used my nickname, “Fuzzy”; and I was selected as the “Most Popular” in our 1967 graduating class. Dr. Ira B. Bryant our principal, our great teachers, and so many wonderful, solid friends created the legacy that continues the Kashmere Spirit which brings us together still.
I received a two-year scholarship to play basketball at South Texas Junior College in 1968, where I received my Associate Arts Degree. I went on to earn both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and a Master of Arts Degree in Communications at Texas Southern University; where I am an Associate Professor of Theatre.
Over the years I have written four books of poetry and plays that have toured locally, nationally, and “The Diary of Black Men” which also toured internationally; “The Man Who Saved New Orleans”, “Johnnie B Goode”, and “Christmas with Great Aunt” at the Ensemble Theatre, “The Drums of Sweetwater” and “The Laws of Storms” at Main Street Theatre. I’m commissioned by various agencies to produce educational and social awareness plays for their specific needs. KTSU ran The Robeson Family Chronicles, a radio drama series I wrote and produced, and HCC TV produced a performing arts talk show which I hosted.
I began my love for basketball at both Finnigan Park and the Julia C. Hester House in 5th Ward; where I was schooled by the legends. I attended E.O. Smith Junior High and due to the routing of I-10 East 5th Ward, my mother decided to move to Kashmere Gardens on Hirsch Road, a short distance from Kashmere High School.
I was also a member of the Speech and Debate Team and loved to get on stage at the Kashmere Talent Shows. Then I joined the Kashmere Rams Basketball Team in 1965 under the direction of Coach Weldon Drew. Coach Drew taught me skills that enhanced, not only my ability to understand the game, but also how to conduct myself as s man.
It could be said that being a left-handed center, along with Darrell Woods, also a “leftie”, gave our opponents a challenge. My real weapon was my ability to jump. There was nothing more exhilarating than going for that rebound that I personally believed belonged to me.
Upon my graduation in 1967, I received a phone call from a coach at South Texas Junior College (Now U of H Downtown). Coach Davidson saw me play several games in the district and offered me a full two-year scholarship to play basketball; (along with a $75.00 a month stipend)! It was a dream come true!
Most athletes have some stories of a legend that they played against. I still have nightmares of Coach Davidson assigning me the task of guarding the legendary Ollie Taylor; who played for San Jacinto Junior College; who appeared to walk on air, especially when he dunked on me.
I am here today not only because of Coach Drew; but also because of Principle Bryant, all the coaches, the administrators, friends, teammates, and teachers, especially, Mrs. Louis Bailey, Lady Marie Scranton, and so many more, because we never reach where we land, all by ourselves.
After graduating from South Texas Junior College, I briefly attended University of Houston, and then enrolled at Texas Southern University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Master’s Degree in Communications, and continued my poetry and playwriting. I have worked various jobs, created a poetry ensemble (Sudan Arts Southwest), Co-founded a theatre (Kuumba House Theatre) and currently teaching at Texas Southern University. I’ve been commission by agencies to write and produce specialized for their. During the years I have also had the opportunity to have several theatrical stage productions toured locally, nationally, and internationally.
My mother, who passed away at the age of 95 in 2016, always inspired me! My wife, daughters and friends, and adults that I meet now, who remember me teaching them as children and tell me that I inspired them is my constant reminder that we are all here to lift-up someone!
