HOME WORK: WHO WAS IMIRI BARAKA?

I went to a GREAT poetry program last night at the Free Library. Poet Lamont B. Steptoe was there. He was one of my teachers for poetry.  The night was dedicated to Poet Imiri Baraka a positive force for Black people for decades. Sister Sonya Sanchez was also there. I bought two books. Brother Steptoe's ``Congo Square,'' is exquisite, bold, as raspy as jazz and as full of life as our BLACK community reflected in His works. I once had the opportunity to meet Brother Baraka, but didn't have the $50.00 to attend a cheese and wine afternoon at His home. I want younger readers to know they should take opportunities when they are handed to you or offered to them. Many of us old BLACK folks are providing opportunities you need to take full advantage of  ( BUT YOU HAVE TO SEE WHAT IS RIGHT THERE ) and PLEASE don't forget to not take the money that wants you NOT to give back, but give back instead, because GOD ALMIGHTY is looking at you all the time. Having good ethics counts all the time.  LIFE is not the latest ball gown, fancy car or hair do. It is the warm feeling you got inside when you helped your grandfather fix the car a week ago; and the time you played spin the bottle and decided NOT to go too far.