Oana, if you love doughnuts then let me take you to the motherland. Recently my kids grandmother and I was looking through the cupboards for a crock pot to deep fry some chickens when she introduced me to some of her old cook books. At first I knocked them because these where cookbooks her church published. I'm a member of the Nation of Gods and Earths so anything from a Christian church I pay no attention to. Then I continued on reading some of these 19th/20th century recipes to find some nice recipes. Then Nanna (kids grandmother) asked me if I ever had monkey bread. Monkey Bread? That's what I said. Then Nanna went on telling me about this "monkey bread". She told me that her mother made it all the time for holidays and white folks back then loved it to death. I thought it was an European dish but nope. I'm from New Orleans Louisiana, land of the big booties and creole cuisine. I can cook most of these dishes myself but my family never had this monkey bread. It's really soft dinner rolls layered together with butter to create a butter roll tree. I noticed all of her cook books had a monkey bread recipe in them. I'm like damn, it must not be that good if I haven't heard of it yet. So I did my research to find out this dish is traditionally called Afrikan Coffee Cake. Then I remembered that New Orleans has a dish called Afrikan Coffee Cake that was Christianized for a Christian holiday, Fat Tuesday. This particular dish is the signature piece for the Mardi Gras celebration, the King Cake. I can make a King Cake because my mother taught it me but like most American bred Afrikans our culture and traditions were stolen and outlawed to practice so my momma didn't tell me the origins, just the recipe. So now here in DC my kids are like what is this King Cake or Monkey Bread. After giving them a factual history lesson I decided to make it for them. The first picture is my first attempt made with just sugar, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter and store bought biscuits. It was gone in one day. So I decided to make another one with some Creole "stank" on it. This time I used sweetened butter, molasses, brown and light brown sugar, milk, flour, eggs, and I made the glaze from an old school powdered sugar, water and buttermilk recipe...and here you have it for the second picture. It's a shame that racism is apparent in all American history. What's worse then that is today people play a blind eye to it like it never existed. Maybe if people are really sincere of the truth then maybe we can sit at the table together to have a slice of the King's Cake. But apparently not everyone believe Afrikans should be KINGS. That's funny, who do you think created kingdoms worldwide? Check the facts! Peace.

    Above is a picture of Frederico Bruno, he is accused of pushing his ex-girlfriend and 3 month old child out of a window three stories high.  He climbs down from the same window, finds a metal bar stool leg and beats her with it as she is lying on top of the 3 month old baby who broke her fall to a concrete ground.  Read that over again.  Take a deep breath.  Now who is the blame for this type of violence?  Before you go any further, let me add this too...the widow also had an air conditioner installed in it.  For real!  Who do you blame for this type of violence?  Violence has such a profound meaning.  It sure can sway any jury.  Oh did I tell you, he sliced up the victim's friend who attempted to call the police.  Yes sir!  He left them all for dead.  Sad ain't it, or is it?  What if I told you crimes like these are good for business?  Business?!  

Q Productions & Author's Info presents: Open Book with Envy Red & Q.  This is the premiere episode of Open Book.  In this episode hosts Envy Red and executive producer Q talk about her novel: Touch.   This is the book that made Envy Red a celebrity.  She has won 5 awards for Touch, and we talk about it in this 2 part interview.  Touch is an erotic thriller, based in Washington DC.  The story has a serial killer who stalks the DC "swingers" scene.  Yeah, that's what I said.   It's a must read!!!

Highlights include:

This article is written not to offend but to open your eyes and mind to possibilities. 

In the time I've been writing articles, short stories, novels and poetry, along with hosting a weekly radio show, I've seen human nature up close. I've found a few, and I must emphasize 'few' artists, business owners and service providers who believe in reciprocating the time and effort others take in sharing their information.

A while ago, I wrote this article in hope of gaining support and interest in all towns and cities Historical Societies. Most are non-profit, many without aid from their own cities and towns. As I see more and more artifacts, buildings and structures from the past torn down, demolished or closed due to lack of interest or financial support of the citizens or city officials, I knew it time to do whatever I was able to stop this insanity. 

This feeling of discontent has been growing and festering inside of me for the last few years and I know of no better way to release such negativity than to express my personal feelings on Preserving our History than to speak openly to you.