De Profundus Ad Astra

About me:

So here’s the skinny,

Authentically raised by a coven of old black women (Missionaries no less), not one of which was under 60 years old; my mother had already seen 42 years by the time she brought forth her only child, two months before hippies took over America at Monterey. This puts me squarely into the old soul, old school, old fashioned (in the good sense, no Bopping or line dancing) category. Holding doors, paying for meals, respecting your elders...you know the drill. Now 82, my mom’s still my favorite woman, having been there since day one.

I work in academic research where I'm polishing off the revisions on my doctoral thesis (other wise known as "THE F***n' THESIS). I hold a Masters in cell and molecular biology (WAKE UP! You were snoring…).

I’ve worked as a teacher, tutor, mentor and professor. My students would tell you it’s because I like to hear myself talk (alas, I fear it might be true). {note to self: insert here a sentence or two about saving the world and making the universe safe for democracy and about how I was overlooked by the academy for my excellent portrayal of a squash in the 6th grade, you know BLAH...BLAH...BLAH}.

I’m an ex-bouncer (excuse me, can I see your ID please) and ex-personal trainer. I run, lift, and play most sports.

My interests are varied, including but not limited to: Biology, Philosophy, Cosmology, Christianity (my particular spiritual poison), Buddhism (especially Zen) All things Jazz especially Coltrane and Miles and Keith Jarret, Almost anything concerning Marginalized Blackness, Poetry, The Middle Passage, Socio-Political study of urban life, Alternative Consciousness, Alternative Medicine, Acting Locally, and the eternally transcendent wisdom of Black Mothers.

I just returned from West Africa where I led a group of undergrads and Medical students in a project to deliver medical aid to rural Gambia. My second time in the country in 20 years, I’m now amazed at how many things in this world resist change and evolution.

My vises are few: good friends, NPR, politics, music, books and interesting people and conversation.

I’ve had my dark days. Besides the usual stories of sadness, denial, shame and occasional loneliness I’ve known lies and cheating that shipwrecked relationships and squandered opportunities. I’ve ignored second and third chances, failed to see the forest for the trees, suffered disappointments, depressions and insecurities and high anxieties.

That said, I’ve spent much time in thought/meditation/prayer/contemplation. I’ve put much work into turning that self reflection into transformation and actualization.

I lived a bit, realized some, and am still smiling. For what I owe the world, the check is in the mail, and for those that have heard it all before…you can’t get enough of a good thing.

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