A Note from the Publisher...
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Janis F. Kearney |
Just seeing the number 2010 reminds me of the past, which we now know, actually foretold our Future. I vividly remember the old Sci-Fi movies I watched on my parents' 20-inch black and white television set, curled up in the corner of their plastic sofa. Far out stories that no one in their right mind would ever take seriously – like telephones small enough to carry around in your pocket, or mere humans having the capability to talk to computers…and, the computers actually talking back!
Well, we're ten years into a new millennium that, in truth, is more amazing than any of us would ever have imagined, given the giant cultural and technological strides we've taken in just 20 years. And, as much as I'd like to, there is no way I can speak of our giant strides forward, most notably, an African American president in the white house—without pointing to our unfortunate steps back. The depth and breadth of all that could be tragic in our world, has come to pass in less than a decade—wars, atrocious deaths and homicides, global catastrophes, personal, corporate and global financial tragedies, and the visceral hate-mongering that now begs us to question whether everybody will ever be able to "just get along."
2010. My, how time flies when… life keeps right on, whether we're experiencing good times or bad. But, don't look to me to hash over all the bad times I've experienced since the last time you heard from me. No, in spite of all the sad stories I could share, the ones I've read about, or seen firsthand, I yet maintain: It could always be worse…and, there's still some amazing blessings taking place in everyday people's lives.
Yes, I am one of those insufferable optimists that gets under most people's skin when they're trying to enjoy their "pity pots." You know who we are - people who see blessings when the rest of the world sees tragedy; smile up at blue skies even when the rain or snow is already falling. And, we do continue to believe that blessings are still plentiful, and still happening everyday. The misfortune is that so many of our personal tragedies have mounted so high, that they block our view to the silver lining, or the sun rising, or the sound of happiness in a child's laughter.
But, miracles do happen in the midst of times like these. And, one most wonderful example is Writing our World Press' recent release of author and classical musician Elaine Mack's amazing new book: Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia: Oral Histories Covering Four Generations, an absolute must-read for all serious readers of any age, background, or hue. Elaine Mack proves in her very first book that when we challenge ourselves, we surprise ourselves in what we can do.
This amazing cellist is just as amazing in creating a fine-tuned, well written documentary of a community of musicians who dared to buck the system, tear down America's barriers, and prove—to themselves, first; and, then to the world—that we are absolutely not a monolithic race.
In her 45 interviews with Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia, Elaine Mack introduces us to, then escorts us through a world of music that few of us knew existed. The genius, dedication and sacrifices of these amazing men and women—their ages spanning from 17 to 95—is absolutely mind-boggling.
Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia is a magnificent addition to American archives on the history of music. It should be required reading for high schools and universities who are still playing catch-up with their black literature curriculums. It should be must-reading for Black Americans to remind us of our greatness and our depth. This eternal optimist is eternally grateful to Elaine Mack, for doing just that.
WOW Press Announces New Title For Release December, 2009!
Writing our World Press is proud and excited to announce the upcoming titles for release in Dec. 2009:
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Publisher: WOW Press Publish Date: Dec. 2009 ISBN-10: 0976735601 Price: $29.95 442 pages, Hardback This title is available directly from the author at her website: www.elainecello.com. |
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Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia, Oral Histories Covering Four Generations. Author Elaine B. Mack recounts the personal stories of Black classically trained musicians in over 45 personal interviews, ranging 4 generations over the ages from 17 to 95. Read excerpt |
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