Greetings and thank you for viewing the blog of Wisdom Speakers.
In 2000 I had an ephiphany. If there were people on the planet who had a thirst for wisdom, knowledge and understanding and there were people who had wisdom, knowledge and understanding...why not put them together! Wisdom Speakers Bureau was born...at least in my mind. You see, I was in graduate school at the time.
While at Howard University in Washington, DC from 2000 - 2008, I invested the majority of my time studying and thinking about the challenges and solutions facing humanity. More specifically the African American community and people of color. While earning a Masters and Doctorate in Political Science, with concentrations in Political Theory and African American Politics and a minor in International Relations, I searched for an understanding of how people faced daunting challenges and sought solutions that would improve the quality of life for themselves and others on the planet.
In the terms of jazz... I looked at the heavy cats. I looked at cats from Imhotep to PtahHotep, from Socrates to Plato to Arostotle, from Sun Tzu to Buddha, from Frederick Douglass to Edward Said, from Leo Strauss to Hannah Ardent, from David Walker to Sojourner Truth to Nat Turner. I found favor in the library and collected some decent stuff, a couple of first editions and signed copies of works dating back to the 1800s. I can truly say that the investment was in the mind. As Derrick Humphries, Esq once stated, "I spent my money on books and with the rest I bought food and paid rent." Throughout that time, some friends shared sustenance and encouragement...Ray C., Brian Y., Fred W., Ray H! Had a few distractions and a lot of get back on track guidance from Dr. Flax, Dr. Harris and in the words of Denzel Washington..."my man" Dr. Michael Frazier. Through a collective effort, i got a little understanding and i graduated with a few honors.
Wow did that dime or nickel and three years get by quickly!!! Along the way, met a beautiful soul sistah who could tolerate the books and the sometimes prickly personality. Here i am married and awaiting the arrival of a son, living and homeowning in Takoma Park and loving Washington, DC. While not as chocolate anymore 54% down from 85% back in the day, the city still has a lot to offer the eager and the willing to work. In the words of Booker T. "cast down your buckets where you are!" In the words of W.E.B. "yeah it matters that a man can build a house, but it matters more what type of man lives in a house."
Ahhhhh New Beginnings.
I'm a professor so teaching and writing are my thang. Must admit, more writing is required...and of course more editing. Wisdom Speakers Blogspot is an outlet for both the creative musings and the critical analytical application of knowledge in the pursuit of truth. In the words of Miyamoto Musashi, "Pen and sword in one accord!"
Back on the horse as they say. The original intent was to offer Speakers of Wisdom to Colleges and Universities in the US and around the world. So here we go again, to begin at the beginning again. We need your prayers and support. In the words of the Southwest flying philosopher and advertising executives..."pack your bags, it's on!"
We are selecting among the best minds available to bring them to you. If you are looking for the origins of the term "Best and Brightest" check out the book by that title written by David Halberstam. As the saying goes in the movie Sankofa....spirits ...arise and take your rightful place. In refrain, Speakers of Wisdom Arise and Take your rightful place among the Baobab trees, Griots Arise come and Share your stories with us who seek and need to know.
So come, may we partake of Wisdom and Share, in the words of John Coltrane- my man, A LOVE SUPREME!!!!
