Black people know, intuitively, that we lag white Americans in a host of categories including health, wealth and living standards. So it was no surprise that, as The Washington Post reported, African American communities suffered an excess 1.6 million deaths compared with white populations over the past two decades. What shocked me, though, were these lines in the article: “The […]
Columns & Opinion
Black Men’s Shorter Life Expectancy A Factor In Starting Social Security
The conversation about when to cash out is crucial, especially for African American men and familiesLetter To The Editor
Editor, Rappahannock Times: I am inspired by Shiree Monterio, CEO and Founder 7 and M Development, and her vision to create housing and economic opportunities for our community. It is empowering to see a young women lead such a robust project that has the potential to enhance Essex County’s standing in the region. Shiree is the great-great granddaughter of Thomas […]

POV: Nothing Is Real Anymore
I scroll mindlessly through the crafted pictures that make up my home page on Instagram. One girl with flawless skin stands in front of a white beach with crystal blue island water, not a single impurity marking her skin. Scroll. A guy with a perfect definition in his muscles stands in front of his gym mirror. Scroll. The pattern continues. […]

Out to Pastor
Dizzy Is As Dizzy SaysSeveral years ago, I had a heart attack, which surprised my family and friends, who didn’t know I had a heart. I was not sure I had a heart either until that day it attacked me. What my heart had against me to attack me like that I still have not figured out. Two years later, I have to go […]

Bookworm Review: Juneteenth Books
Juneteenth Books by various authors and illustrators c.2023, various publishers $5.99 – $18.99 various The celebration is coming soon, you can feel it in the air. Your entire family will gather together for one special day. There’ll be picnics and tasty foods, dancing, and storytelling. No, it’s not Christmas or your birthday, not Easter or Ramadan. It’s Juneteenth and these […]
Are You A Drive-In Theater Enthusiast?
I still remember one of the houses that my parents almost bought back in 1970. The domicile was memorable because it was right next door to the Hi-Way 50 Drive-in Theater and filled my young mind with impractical daydreams of watching free movies from across the fence. Impractical, because (a) I couldn’t lip-read and (b) my allowance didn’t allow for […]
Tappahannock Area Devotional Page
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, Psalm 96:11God desires an intimate relationship with us. He reaches out in love and kindness, extending His mercy and grace to us every day. It is easy to take His good gifts for granted. We give no thought about taking our next breath or wonder and worry about our next heartbeat, but the pressures and demands of life grab our attention […]

Behind The Mike
SHEROES(Part 2 of 2) In my nearly 80 years here on earth, I have come to admire humility in others, especially in the female gender. Last week, I shared with you one of my early inspirations in life, my older sister Mary. Those inspiring characters keep coming but this time in a much younger version, my granddaughter Ashley. True humility […]

Pushing up Daisies
Decreased FunctionalityGRIEF BRIEF 47 REBUILDING ONESELF Recovering from grief often entails the rebuilding of oneself. If one has been in a marriage for fifty years or so their identity has generally morphed into that of a couple. Being alone after such a long period of time may take quite an adjustment. (Mourning Lights, 2022) I recently lost my sister-in-law to breast […]
People Who Get COVID-19 Vaccine Less Likely To Die From Any Cause
To Your Good Health By Dr. Keith RoachDEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you referred to a U.K. source that stated “all-cause mortality is very significantly reduced in people who have had the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to unvaccinated people.” I wasn’t sure what you meant by all-cause? Does this mean any and all deaths, with or without COVID-19, for any reason, have been very significantly reduced […]