a promise to erika b.

so this is where our literary culture stands: Taste Like Chicken, Hustler's Handbooks, Yo Love, Betta Dayz, Ghetto Girls and so many more mispelled words for the sake of neighborhood venacular, i'd lose time typing it all. now, with the acceptance of The Coldest Winter Ever, which was a phenomenal book -- came the idea that EVERY urban ghetto tale should be told.
while im not mad at the hustle of the writers, i am discouraged by the lack of creativity it takes to produce such shitty writing examples highlighting our culture. Yes, we have risen from the ashes of the ghetto (most of us). Yes, we need to spread the word of how to get out and life's lessons. but i'll tell you what, i see another URBAN STORY with more typos than a lil' bit - i just might cut my own writing hand in half!

your mission: grab a book, a real book with correct spelling (unless it was written in the voice of a 1800's slave). get a real book with a plot that hasn't been extinguished in one of those straight to DVD movies. ya know the ones that star all the old school black actorz that went out in the age of VANITY...? i challenge you. make these publishers publish books with a plot, a smart writing style, a unique voice pouring pride and knowledge. check out my favorite newcomers and old schoolers:

kevin powell
kenji jasper
asha bandele
danyel smith
sapphire
pearl cleage
rebecca walker
joan morgan

these are the authors that should be on the essence bestseller list. a group that writes about life, struggle, resistance, self-revelation and revolution -- not just the whims of a stereotypical poultry lover.