Daddy, Where are We Going?

by Shirley J. Parker-McCoy


Formats

Softcover
$7.95
Softcover
$7.95

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 1/1/2000

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 5x8
Page Count : 172
ISBN : 9781585001910

About the Book

An inspirational, fictional novel based on actual events.
For generations the Barker family legacy had been one of unity and an unparalleled sense of pride in their heritage. Living the 'black experience' served to motivate them to achieve, in spite of the stigma placed on African Americans in a society plagued with unfounded prejudices. Education, hard work and 'family mentorship' had elevated them from Alabama sharecrop farmers at the turn of the century, to upper middle class Educators, Medical professionals, Brick-mason contractors and Administrative Managers. To be a 'Barker' was to hold your head up high, take pride in who you are, accept your responsibilities, set goals and work to attain them. The thought of a 'Barker' shirking or abandoning their responsibilities, was the unthinkable!

Deidre' was an African American beauty of Jamaican descent. She was dark complexioned with long hair as coarse as hemp rope and as black as ebony. Her round full face displayed a pert nose and keen lips with the expression of an impish cherub as her right eyebrow lifted slightly when she laughed. Beautiful dreamy eyes reflected a piercing honesty as she looked directly into the eyes of anyone that she talked to. At fourteen, she was mature beyond her years, physically and mentally. Dwayne Jr., Deidre's younger brother by sixteen months, was over five feet ten inches tall and weighed 170 pounds. He was a beautiful 'Black Adonis' with an enchanting smile displaying perfect white teeth.

Deidre' was only nine years old when she and Dwayne Jr. were taken to Alabama by their father for a six week 'visit' with a sixty-six year old Great Aunt, whom they had never met. They had never known their Mother and the only positive maternal influence in their lives had been their Paternal Grandmother. Their disappointment when their father did not return for them was manifested by erratic behavior and confusion. The many attempts by their Grandmother to gain custody and return them to their home State of Ohio was met with many obstacles. Their Faith in God and the belief that all things are possible through 'him' gave them the strength to persevere during five years of untold adverse experiences.


About the Author

Born in Cleveland, Ohio August 8, 1936, I am of African American descent. I have been a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio since 1947. At the age of fourteen I went to work outside the home. I graduated from John Hay High School Cleveland, Ohio at the age of seventeen. I took courses in Psychology at Cuyahoga Community College and am a graduate of the William F. Bolger Management Academy, United States Postal Service. I have four (4) Children and twelve (12) Grandchildren.

I was in the work force for over thirty (30) years. At retirement, October 3, 1992, I was Branch Manager/Superintendent of Mails and Delivery for the United States Postal Service. I have traveled extensively through Europe; thrice to Germany, Paris, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Amsterdam, Canada, the Virgin Islands and the Continental United States.

I have been writing poems and essays since 1980. Feeling that my poems were my personal spiritual expressions, I did not allow anyone to read them until 1992 when my Daughter, Jessica, encouraged me to do so. I was further encouraged when I received and 'Editor's Preference Award of Excellence' on my first entry to a poetry contest.

My poems and essays have appeared in the following Anthologies and Magazines: American Poetry Annual; American Poetry Anthology 1995; Voices of Many Lands; A Moment In time; Musings; Reflections; Best New Poems of 1994; Poetic Voices of America; Our Captured Moments; Who's Who in Poetry; Best Poems of the '90s; A Muse To Follow; Best Poems Of 1996; Verses; Starburst; and others.

In 1996 I published a book of some of my favorite poems, titled 'I do believe', Awards: 'Editor's Preference Award of Excellence' for poems; Free to be me! & Prejudice; 'Editor's Choice Awards' for: Why me Lord, I want to be selfish now!, Reminiscence and The Sprinter. 'Special Recognition Award' for Amnesiac.

Memberships include: National Author's Registry; Distinguished Member, International Society of Poets; International Society of Author's and Artists; National Writers Assoc.; The Poet's Guild.

My goal is to publish short stories for teenagers and preteens. I feel that our young black children and indeed all children, need guidance and encouragement from an inspirational point of view that gives hope, self-confidence and a sense of pride in who they are. The rearing of my four Children and the very close relationship that I share with my twelve Grandchildren (I have legal guardianship of my two eldest Grandchildren) has afforded me the privilege of being totally involved in the lives, loves, problems and disappointments of the present day teen and young adult.