Shall We Begin?

Why I've created this newsletter.

My dear friends,

You’ll have to excuse me for being lengthy. I promise I’ll be shorter in the future.

I write to you today with a heart that yearns for connection, understanding, and purpose. It is my deepest hope that this newsletter may serve as a vessel for my thoughts, a beacon of light in the darkness that too often pervades our world. For it is through the written word that we, as humans, have the power to transcend boundaries, unite our spirits, and create lasting change.

Many years ago, I was approached with the opportunity to share my voice in a column for a media outlet. At that time, I found myself stretched thin, unable to dedicate the energy and commitment that such a venture demanded. As the sands of time continued to shift, I revisited the idea, only to find that my reasoning for not wanting to write for an outlet had changed. What was once an issue of time became an issue of ideology.

The outlets that have offered their platforms to me are far too tainted by opposing views of those who would seek to negate my very existence. To put it more plainly — why would I share space in print on webpage with those working to destroy all I hold dear? Those who oppose the rights of transgender people. Those who want to continue shredding at the autonomy of a woman’s existence. Those who refuse to help save our ailing planet from the ravage of climate change.

In search of a better means to share my heart, I turned to social media. For a time, it was a refuge, a space in which I could engage, learn, and grow with others who shared my desire for change. But as the hands that hold the keys to these platforms has grown more interested in profit than progress, the world of social media has slowly decayed. It has become a shadow of its former self, no longer a town square for the exchange of ideas, but rather a breeding ground for division, anger, and right-leaning conformity.

Thus, I have come to this medium - a platform where my words will remain unadulterated by the whims of algorithms and those who hold power. I invite you to join me on this journey. On these pages, you will find the legacy of a Black man's thoughts and perspectives on our society, our politics, our future, and the hope that lies within the power of the written word - the greatest gift humanity has ever known.

My hope is that my words foster reflection, growth, and change. With open hearts and minds, we can learn from one another, challenge the status quo, and create a brighter future for all.

Every week, at various times, you’ll hear from me - a voice that seeks to share, to connect, and to inspire. I welcome you into this space, this communion of souls, and I am eternally grateful for your presence.

With Love,

Fred