Author: Roshaunda D. Cade, Ph.D.

  • The Escape by William Wells Brown, Act 1, Scenes 1-3

    The Escape by William Wells Brown, Act 1, Scenes 1-3

    I have a Youtube playlist where I read aloud from 19th Century American literary texts, and I thought I’d share those here. In addition to reading the texts, I add my own commentary and analysis. I hope you enjoy them.

  • Why do I have so many chins?

    Why do I have so many chins?

    I am part of a writing group that meets on Zoom. We all live in different states, so our regular Zoom meetings are a great way to keep in touch, encourage each other, and get some writing done.

    The other day, after we had set the timer for our writing, I found myself not writing. I didn’t have anything to say about anything. I looked at my friends writing and being productive, and I looked at myself on screen and noticed that I have a bunch of chins. So I wrote about it. I ended up writing a poem.

    Why Do I Have So Many Chins

    Why do I have so many chins, so many chins, so many chins? Why do I have so many chins? It’s a sign of a life well-lived.

    I’ve birthed babies and businesses and read some good books.

    In my younger days I got too many looks

    I’ve lounged and I’ve lazed

    and frittered and wasted

    I can’t even count all the pies I have tasted

    I’ve loved and I’ve climbed

    I’ve been rich; I’ve been broke

    I never, not once, have taken a smoke

    I’ve sat by the bedsides of my sick children and dying mom

    I’ve taught and I’ve learned and got stood up at prom

    I’ve sung and I’ve danced

    I’ve even trapezed

    I once got stopped by Austrian police.

    I’ve cried and comforted

    Been torn down and built up

    And in everything, God fills up my cup

    Why do I have so many chins, so many chins, so many chins? Why do I have so many chins? It’s a sign of a life well-lived.

  • No Sound

    No Sound

    Y’all. My last 2 recorded readings didn’t have sound. I don’t know why. I’m not doing anything differently than I have in the past. I’m looking into it.

    I just wanted to update you, in case you were wondering what is going on with the lapse in readings.

    Have no fear, I have more 19th Century literature by and about black people for you. Satan is just trying to hold a sistah back, and we are having none of that.

    Until next time.