NEW BOOK: Months after his ceremonious book release, Atlanta poet Ronald T May salutes Amanda Gorman’s remarkable Presidential Inauguration display

A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. (Proverbs 18:16 KJV)

POETIC JUSTICE

It’s safe to assume that January 20 was a global coming out party, of sorts, for Amanda Gorman.

No one, it seems, was impressed by Gorman’s memorable display during President Joe Biden’s Inauguration more than Ronald T May.

A beloved poet and activist whose work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, marginalization, and the African diaspora, Gorman — at the request of First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden — read her poem entitled, “The Hill We Climb,” becoming the youngest poet to read at a Presidential Inauguration in United States history.

A crafty, resourceful poet in his own right, May was a blown away by Gorman’s immeasurable work that subsequently created a national buzz days after her historic milestone.

“For me, she personified the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement and our continued struggle on multiple levels,” May, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said, assessing Gorman’s remarkably brilliant poet display at Capitol Hill. The ‘color of her skin’ and ‘content of her character’ combined in an eloquent display embodying Black America’s beauty and grace. Her greatness could not be, cannot be hidden as she read a contemporary piece of poetry inspired by the current events of the week and implored America to do better.

“Poets are the vanguards of the realities that stir them,” May added. “They capture events in their own unique fashion. This task of capturing the imagination of the public can only be entrusted to the insightful few. And on that day, that task was well kept by a member of the poetic family.”

To his distinctly unique credit, May has found his fervent niche in what he deems “the poetic family,” amid the recent release of SCREAMING BLACKNESS: Let The Conversation Begin.

BUY MAY’S BOOK: https://www.ronaldtmayauthor.com/

Published officially on September 29, 2020, May’s authorship debut comes amid humble beginnings.

For May, his rise to poet success commenced in 1975 when, during his undergraduate days at San Diego State University, he submitted two short poems to the black student newspaper.

“They were both very well received by the black students and the faculty,” May, a former SDSU walk-on basketball player, recalls. “That first publication led to multiple opportunities to perform my poetry at varying types of events on campus and around the city of San Diego. After college I was hired by Xerox as a Corporate Sales Representative and didn’t perform but continued to write. I often shared my poem with individuals in conversations that stirred my spirit. If I believed some sort of clarifying benefit would be derived from sharing my poetic insights, I would. For many years this is what I used it for.”

AMERICA‘S POET

A book that is comprised of 124 pages in length, May’s SCREAMING BLACKNESS: Let The Conversation Begin is filled with what this author appropriately describes as “poetic thoughts and pragmatic themes,” as mentioned in a detailed introduction of his book at Amazon.com.

“I offer no answers, but insights and experiences and lots of wisdom,” May, a native of Springfield, Ohio, writes on his Amazon book page. “Through these words, I hope my journey for clarity and self-definition can resonate with elements of your spirit, seeking to understand the nature of your life and the nature of Black life. As you read, I hope that you will explore my thoughts and share your interpretations.”

BUY MAY’S BOOK: https://www.ronaldtmayauthor.com/

In essence, May emphasized, among things, that his desire is that SCREAMING BLACKNESS: Let The Conversation Begin will create conversations, as well as the exchange of insights that lead to deeper cultural thought and understanding.

“May it also serve as a lens through which the world outside of our community can better understand Black Americans,” May said. “Culture is defined from within a people, and ours will continue to evolve as our collective understanding grows from my heart to yours. This is…Screaming Blackness.”

As expected, the feedback since the ceremonious release of his book has been overwhelmingly favorable, May said.

“The response has been extremely positive. My white friends see it as a means to understand black culture and perspectives without offending anyone,” May explained. “People tell me it is an easy read. They say ‘It’s Almost like having a casual conversation’ with me about tough topics. Topics that are often thought about but difficult to discuss. Screaming Blackness makes it easier. I have been invited to be a part of several Zoom book clubs, from both sides of the aisle. I’m honored to do so.”

To his credit, May has been afforded golden opportunities to promote his new book, including a virtual launch February 2 for Rich Relations Hosted by Gil and Renèe Beavers, as well as pod cast interviews with Jervis Canty and Friends the following day at 7 p.m. CDT.

Also, May on February 6 will take part in Zoom party hosted by the Black Alumni of San Diego State University during which he will read, promote, and discuss his book.

“I’ve been contacted by several book clubs with requests to do more Zoom parties,” said May, although he added that no official dates have been set. One of the Zoom book clubs is a group of white professionals that have been having discussions about helping the black community and have asked me to sit in on their Zoom cast. These are the type of things I‘ve asked God to help happen.”

Mission accomplished.

ONE OF RONALD T. MAY’S NOTABLE POEMS

Soul’s Got Ears

(Written in 1975 when May was an undergraduate at San Diego State University)

I am survival but there was no movement in me.
My heart has been hardened down for so long
and my eyes refuse to see what they might

But my soul has got ears that hear crying from a thousand years ago.

For more information about Atlanta Author Ronald T May, to inquire about his, a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 770.362.0769 or connect with him via social media at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonaldTMayAuthor; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-may-967509b7/. Also, send email to: [email protected] or [email protected]. 

CONNECT WITH THIS AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST FOR MEDIA EXPOSURE

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.