Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous
Bio
Known as a Significant Voice in Modern Literature, a Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2025 Black Authors Matter Children Book Awards Nominee for his books, and International Impact Awards' Author of the Year Nominee
Stories (434)
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Hip Hop Artist Darrow
It all started with Source Magazine. I loved Hip Hop. All the hot women that I had a crush on and the cool men that I wanted to grow up and be like. It was like a dream. I wanted to rap. I wanted to be Biggie or Tupac. Just to see what it would be like if I was a major star and on stage in the front of the world. My brother and I spent countless hours studying Hip Hop from Source and everything else. It was fun. It was incredible. It was amazing. It was life. The older I got the more I wanted to do my thing. The more I wanted to show my game. It was becoming more of who I am. So much my brother had to drag me out of the store. I was infatuated with Hip Hop. And then watching the stars on TV, seeing them shine and represent. I was completely captured and in a daze over their game. I could not stand missing their show on TV because I could not afford to pay for their concert. And watching them give back inspiring the youth and showing others that they could be just like them. Finally my mother got to me, she was a single mother and a Christian woman. She did not like my infatuation with Hip Hop. She knew I was in love with Hip Hop as much as she was in love with Gospel Music. And she would not let me be late to Church. And I could understand the Lord is good and the Lord gives gifts. Even Hip Hop artists thank the Lord. Maybe the Lord will give me a gift like rapping. I was hopeful and praying. Some of the guys at school were at church and they would talking about my brother and I . They would try to outdo us. They would try to outsmart us. They were jealous. And my brother told me to wait for our turn. It turned out one day that our mother got sick and told my older brother to take me to church. And my older brother learned how to drive way before me. And he told me that we are gonna do something. We are gonna show those boys that we could do it. And I said how? And he said you're gonna freestyle. And so we drove up. And the boys were making fun saying that driving in your Momma's car. And my brother calmed them down and said let's rap freestyle. And so the boys chose their leader to rap and he was good. And my brother gave him his props but he said I know something better, someone better and he introduced me. And I first had a hard time until my older brother threw down a hot beat. And I started Yo fellas I hate to break your game. I hate to break your style or confidence. But let me break it down. Teach you a lesson that never been taught. Teach you something about my neighborhood. Yeah you say that I am corny and a geek but I'm hard as nails, hard as scales and if you mess with me you'll be down by the riverside. Cause it will take God Almighty to get you back up. So enough with that stuff brother let's diss these misses and get a fresh anointing from the Holy Ghost. And my brother laughed out loud. And the boys gave an ugly look and they were divided on how dope that was. And my brother cheered me on and said how proud he was of me. And we went to church. When we came home, Momma was at the door and she was interested at how church went and if we went. And after arguing and saying she cook dinner she said that her church friend called and told her what had happen. Momma said Darrow you are going to college no matter how good you are at rap. And I thought hard until my last day at high school what was I gonna be. And a counselor tried many jobs but they did not work. And I took a test. And the results came in but they were inconclusive. Then my principal Mr. Balckman took me aside and my mother and said Darrow how would you like to study Africana studies. And I said what and so did Momma. Mr. Balckman said it would teach you rap and the history of your people. And Momma almost objected until Mr. Balckman said that he could be an executive in a company if he studies Africana studies plus learn about his people, what they did not teach you in school. Mr. Balckman said Don't you know one of my rapper friends teach a class as professor. And I said I could try but I want his class. And Momma eventually agreed. And so I met with DaRock the Platinum Producer who produced for so many rap artists, he talked to Momma and I. And then he asked me about my rapping, so I freestyle. And he asked Momma if I would rap for him and that he would make sure that I get the degree. And Momma agree hesitantly. And that's when Bobble was created. It came after I battle numerous of rappers on Coast to Coast Showcase but the wait was worth it. It became a Hollywood Number One and showed up with the Grammys.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Motivation
A Twist of Fate
My father was an honorable man. He had weaned great power. He was highly respected and loved by his family and friends even neighbors. My father was the glue of my family. He kept this blended family one. He was able to preserve the life that my mother always wanted. And I wanted to walk in my father's footsteps. Like most sons that were my age and it was common to do so. My father was brilliant not just at war but also at peace. And he knew how to resolved conflict so much. That even the king delighted in him and gave him land as well as position and power. I only saw a glimpse of this influence. I only saw a small part. Gus Bellington is my name. My father named me. And when I asked him, he just said that he liked that name for me. That it suited me well. That I was a curious baby and a curious boy. And that he had high hopes for me. My father intrigued me even more than my mother because I was a son who admired his father. And the things that my father had done, I always wanted to do. I wanted to adventure. I wanted to explore. I wanted to be like by my friends and neighbors. And yes I even wanted to have a family with a woman that I loved so dearly. My mother would tell me stories about my father and her. She would tell me how they met. He was this amazing soldier and she was this beloved farm girl. And she told me how they would do things together like work on the farm and go to parties. She told me that she was not my father's first wife but that she did not care because he was always the man of her dreams. And I would asked her if I could be like father. And she would kiss me on the cheek and touch my nose and say you are already like your father. Father was rich and had much wealth. I could literally walk everywhere and father's land would not end. I was born in the midst of his wealth. And father said that I was a happy child and good child. Though I was not father's first child yet I had the responsibilities of the first son. I would monitor father's estate while mother took care of father. Because as I aged father eventually became sicker. And each time he would fight off the disease and be even better. And mother knew how well he could be. Mother specialized in caring for father as my siblings and I grew up. And then eventually mother asked me to help my father as mother was no longer young and strong like she was when we were young. And my father would tell me stories of how he won military battles and stories of what he thought about my siblings and I. I had to adventure and leave the farm of my father because I became a man and the king required that young man serve. And I was planning to come back in time. Mother comforted me by writing letters of my father's health and her wellbeing. Then mother became too busy and started having Susanne write for her. And my officer thought it was my wife. And my officer sought me back home because of the constant letters distracting my service. And when I came home, mother met me with Susanne. Mother told me that father died. And I was heartbroken. I told mother that I would return and leave the military. And mother told me that she loved me and left home with her secretary Susanne. And Uncle Ben found me still crying and hurt in the forest. I believed my mother called him too. Uncle Ben talked to me and fed me over a campfire. He said that my father was a great man. That my father's family were one of the first to settle in this land. That my father will be remembered. But I was heartbroken and angry, and I brushed Uncle Ben off. Uncle Ben is what I always called him. Even though he was a friend of the family, I was angry and I had nowhere else to go so I went home. I was hungry and still somewhat angry. I saw my favorite cherry tree and I thought there was cherries on it but there were none. So I chopped it down, my mother found out and made me plant a field of them. My mother had a long talk with me and she suggested that I think about marriage. I was still angry. And she told me a story about when I was young that I promised to be like my father. As I was planting the cherry trees, Susanne came instead of mother. She wipe my forehead and attended to my need even more so than the other servants. She loved my hair and she liked to gaze upon my eyes. And after sometime, I fell for her. When the cherries blossom, I brought mother and Uncle Ben and took Susanne and bowing a knee, I asked her to be my wife. She was overjoyed even though she was widow with children. However she accepted and mother was proud as well as Uncle Ben.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in History
The Animals' War
Long ago very long ago but not so much ago. I remember it like yesterday. King Sealies was having a feast. And all the King's wives were there including the Queen Queen Elia. The King had forty wives and they were all dressed distinctly different. And he had at least a hundred children. The King had mistresses besides his forty wives and Queen Elia. And all the great dancers were there and the great singers were performing. It was like no other occasion. King Sealies wanted the people to rejoice and be happy. And that's what many kings like King Sealies did to keep the spirit of his people up. And the people were all dancing and celebrating the King. They acknowledge that he was great, strong, and powerful. And that he built up the nation of Ethiopia, and all the dignitaries and envoys praised the king and his policies. They even made the king laugh and smile even the Queen. As the King was adorned in his lion wardrobe and the Queen in her lioness wardrobe. Then the Captain of the King Sealies' army interrupted, he tried many times to warn the King but the King was not having it. He never heard of a land name Europe. And he did not think that his country will fall to these European people who don't know the land or the people. And the Captain almost got his head cut off because the King and Queen were having such a good time. So the King and Queen drank along with the other forty wives. And the people were ready to stone and laugh at the Captain. The Captain was almost embarrassed till he showed proof, the spies described the invaders. And they made fun of the way they spoke and dress. They showed the people what they look like as pale as the moon. And they told the people of the weapons they had. And this went on for hours till the King interrupted. Musse I made you Captain to keep the peace. We have kept the peace thus far. What makes you think they are real? And that they will come to our land and take our land and take our people. Captain Musse said O King live forever. O Queen it is true that these invaders have arrived. Look at what they've done to your neighbors. And they are out to get Ethiopia and make the people slaves. And a messenger came to one of the forty wives of King Sealies, and she asked the King if she could be excuse. Nobleness Estra was one of the wives of King Sealies and he excused her. Her servant told her that they are planning to come in the land of your father's. They are coming quickly. You have to convinced the King to protect your father's lands and all of Ethiopia. And finally when Nobleness Estra came back the King dismissed the claims and threatened to hang Captain Musse. And Nobleness Estra spoke humbly and without hesitation. O King who is strong and mighty. I asked that you send your own spies to the land of my birth. And see for yourself what the people say, not just your loyal subjects but all of your people. And King Sealies was about to speak when his wife interrupted Queen Elia. You should know that you cannot overturn the king's orders and that you should not speak to him publicly. And the King dismissed the fest till he think over what he should do. And Captain Musse was relieved. That night King Sealies dismissed Queen Elia and spoke with Nobleness Estra. And he told her that you know that I love you like my wife and my other forty wives but is it true. What did that messenger say to you? And she told him. And the King was shocked and angry. And the Queen overheard through spies. And King Sealies called in Captain Musse and told him to muster up an army. Nobleness Estra said Wait a minute O King, they are from a faraway country. They don't know the land. They don't know the people. They don't know the animals. We can use that for our advantage. And King Sealies told Captain Musse to follow her advise to save as many soldiers as possible for the real war. Queen Elia was angry and furious. She sought Nobleness Estra back to her homeland. And Captain Musse met with his leaders and they plotted how to use the land, the animals, and the unknown. Captain Musse said that he want soldiers and spies at every point. Give them what they came for. And the plans work first the insects blocked their ways and invaded their camps, then the wild animals claim their territories and fight viciously, then the lions and beasts claim the open land and charge after their troops. The rest of the invaders left and Queen Elia was shocked when the plan worked. Nobleness Estra's father died and King Sealies thought she died. And when he found out that Queen Elia wanted to kill Nobleness Estra. He held a fest and he pulled the crown off Queen Elia and placed it upon Nobleness Estra. And he banished Queen Elia to a home in the wilderness. Ethiopia was never colonized or conquered in 3,000 years..
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in History
The Last Kileo
We are a proud people. We are a strong people. We fought off many who tried to take our rights. And that's why the pressure is on now. I am trying to promote peace in my community. I am trying to ease fears. I am trying to stop the worries. It seems almost impossible. We were next. It was our time to take a stand. No more could we just wander. No more could we just put off. We had to stand up for ourselves. We had to defend ourselves. I am the last Kileo left. I was raised by the Chieftain. He was a good father. He allowed me to understand leadership under his wing. He allowed me to understand what it is like to be a warrior. To fight the battles seen and unseen. I have been training under his watch. And I am ready to take on the unknown demons. I am not scared of Theos. Theos and his men have been trying to take my home and tribe for years. We have resisted and fought. And they have nothing against us. When we united we can do anything. The Chieftain appointed me to be the next Chieftain to take on the fight against this devil. Theos is trying to enslave my people. And he is trying to cut off our leadership from the head so the rest will follow. And I will not tolerate that any longer. When I am Chieftain I will secure our borders and rectified our defense. And it happened that Theos invaded again in the middle of the night, and it was a mighty fight. Our men spread out in bands and they were searching for the spies. We know just about everyone in Centros. And they were under my command, and they protected most of the people but Theos was hiding with his men in those secret parts of our territory. So we sought a band out to go and find him. And for hours and hours we search the territory, it took us long because it was the secret, forbidden, and hidden territories. Then we smelt burning and saw our village being burned to the ground. And we hustle and sprinted toward the villages to save the villages. And we gather water with the women and children to save our beloved villages. And we were stuck doing that when we heard Theos and his men saying Kileo Kileo Kileo we want Kileo and the rest will follow. And ignored and ignored but I could not any longer. I plotted with a bunch of men to sneak up on Theos and his men. They were drunk and shouting. And they gave us enough time but just when we were about to strike. We heard the Chieftain saying Kileo my son do not listen to them. Protect the tribe and let me go. And just then I roared in rage like a wild lion and struck several men of Theos and the band of men with me began attacking them. They could not fire their guns because they were too drunk. And the Chieftain was greatly wounded. And he said Kileo I told you. It is my time. I must die someway somehow. Why not for my people? And I said Let the people decided that with the divine. Don't choose. We need you. Yet he died that night and the people were rebuilding the next morning and mourning the Chieftain's death. Then Kileo was the new Chieftain and after several months, Theos came back with a bunch of men who were younger and more vicious. And he was unafraid when he found out that I was Chieftain. I changed the tribe like my father the Chieftain wanted. He wanted a war and we gave him one. First we shot the poison darts which killed about third of his men, then we had the women lead them into a trap a sunken hole. But we could not trick him anymore because Theos stood behind then he began taking hostages and yelling Kileo give me Kileo. And his men shouted Give us Kileo. And Theos threatened to burn all of Africa if he had to. And so I came eventually on the high mountain when the full moon appeared. And I waited and spoke directly to Theo as my men plotted to encircle them. And after I spoke the men took the hostages and Theos was left alone. And I wounded Theos and threw him tied up off the mountain and into the river. And that's how I saved Centros.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Fiction
Way back then
Born on the proud land of Houston, Texas. It's a quiet land and filled with good people. I still remember the friends from elementary. And some of them work for my family farm. Life was simple. And everybody everybody worked hard. We also had fun. I remember the gatherings. We have good community in the country. And we are independent and thinkers. We love the Constitution and we love our rights. The time had come for me. Dad wanted me to defend the farm. The farm was passed down for generations. I was born on this farm. I was raised on this farm. My whole life exist because of the farm. And I promised my Dad that I would keep the farm. Then time changed and the State and the Country has gone through a lot. The economy suffered and many people lost jobs. And people feared for their livelihood. People panic and people were shocked. And times became hard. So hard people begin to trade goods again and save money. And Dad explained to me with tears in his eyes that he doesn't know about the farm. I tried to console him and I tried to discover a solution. But Dad knew that it was gonna happen. He said like he knew Mom was gonna go. It must have been a nightmare for him. He worked all his life to keep a roof over my head. He dedicated his life to the farm and now that farm is about slip through his hand. Then i got the call from Cora, Cora grew up with me and she was always a friend. She would tell me things and I would tell her things. She counseled me about a lot because she was smart and friendly. I told her about the farm. And she was shocked and appalled. She kept asking me what are we gonna do. And I got angry and fed up and hung up. I was ashamed to ask for help. But Cora was determined she drove over here and she consoled Dad. And she came in the house. She even brought dinner and dessert. And she asked about how the farm was and how the bills. And Dad turned in because it was getting late. And Cora said I almost forgot Ridge. Remember when we were teens. And you were good on the horse. In fact you rode horses since you were nine. And I said yeah Cora but that was then. I do a little. She opened her purse and showed a flyer. And i was shocked. She said If you rode in the rodeo. You could get big money. And you could save the farm. And I said But I have to do it behind my Dad's back. And we were excited and having a second slice of dessert. When Dad forgot to take his medicine came out of his room looking and ask blatantly What is all this about Ridge and Cora? i said Dad you know how good I am with horses. Cora can take me to the rodeo in California and get big money and save the farm. Dad said I always knew you were a smart son. Ridge Parker Jr.. Gosh you made all your family proud. Don't wait get going soon. And so I packed and Dad gave me money for my travels. And Cora was already packed and ready. Cora inherited a decent car from her father and we drove to California. All the way Cora asked a lot of questions and she was very interested. And we stop for gas several times and food. I was worried about the Rodeo. And we almost missed it but Cora the smart one found it just in time. And I auditioned and after several tries at the bar I got it. I trained several times more. And Cora and I had separate rooms at the hotel. I was moving up at the charts and rising from Top 20 to Top 10. Cora called Dad and Dad congratulated me. And Dad said I should ask Cora out. So I brought her a drink. And she ask me why after all this time. And I told Cora if i win it has to be love. Cora I love you. Will you be mines? And everybody look and cheer and holler. And Cora said If I win. But the crowd wanted us to be together. And she said All heck I will. And we kiss and spent a night together. I was almost late to the rodeo but determine. And finally got to Top 2.My opponent got too happy and drunk to relief his nerves and the unthinkable he messed up. And I was named the Champion, I called Dad saying Cora and I are married and the farm is saved. All because of the rodeo.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Fiction
