I believe in living for the dash, in pursuing a purpose-driven life. My life’s work and passion over the last five decades as an educator, scholar, literary activist, author, and radio host have been devoted to education and institution building. As professor of English, Founder and  Executive Director of the Center for Black Literature, Director of the National Black Writers Conference, host of Writers on Writing on WNYE, 91.5 F.M, and a columnist for Our Time Press, I am committed to expanding, broadening, and enriching the public’s knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of the value of the literature produced by Black writers and to nurturing and cultivating the critical reading and writing habits of a cross-generation of readers and writers.