Hail Wildcats ! The Great Bethune Cookman University
I chose Bethune-Cookman College over several other HBCU ’ s because of its unique history . I had an aunt that constantly talked about Mary McCloud Bethune and how she was the reason why she became a kindergarten teacher .
Over the years I did my own research on the school and found it was rich in history especially the school ’ s motto which is Enter to learn depart to serve . What a powerful message that has stuck with me for over 30 + years since I first walked the quad .
Upon arrival at BC-C the camaraderie that was displayed was overwhelming had I gone to a PWI I would ’ ve been just another black in the crowd but not at BCC ( BCU ). I met young adults from all over the country as well as several foreign countries . We all had the same outcome about our beloved BCC ( BCU ).
There ’ s not a day that goes by I don ’ t talk to a fellow BCC ( BCU ) alumni rather it ’ s via email , cellphone , or social media . We are one big family especially Dr . Oswald P . Bronson era Wildcats “ My Friends ”
Music Grooves My World
I would describe my music as a fusion of Jazz , Gospel , meets funk hip-hop . A majority of the songs written were written to coincide with a book or screenplay that I was writing at the time . Ama ’ s song was written for my wife ’ s 35th birthday . I wanted to do something different for her so I sampled her playing around on her flute and the rest was history . It ’ s also a part on my first screenplay called ‘ From Da Bury to Da Peake ’.
Front Cover Feature Vernon R . Matthews , Jr . Aldermen , Servant Leader Waterbury , Connecticut Summer 2023
Even though I don ’ t write or score as much as I used to , music will always be my first love , having played the drums for the last 46 years both locally and professionally . My first professional gig was with the Late Charles Biddle at his jazz supper club in Montreal at the age of 13 . His drummer became ill before the set and they asked were there any drummers in the audience .
My dad yelled yes JR ! The look of the crowd was who the hell is JR ? I stood up an awkward teenager standing 6 feet 3 inches tall , I was told to come on up . I guess those old folks didn ’ t think I could play - but I showed them . I even got a few solos in .