Blast from a Past Valentine’s Day: A Visit from the “Seniors Enjoy Reading” Book Club

Senior Book Club 

Every now and then, a memory surfaces that reminds us just how powerful community, kindness, and the love of reading truly are. One of those moments happened on Valentine’s Day 2017 a day I’ll never forget.

That afternoon, four members of the “Seniors Enjoy Reading” book club made a surprise visit to the Haverford Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. They came to express their appreciation for the support we provide to their club a small but meaningful Valentine’s gesture that touched my heart.

The “Seniors Enjoy Reading” book club is based at the West Philly Senior Community Center and includes 14 dedicated readers  12 women and 2 men  most in their late 70s and beyond. Many of the members face mobility challenges, which makes their participation in a book club even more special. Their fearless and compassionate leader, Mrs. Gloria Presha, has been the heart of the group  and a beloved patron of our library. She and I have worked together for over five years to help the club thrive.

As their advisor, I help select titles that spark rich discussion and ensure there are enough copies available through the Free Library of Philadelphia, so everyone can enjoy the books completely free of charge. It’s a simple but powerful service that keeps the joy of reading alive for so many seniors who might not otherwise have access.

That Valentine’s Day visit wasn’t just a thank-you. It was a celebration of connection, shared stories, and enduring friendship  the kind you can only build through years of reading together.

Some of the people in that photo are no longer with us, but their memories linger on.
Their wisdom, laughter, and love of books left a mark on all of us  and their spirit lives on in every meeting, every chapter, and every conversation the club continues to share.

At the Free Library, we know reading is for everyone at every stage of life. And through partnerships like this, we continue to build bridges between people, stories, and generations.

– Mr. Philly Librarian

Teaching Black History Conference 2025: A Full-Circle Moment of Black Joy and Mentorship

Buffalo was a long drive from Philly but the journey was more than worth it. Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Teaching Black History Conference at the University at Buffalo, led by Center Director and Conference Leader Dr. LaGarrett J. King, PhD.

This year’s theme, Black Boy Joy, Black Girl Magic: The History of Black Childhoods, was as vibrant and meaningful as it sounds. It brought together educators, historians, and advocates from across the country to explore the joy, resilience, and brilliance of Black childhoods throughout history.

It was an inspiring and empowering experience. I left feeling renewed, challenged, and honored to be part of such an essential conversation one that celebrates the beauty and power of Black identity from the earliest years of life.

A Full-Circle Moment

One of the most unexpected and joyful moments of the conference came when I ran into Karim Brown, a former library patron I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. As a young student, Karim often visited the Overbrook Park Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, where I worked at the time. He reminded me of something I had completely forgotten or perhaps never realized: how I encouraged him to put down the computer games and dive into the world of books.

What I saw as a small, everyday act something all youth librarians do left a lasting impression on him.

Fast forward to today, and Karim is now a school teacher at Belmont Charter High School. Not only that he was also a panel speaker at the very same conference we were attending! Seeing him stand in his power, sharing insights as an educator, was a deeply emotional and affirming experience. It reminded me that the seeds we plant-especially in childhood can blossom in ways we may never see… until we do.

      Karim Brown and Marvin DeBose aka Mr. Philly Librarian

The Power of Black Joy Across Generations

Moments like this reinforce the importance of mentorship, community, and the enduring legacy of Black joy. They are a reminder that the work we do whether in classrooms, libraries, or recreation centers-matters. Deeply.

I’m grateful to have attended the Teaching Black History Conference and to have witnessed firsthand the generational impact of care, encouragement, and shared stories.

As we continue the work of teaching Black history and affirming Black futures, I carry this moment with me as a reminder of what’s possible. 

-Mr. Philly Librarian

 

August Wilson's "Fences" Staring Denzel Washington & Viola Davis

 Fences Is a Must-Watch

Set in the 1950s, the film Fences remains one of the most powerful works in Denzel Washington’s career—both as an actor and director. He brings August Wilson’s award-winning play to the screen with power, depth, and honesty, making it accessible to audiences beyond the theater world.

If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s a great time to check it out. Fences is available on streaming platforms and still resonates today with its timeless themes of race, family, and dreams deferred. It’s a moving, unforgettable film that continues to spark conversation.

A Look at August Wilson’s Fences

Fences is a play written by August Wilson in 1983. It’s set in 1950s Pittsburgh and centers on the lives of African-American families navigating personal and social challenges. The story deals with important themes like racism, family dynamics, and lost potential. In 1987, Fences won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.

August Wilson was a celebrated playwright who dedicated his career to telling the story of African-American life throughout the 20th century. He created a ten-play series called The Pittsburgh Cycle, with each play set in a different decade. Fences is one of the most well-known plays in the cycle.

The other nine plays in The Pittsburgh Cycle are:
Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II, and Radio Golf.

Wilson’s plays continue to inspire, offering deep insight into the struggles, hopes, and strength of African-American communities. His legacy is still celebrated on stage, on screen, and in classrooms across the country. Washington has a deal with HBO to produce and direct all ten plays in the August Wilson collection.

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Mr. Philly Librarian

 

LOUD by Angelo Cataldi

 

A Raw, Real, and Hilarious Ride Through the Mind of Philly’s Loudest Sports Fan

If you’ve ever been bumper-to-bumper on the Schuylkill Expressway with a coffee in hand and your radio cranked to WIP, you probably spent many days with Angelo Cataldi yelling in your ear. For more than 30 years, Cataldi was the ringleader of Philadelphia sports radio a voice that stirred the pot, fired up the fans, and captured the chaos of this city’s obsession with its teams.

In his memoir LOUD, Cataldi pulls back the curtain on that wild ride. From growing up a “king nerd” in Providence, Rhode Island, to walking away from a newspaper career to dominate the Philly airwaves, his story is fast-paced, brutally honest, and—true to form and never quiet.

For me, LOUD is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a Philly radio legend. It’s personal. I spent countless mornings listening to Angelo while stuck in traffic on the Schuylkill. But what made it even more special was hearing my mentor Mr. Bill William, aka Billy from South Philly would call in to debate him. Mr. Bill had deep Philly sports knowledge and was never afraid to go at it with Angelo live on-air. Their fiery back-and-forths weren’t just entertaining they were a masterclass in Philly sports discourse.

Cataldi captures that same spirit in this book: passionate, confrontational, but always rooted in love for the game and the city. He doesn’t shy away from controversy he owns it, reflects on it, and laughs about it. You’ll find plenty of stories about the infamous Wing Bowl, high-profile interviews gone sideways, and the callers who became part of the show’s lore.

                                            

One of the highlights for me personally was meeting Angelo at the American Library Association (ALA) Convention. He was incredibly down to earth nothing like the fired-up persona you'd hear on-air. We ended up chatting about Philly sports, and of course, the Eagles. The city was still riding high off last year’s Super Bowl run, and we both agreed: there’s nothing like Philly fans.

True to form, Angelo brought up his legendary love/hate relationship with the Birds and asked me for my prediction for the upcoming season. Without missing a beat, I said: “Eagles are going all the way.”

He didn’t argue.

He just gave me that classic Angelo Cataldi smirk—part approval, part skepticism, and 100% Philly.

— Mr. Philly Librarian

Twelve Years A Slave - The Solomon Northup Story

"12 Years A Slave' Wins Best Picture Drama At 2014 Golden Globe Awards"

"12 Years a Slave" Named Best picture at 2014 Oscars

Twelve Years a Slave — originally published in 1853 — is a breathtaking and powerful story about the life of Solomon Northup, a free Black man from New York who was kidnapped after being lured to Washington, D.C., and sold into slavery for nearly 12 years between 1841 and 1853.

Northup, from upstate New York, was a highly skilled carpenter and an accomplished fiddle player. While in New York, two circus promoters offered him a high-paying job they said would only take a few days to complete. Without telling his wife, Northup traveled with these men, only to be drugged, beaten, and locked in a cell. When he argued that he was a free man, he was severely beaten and warned never to mention his free life in New York unless he wanted to be killed.

Soon after, Northup was taken by ship to New Orleans, where he and many others were forced to endure harsh conditions, including the deadly disease smallpox. Throughout his years as a slave, Northup worked on several plantations under cruel and abusive owners. Yet, he was also tormented by the fact that he couldn’t reveal his true identity as a free man—not even to fellow slaves—out of fear for his life.

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Does Knowing Our History Help Prevent This From Happening Again?

Reading Twelve Years a Slave made me reflect deeply on how important it is to remember our history. Solomon Northup’s story reveals the terrible pain and injustice caused by slavery—a history we must never forget.

But does knowing this history really help stop such horrors from happening again?

I believe it does. Remembering the struggles and cruelty people faced teaches us why freedom and equality are so important. It reminds us to stand up against injustice whenever and wherever we see it and to work toward a world where no one is treated unfairly because of who they are.

Learning about the past isn’t just about facts or dates—it’s about understanding the human cost of hatred and cruelty. It helps us become more aware, compassionate, and determined to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.

So yes, knowing our history is one of the best ways to protect the future.

Great story—this is a must-read!

Mr. Philly Librarian

 Northup, Solomon. (2013)  Twelve Years a Slave. Paperback | CreateSpace Independent Publishing | ISBN -13:978-1492137049 | $4.77 | 154 Page

When We Fail to Learn from History: Donald Dokins, Robert “Yummy” Sandifer, and the Tragedy of Lost Youth

                  

Neri,G DuBurk,Randy (2010) Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty. Paperback | Lee & Low Press | ISBN-13:978-1584302674 | $12.20 USD | 96 Pages

15th Year Anniversary

In June of 2013, 15-year-old Donald Ray Dokins was sentenced to 90 years to life for murder and attempted murder in connection with a gang shooting that took place in Watts, California. Dokins, a member of the Fudgetown Mafia Crips, was reportedly aiming for a rival gang member, Mauro Cortez, but instead struck and killed Cortez's 1-year-old son, Angel Cortez Nava, and injured the father.

The story is gruesome and heartbreaking. But unfortunately, it's far from unique.

This wasn’t the first time America watched a young boy take a life in the name of gang loyalty nor the first time a community was left grappling with grief and blame. Almost two decades earlier, in 1994, a similar tragedy occurred in Chicago, Illinois, one that shocked the nation and has remained a painful example of youth lost to violence.

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Donald Ray Dokins (16 yrs. old) turn to his lawyer after being sentence to 90 years – life for accidentally shooting a 1 year old boy in a gang shooting.

Robert “Yummy” Sandifer: A Short Life, A Long Shadow

Before Donald Dokins, there was Robert “Yummy” Sandifer an 11-year-old boy caught up in the chaos of Chicago’s gang war. His story was immortalized in the powerful graphic novel, Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty, which I couldn’t put down and still recommend to this day.

Yummy’s upbringing was a recipe for disaster: he was raised by his grandmother, often in a crowded house with up to 19 other children. His mother was addicted to drugs, and his father was incarcerated. Abuse was a regular part of his early life—he was reportedly beaten and burned with cigarettes. He began racking up arrests at a very young age, yet kept getting released back into the same toxic environment.

In 1994, while trying to prove himself to the Black Disciples gang, Yummy opened fire at rival gang members in his neighborhood. Instead, he hit and killed 14-year-old Shavon Dean, an old friend. That one mistake launched a media frenzy. His photo round face, small frame, eyes full of pain was broadcast on every major network. The nation watched as police searched for a child killer.

Betrayed by His Own

Yummy went into hiding. Two fellow gang members, brothers Craig (16) and Derrick Hardaway (14), offered to take him to safety. But instead of helping him escape, they took him to a grassy underpass and shot him twice in the head on orders from their leaders.

Yummy was killed by the same gang he had tried to impress. Betrayed by the only family he knew.

 

                           





Who’s to Blame?

After Yummy’s death, the blame game began:

• Neighbors blamed the abusive home and absent parents.

• The media blamed the state for repeatedly turning him loose after arrests.

• Judges blamed the laws that allowed gangs to exploit minors, knowing they couldn’t be tried as adults.

Was Yummy a monster? Or was he the result of a system that failed him again and again?

The Cycle Continues

Fast forward to 2013, and again in 2025, and the same headlines echo across American cities from Watts to West Philly. Recently in my hometown of Philadelphia, youth gun violence continues to take innocent lives:

• A fatal shooting during a music video shoot.

• A deadly incident in Upper Darby.

• A double shooting inside a West Philly corner store.

These aren’t just statistics. These are real children, caught in real cycles of violence and trauma. Boys like Donald and Yummy didn’t just wake up one day and decide to destroy lives. They were raised in communities riddled with poverty, neglect, abuse, and a total lack of resources where gangs become surrogate families, and guns become the only form of power.

Learning from the Past

I use Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty in my youth book club discussions as a powerful deterrent to gang culture and street violence. Teenagers relate to Yummy not because they’re violent, but because they understand pain, fear, and the hunger for belonging.

This book reminds them and us that the choices these boys made didn’t come from nowhere. And that if we don’t interrupt these cycles early with love, structure, resources, and mentorship then history will keep repeating itself.

Final Thoughts

Donald Ray Dokins. Robert “Yummy” Sandifer. Shavon Dean. Angel Cortez Nava.
These names tell a story—young lives lost, some to bullets, others to prison cells. If we don’t look beyond the crimes—if we fail to address the root causes, to support these kids before it’s too late—we’ll keep mourning more “Yummys,” more Donalds, more Angels.

It’s striking how some of these stories are from the past, yet they still resonate deeply with what’s happening today.

Let this be more than just another tragic story. Let it be a wake-up call.

Overall, this book is a classic.

— Mr. Philly Librarian

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson

Wilkerson,Isabel.(2011) The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration. Hardback | Vintage Press  |  ISBN 13:978-0679763888   |  $12.66  | 640 Pages

The Warmth of Other Suns is a skillfully written masterpiece by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson, chronicling what she calls “the most unreported story of the twentieth century”: the early 20th-century migration of African Americans out of the South. In 1910, 90% of African Americans lived in the South. During the Great Migration, millions relocated to urban centers in the North and West—including Philadelphia in search of jobs, an escape from racial prejudice, and the hope of a better life. But one question remained: Did they find what they were looking for?

Wilkerson spent over ten years researching this book, interviewing more than 1,200 people. Out of those, she selected three dozen for in-depth interviews and chose three key individuals to anchor the book’s powerful narrative.

She tells the stories of:

• Ida Mae Gladney, who left the cotton fields of Mississippi in 1937 and moved to Chicago.

• George Starling, who fled Florida in 1945 after standing up to racism and started anew in Harlem, New York.

• Robert Foster, who left Louisiana in 1953 to become a doctor and ultimately served as Ray Charles’s personal physician.

This is one of the most compelling books I’ve read this year. It’s still in high demand at the Free Library of Philadelphia and is a perfect choice for book clubs of all ages. Reading it answered some of my own questions about my family's migration—on my grandmother’s side, from Maysville, South Carolina to Philadelphia, and on my grandfather’s side, from Dendron, Virginia (Surry County), also to Philadelphia.

Wilkerson also makes it clear that not everyone left the South simply looking for opportunity many were forced out. Under the brutality of Jim Crow, people fled for their lives, sometimes abandoning land, homes, and everything familiar in the middle of the night to escape violence and protect loved ones.

Overall, this book is a classic.

— Mr. Philly Librarian

NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER

LYNTON HISTORY PRIZE WINNER

HEARTLAND AWARD WINNER

DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE FINALIST

NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
The New York Times • USA Today • O: The Oprah Magazine • Amazon • Publishers Weekly • Salon • Newsday • The Daily Beast

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
The New Yorker • The Washington Post • The Economist • Boston Globe • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Entertainment Weekly • Philadelphia Inquirer • The Guardian • The Seattle Times • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Christian Science Monitor



A family from Florida moving to the North