Vernon Davis, Jr., has been writing poetry for more than three decades. Inspired by the late, great, Langston Hughes, he recently penned his first book of poems titled, "Love is the Beautiful, Black Woman." The author says this is his personal tribute to Black women. His sophomore book, "The Emosewa Woman," is scheduled for release in July, 2009. "Love, Is, The Beautiful Black Woman" is an up-close and personal account of the author's experiences - real and otherwise - with the Black woman. Davis, Jr., has worked tirelessly to cultivate and strengthen the attributes and contributions of the Black woman. His book reads at a refreshing, flowing, and insightful pace. I sat down with Vernon Davis, Jr. We discussed what motivates him, his passion for his craft, and of course his book, "Love is the Beautiful, Black Woman."
Fran Briggs: Thank you for joining me, Vernon.
Vernon Davis, Jr.: You're welcome, Fran. I am so glad to be here.
FB: The pleasure is mine. Vernon, please share a little more about who you are and what you do.
VDJ: Well, I like to think I'm a very spiritual person. I try to, as I like to say, P.G.F.-- 'Put God First!' And, I do in everything. I believe my book being published is a blessing and a gift from God. I would love to say I write full-time; but that's not the case. I work for a consulting firm where most of our clients are realtors. However, my boss supports my dream of writing and allows me to use the internet throughout the day to promote my book. This is my main focus in my writing career right now.
FB: What kind of reception did you receive from your readers after writing Love Is the Beautiful, Black Woman?
VDJ:At first, the response was slow because I didn't know anything about promoting my book. I was very naive; I was just glad to be published! Then as time went by, I started receiving excellent comments about the title, Love Is the Beautiful Black Woman. People were writing and telling me they would buy the book just on the strength of the title. I received comments how inspirational and spiritual my poems were. I was also told that the poems were needed because they depicted Black women in a positive light -- not at all how the media portray Black women. I started to hear and read, 'This book is a breath of fresh air ... Especially coming from a man.'
FB: Were there any responses that surprised you?
VDJ:Yes; one in particular. A reader from the U. K. called me, 'King.' I asked her why because, I don't see myself as a king. She said it was because of my style of writing, the way I responded to inquiries to my site, how I did my other interviews, how I view you wonderful women with respect, and how I carry myself as she sees it. I'm still a little embarrassed by being elevated like that because I strive only to be humble and loving to all, and without motive or lust. I still receive responses from people from all different ethnic backgrounds. All of them are positive. Now that's a surprise!
FB: Michele Obama, your book, and other events have created a unique position on how the Black woman is viewed. Can you expound on this?
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