Vicariously, we travel through the perimeters of life. However, our mode of transportation is contingent upon personal preferences or circumstances. Thus, it is our obligation to be loyal to the pedantic and academic process, because ostensibly, there is another world to explore, which is not a part of that systematic process. The organized, methodical, or sequential order may be replaced by some unknown entity, although, this other world may complement or complete the whole.

If your initial stages were placed upon candid, sincere, heartfelt examples, then, you are part of the norm. You are not exceptional! How long did it take you to discover that your strategies were working for you, but they do not seem to be applicable to some of those with whom you associate? The natural order of things is to avoid difficulties by being open and honest, but life is rarely secure and predictable. As a consequence, our demeanor may change, and our transference of knowledge may fluctuate between the intellectual and the emotional. The quest begins: having some intelligence and knowledge about an area or subject matter is beneficial, but, the willingness to explore other plans of contingency can be something which alters your life. Thus, in this work, we explore the artistic sensibilities and aesthetics which are appealing, cultivating, and fastidious. At times, they are also captivating.

"I Am No Ordinary Negro" does not confine itself to one particular category, although the discourse explores heritage, tradition, love, and relationships! The context and theme does not afford any particular genre. From a historical perspective, it would be improbable that one could place this work in a particular era or epoch, because the content is timeless. There are enticing secrets, quiet moments, meditation, descriptive passages, narrative discourse, poetry, and sometimes raw emotions are shown. The external and internal world allows for the reader to enter a pathway to the elements of home.

Evident within this literary selection, are aphorisms or adages which help in the maturation process, and also helps to determine that there is a purpose in engagement. One learns that every individual must be cognizant of goals and objectives. When we work for closure, see things through to the end, and our decisions are based upon confidence, the result will generate success, because persistence pays.

Every gift or blessing is accompanied by a liability. It is uncertain whether many of us know the degree or the extent of our gifts. However, those fortunate enough to recognize those facets at an early stage of life, readily accept that nothing is free. We must carefully screen a Divine Order, and an expression of "It seems plausible to me." Possessing the notion, or having the concept of, "Not Being An Ordinary Negro" alone, is exceptional! Cumulatively, one hand would probably exhibit the number, if in essence; there were any, who know that they are incomparable. With such an irregularity, this leads to a dimension of life which is basically unexplored waters. Even if one meanders there, the thing to discern is:

"What are the life sustaining tools which are essential for my survival? But, it is difficult to surmise if the truism lies within the emotion, or the feeling that there may be dire circumstances. Consequently, with so many variables present, it is probable that William H. Johnson traveled abroad to clarify or to enhance a period of illumination which espoused a doctrine, or a philosophy. Another consideration should be made, in America, at that time, the probability of his artistically communicating or collectively expressing those philosophical concepts might have been next to impossible. For boundaries having been set, a change of venue could have been a viable solution. Obviously, there was an embodiment of ideas which reflect the past and the present. Ultimately, there were few within that realm, to compare and to contrast his renditions to as a subject or theme. Functioning at a higher wisdom, searching for self, and the role which one plays as a subject in the universe: leads to new conditions, changes, and information. Embedded in the history of this artist is a stratification which is layered with motivation, instruction, and visual acuity. One can sense its relevancy to society.

Lastly, this work, with all of its potency, affords us the opportunity to ascertain the truth, to experience how viable spirituality can be, and ultimately, to explore the consciousness and the sensibilities of others. One of the aspects of such a work teaches us that life is not about being first, nor is it about being absorbed in self; instead, it is about the privilege of helping others to see the plausibility of how modification or reform has many configurations. Such an endowment means that I may pass something onto you; because I would be remiss in not telling you how this discovery was made. The author’s love of humanity makes it so ‑ so special!

Shelby Credle‑Torres