2023 Oct 2. Rev. Stephen "Sparrow" O'Neal, Detroit Poet Homegoing Service Info

 I am deeply saddened to announce that Rev. Stephen "Sparrow" O'Neal,  passed away last week.  At this time, the family of Detroit poets are in shock and grieving. After the Motown Mic Spoken Word Competition at The Cube (Max Fisher Theater) on Friday, September 22, 2023, Robin Terry, Chairperson and CEO of the Motown Museum, presented a community recognition award to Sparrow. Thursday evening, September 28th, I received text messages that Sparrow had passed away.

The Visitation for Sparrow will be Friday, October 6, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the O.H. Pye Funeral Home, 17600 Plymouth Road, Detroit, MI 48227.

Family Hour: Saturday, October 7, 2023,  from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 7500 Tireman, Detroit, MI  48204

Funeral Service: Saturday, October 7, 2023,  from 11:00 a.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 7500 Tireman, Detroit, MI  48204.

Condolences and Flowers may be sent via the O.H. Pye website: https://www.pyefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Stephen-O-Neal/#!/TributeWall

My condolences to his family and everyone who knew him.

Aurora Harris

2023 Broadside Lotus Press Naomi Long Madgett Book Award Winner

       Detroit's Broadside Lotus Press is happy to announce the 2023 book award winner.

                                                               Joshua Myers

Winner of the 2023 Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award

Broadside Lotus Press

Dr. Joshua Myers has won the 2023 Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award of Broadside Lotus Press, with a stunningly beautiful manuscript entitled, Holy Ghost Key.  Dr. Myers lives in Silver Spring, MD.  The author of three books and multiple articles on African American culture and politics, Dr. Myers is Associate Professor of African American Studies at Howard University. His poems have appeared in Obsidian:  Literature and Arts in the African Diaspora, and in the anthology, Doors, Burning House Press, December, 2018.  The annual NLM Award includes publication of the winning manuscript and a prize of $500.  Broadside Lotus Press will publish Holy Ghost Key in February, 2024. The next deadline for submission of manuscripts is March 15, 2024.  Send submissions to Broadside Lotus Press, 10463 San Juan Drive, Detroit 48238.