CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Time

February 17, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

The imaginary virus that was supposed to “disappear, like magic” has kept me from spending time with my first two grandchildren. I take vicarious pleasure in their accomplishments: My granddaughter Imani in soccer and music and my grandson Xavion in academics and basketball. Imani has been accepted into the private … Read More

Our Store of Memories

February 10, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in December 2017 “I just shared something that you taught me when I was young.” Lauren, my youngest daughter, said that she remembers me giving her driving advice, telling her that when you’ve pulled into an intersection to turn left, don’t turn your wheels until you … Read More

February is Black History Month

February 3, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

In December 2016, President Barack Obama pardoned someone from my old neighborhood, the Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sala Udin was an early Freedom Rider, taking African Americans to register to vote in Southern states. Udin was arrested for speeding in Kentucky; an unloaded shotgun and a jug of moonshine … Read More

The Blossoming of Language

February 3, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

“Will you hold me, help me go upstairs?” The 3.0 version of my youngest granddaughter clung to me as I rose from the bed where we had been “hiding together” under the covers, playing with a flashlight. We counted the twelve steps upward, pausing at eleven so that we could … Read More

I Apologize

January 27, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

The bus stop I was standing at in Indianapolis has a sign: “Your neighbor helps you to keep this shelter clean. Please use the trash can.” On the sign is a picture of my neighbor, someone I do not recognize. The ground around the bus shelter is littered with trash, … Read More