CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Bus Business

February 27, 2020 | by CJ Woods III

When young in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I walked everywhere, or took public transportation. Few of my friends had access to cars, even in high school. I remember the outsized admiration we had for my cousin’s boyfriend’s 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire, a car with a great shining chrome plate from headlights to tail. … Read More

The Bird’s The Word

February 20, 2020 | by CJ Woods III

A bird called out as I strode north on Arlington Avenue toward Washington Street; I paused to listen to it, and looking at the bare branches of the trees that line the street, said softly, “Who are you?” I do this whether I am on city streets or city trails, … Read More

Young, Gifted and Black

February 13, 2020 | by CJ Woods III

February is Black History Month When I worked in the advertising department of a large St. Louis department store, the corporation would schedule a full-page advertisement in February that recognized Black History Month. The ad, crafted by the designers and art directors at headquarters in New York City, would often … Read More

Angel Of The Morning

February 6, 2020 | by CJ Woods III

“Hiiee…” The two-syllable greeting pierced the darkness that held me abed and instantly brought me awake. Sitting up, I saw the backlit forms of my 20-month-old granddaughter and her mother; Myah was waving to me and saying “hi.” My daughter, who had come into my room to activate the baby … Read More

The Other Side Of The Bed

January 30, 2020 | by CJ Woods III

The TV show “CBS Sunday Morning” is one of my favorite viewing options, one I seldom miss. On a recent Sunday, after seeing the tribute to the African-American mess attendant who, despite being barred from that particular duty in the Navy, manned a gun while his ship was being bombed … Read More