CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Singing Again

August 20, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

On August 16th of this year, I had the pleasure of accompanying the Creative Director of this publication to an IndyFringe performance in the Arabian Room at the Murat Theatre. When asked to choose from several selections, I told Paula Nicewanger I wanted to see “Ad Libs: The Show: The … Read More

The Use of Language

August 13, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

A woman called the office I managed in Culver City California, and I answered the phone; she asked for me and I replied, “This is he.” She then exclaimed, “Your mother taught you well!” Her comment about my reply was perhaps because I did not respond with “This is him.” … Read More

Let There Be Music

August 6, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

A friend from a social media site sent me a message, inviting me to attend a concert at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, on August 1st. She included information about the headliner, Clint Breeze, who was to be joined by Louisville Kentucky Hammond organist Kendal “Keys” Carter, and Indianapolis saxophonist … Read More

Black Men Can’t Swim

July 30, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

In a conversation with an Indianapolis Indiana native, I noted that the high school that I attended in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania had a swimming pool in the basement. That person was surprised, saying that her high school did not have a pool. I told her that I was on the school’s … Read More

Lashes Nails and Beards

July 23, 2026 | by CJ Woods III

The woman on the program I was watching had eyelashes that resembled great black bats; when she raised her hands, she showed fake nails that were inches longer than her own. Not for the first time, I wondered how people were able to negotiate life with window shades that blocked … Read More