CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

Sign Of The Times

March 3, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

Sign, sign/Everywhere a sign/Blockin’ out the scenery/Breakin’ my mind… — Five Man Electrical Band My old cell phone needed to be upgraded to one that could receive 5G — whatever that is — coverage, and to add to my tiny woes, my former provider, to whom I had been shoveling … Read More

Chosen One

February 24, 2022 | by CJ Woods III

My first bride and I separated our 6-year-old daughter from her close, best friends in Madera, California and moved her to Clarksville, Indiana. After careful consideration and some investigation, we decided to enroll her in a Catholic school, even though I was not practicing any religion and Cathy was a … Read More

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