Van transportation to the center was provided by Faith Mission Ministries Church Clarksville, Pastors Harold and Gwen Browning. The trip was also made possible by the generous donations and support from Leonard and Michael Tharpe from Brandon Technologies Incorporated, Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts, the local chapter of the Triple Nickel, Tennessee State Senator Tim Barnes, Terry & Wanda McMoore of the Urban Resource Center, Vision Construction Company, Sergeant Major Sidney Brown, along with several anonymous donors.

In a letter to the parents Mr. Kenneth Albritton reminded them of the accomplishments of Muhammad Ali, and stressed the mission statement of his organization LIFE.

As you may already know, Mr. Ali was not just a great boxer, but a man who respected himself as well as others, but who more importantly depended on “A Higher Power” to guide his life., Depending on that “Higher Power” for guidance is at the foundation of what we do at LIFE Inc.

LIFE Inc’s aim is to teach these young people about being real young men and young women, instead of thugs, to have respect for themselves as well as respect for others, and learning the importance of education and applying that education in their lives.

It is my belief that we have a responsibility to step in for ALL absent parents and encourage our young people to be whatever they desire to be in life, and that they can aspire to be more than just basketball players, football players, singers and entertainers; they can become lawyers, doctors, police officers, teachers, firemen, scientist and whatever else their little hearts desire.

Life Inc. is the same organization that takes the youth to extreme Ministries for karate and boxing lessons and hope to expand it trips to other regions of the country though out the year.

[Show as slideshow]

The Amun Ra Theater features a small intimate atmosphere which fosters a personal connection between the actors and the audience. Seating just 45 patrons at a setting, the impact of presentations is moving and irresistible. Neighborhood theater is meant to be like this. As this will be the closing performance for this play, there will be a cast talkback session which will afford the lucky theatergoers an opportunity to discuss the play’s many facets, unique characters and characteristics with the actual performers and the director. A feature not generally available with large scale productions. Drama enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to make plans to attend this moving and tender production. It promises to be a Sunday afternoon well spent.

Directions to the theater from Veterans Plaza:

1.	Head east on Crossland Ave toward Pageant Ln		463 ft
2.	Turn left at Pageant Ln/Plaza Shopping Center		0.2 mi
3.	Turn right at Madison St/TN-112/US-41		3.8 mi
4.	Turn left at TN-76		3.1 mi
5.	Merge onto I-24 E via the ramp to Nashville		36.0 mi
6.	Slight right at I-65 S (signs for I-65/Huntsville/I-40/Memphis)		2.0 mi
7.	Take exit 84B on the left to merge onto I-40 W toward Memphis		1.2 mi
8.	Take exit 207 toward Jefferson St		0.3 mi
9.	Turn left at 28th Ave N		0.4 mi
10.	Turn left at Clifton Ave Destination will be on the left		0.2 mi

Amun Ra Theatre 2508 Clifton Ave Nashville, TN 37209

The first item on my list is my family. I have a loving partner of over two years. Christian is more than I could ever want in a partner. He’s my best friend through the good times, he’s my rock through the bad times, and he’s my shoulder to cry on through the sad times. Most people wouldn’t notice at first glance, but he’s the most sensitive and caring person I’ve ever known, and I love him more than he’ll ever know. His cousin John who lives with us is one of the greatest men I’ve ever had the privilege to know. He’s one of those rare souls you meet who you can always count on to get you through whatever is going on in life.

Christian’s family has taken me in and become an extension of my own family. They are outstanding people who are supportive and loving without boundaries. My own family has always been a big part of my life. They’re boisterous, caring, funny, compassionate, crazy, and supportive and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. They’ve taught me more than values and morals. They’ve taught me about living, loving, and laughing.

The next item on my list is my friends. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They’ve been with me throughout everything, always there when I need them, and some of the greatest people I know. I believe firmly that family is more than just the people you share a biological connection to. These people are a big part of my family.

The final item on my list is my life that God has given me. I have a home, a partner, family and friends, a job that pays the bills, and a few extra dollars in my wallet. I’m a lucky man. I’m breathing, walking, and talking so I really can’t complain too much. I have most of what I want, and more than enough of what I need. I couldn’t ask for much more in life.

I hope that sometime between the shopping, cooking, and commotion this year that you’ll stop, if only for a moment, to remember all that you’re thankful for. Let the people in your life know just how much they mean to you. Take time to call those people you don’t see often and tell them how thankful you are that they’re a part of your life. Take notice of what you have and what you really need to survive. Chances are, you’ll find that you’ve got an abundance of love, laughter, and life. Remember to share it with those people who are a part of your life. Happy holidays, from my home to yours!

Regards,

“Ok, Leonard,” I said, “just what kind of song are you writing?”

“A protest song, I want to write a protest song.”

I hesitated, but knew I had to ask. “What are you protesting, Leonard?”

“Indoor toilets, that’s what, indoor toilets!”

Well, as you can imagine, that caught me by surprise. I stared at him for a moment or two and thought I’d better make sure I heard him right.

“Now let me get this straight, Leonard, you want to write a song protesting indoor toilets? Is that right?”

“You got it. One of the worst things this country ever did…putting toilets in the house where you eat and sleep.”

“How do you figure that?”

“Well, I heard a report on TV the other day how that germs from the bathroom were found all thru the house. On toothbrushes, hairbrushes, kitchen stuff…you name it.”

I looked down at my plate of  eggs and ham and suddenly lost my appetite. I shoved the plate away and shook my head.

“Leonard, you have spoiled a perfectly good breakfast. I really don’t think this is something to discuss while people are eating. Let’s talk about this some other place, alright?”

Leonard looked puzzled. He didn’t connect his subject matter with his surroundings and see how inappropriate it was.

“Alright, but look at what I’ve got so far, ok?”

Against my better judgement  I took the sheet of paper he handed me and began to read.

TAKE IT OUT
BY Leonard Tubbs

There’s something in your house that ought not be
And something really oughta be done.
The thing we call the throne
Shouldn’t  be found in your home
Everyone should have an outdoor john.

            Chorus

So, take it out
Don’t let the liberals run your life.
Take it out
For the health of your children and your wife.
Bill and Hillary have got several
So, that oughta make us careful,
Don’t let the liberals run your life
Take it out.

Leonard looked at me, searching for my reaction.

“Well, what do you think,” he asked?

I thought a moment, then thought some more. What do you say to that?

“Leonard, you have outdone yourself. This is the most unusual  song I have ever seen.”

“You liked it?”

“Well, liked is a rather objective word. Let’s just say you have taken an ordinary subject to extraordinary places.”

“I’m not finished with it yet. It will have more verses and a bridge. I’m gonna get right in it.”

I started to say something and changed my mind. How do you reply to that?

“Leonard, why don’t we continue this next time we meet?”

The waitress came over and asked me if I was through with my breakfast.

I handed her my plate and said, “Honey, I’m through with breakfast and maybe dinner too.”

(To be continued)

As I walked in the door I was greeted by the faithful locals at the table. 

“Hey, Preacher, what’s that following you?” 

The man asking the question was my 300 pound friend, Jelly. Alfred Whitmore was his real name but at 300 pounds you can figure out why they called him Jelly. Plus, he didn’t like the name, Alfred.

I turned around just in time to see Leonard coming in the door behind me. 

“Well, Jelly,” I said, “This is my bodyguard. He does all my heavy fighting for me.” 

“You’re so right, Preacher,” Leonard said, picking up on the joke. “And a better bodyguard you couldn’t have. “ 

He held up his hands before the group and in a grave and serious voice said, “Yes, sir, a fellow can get whatever he’s looking for. This left one I call Music and this right one I call Mayhem.  Music or mayhem, harmony or horror, anything a body wants.” 

About that time, Edith our waitress showed up. She looked Leonard up and down and said, “Well, Leonard, in my left hand is a pot, I call it coffee. In my right one is a pitcher, I call it tea. Hot or cold what’ll it be? And make up your mind I’m in a hurry.” 

Leonard grinned sheepishly and pointed with Mayhem. “I reckon I’ll have tea, if that’s alright?” 

Edith poured the tea and left the table with a “humph.” 

“Preacher, I was hoping you was in here,” he said as he poured a good quarter of a cup of sugar in his tea. 

Jelly shook his head and grinned, “Leonard, that tea is already sweet.” 

“Not enough for me. Listen, Preacher, can me and you go to another table? I need to talk to you.” 

“Gonna git married again, Leonard?” one of the other men at the table asked. 

“Naw, but I don’t care to have my business spread all over town. And this table is worse than a beauty shop for doing that.” 

“Sure, Leonard,” I said, “let’s go to the back of the café where we can have some privacy.” 

We took our drinks to the back table and sat down. 

I waited until Leonard was comfortable and then asked him, “Ok, what can I do for you?” 

“Well, Preacher,” he said as he pulled a piece of paper from his shirt pocket, “I wanta write a song. You’re a songwriter and I need your help.” 

“What kind of song are you writing, Leonard?”

“A protest song, Preacher, a protest song!”

I have to say of all the things I was expecting that would have been the last on the list. I was surprised he even knew I tried to write songs. I ‘m not exactly on BMI’s A list. 

(To be continued)