The Syllabus
Where I pick my face up off of my keyboard and still can't stop smiling...
So yeah… At Houston Christian University, English 3381 - Introduction to African Literature is an African American literature class. At the suggestion of a friend, the professor read The Bishop Women series last spring. This summer, Professor Pamela (as she’s known to her students) chose the second book, Glory Unbound, to be taught in the Spring 2026 AA Lit class!!
Skweeeee!!
Yeah, after I skweed for a full minute, I picked my face up off of the keyboard and couldn’t stop smiling.
So, I just got the syllabus… and skweed some more. This is not a lightweight intro class at all… and the HUGE part? The class has three required texts: Beloved, by Toni Morrison; Glory Unbound by Me; and Native Son, by Richard Wright!!
My book is Black Literature Pantheon-Adjacent!! I’m being taught between Toni F’n Morrison and Richard F’n Wright!!
Can I say “I’m not worthy”? I mean, students are gonna hafta write research papers about my work!! Something like this was not even in my imagined possibilities ever! Since Glory Unbound is the second book of the series, I sent Professor Pamela a copy of the Glory Bishop synopsis to give to the students for some important character background information.
Would it be inappropriate for me to ask to attend the classes when Glory Unbound is discussed… and to see ALL the student work… and the lesson plans? No, it’s not a control thing, it’s a curiosity thing. I still can’t believe all of this is happening, and I want to know everything. I want to know all the thoughts, good and bad. I want to sit in the back of the classroom and listen. I promise, I wouldn’t say a word; I’d just absorb the atmosphere… of my book… being seriously discussed… in an academic setting… OMG… Skweeeee!!
I think, of all of the accolades I’ve received, this is the most fulfilling. I am grateful.
This is so cool. Also should go in your letter, IMHO.
Your stories reach deep and touch the heart. This is indeed a happy-dance honor!