 (“MX100 Nurturing the Sacred Flames of Freedom and Justice” mixed media painting by Aberjhani ©2025)
Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz), born May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, left the world an exemplary legacy of historic activism, self-determination, and transformative personal growth. As citizens of the globe in 2025 mark 100 years since his birth, his life invites reflection on the values of courage and conviction amid threats of tyranny and persecution. Contemporary American author-poet Aberjhani––himself a native of Savannah, Georgia––has openly credited Malcolm X’s life example with empowering his life and career in critical ways, including through essential lessons on: 1) Speaking truth to power; 2) self-education as liberation; 3) creative resistance; 4) interwoven history; and 5) Global solidarity. 1. SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER Power comes in many forms: physical, political, economic, spiritual, and social, among other manifestations. How power is utilized by those who possess it in abundance can have life-altering impacts upon the world’s diverse populations. That makes effective communication with such entities, when necessary, crucial. The quote at the beginning of this article was shared by the well-known creative and activist Aberjhani in honor of Malcolm X’s centennial. The statement represents his acknowledgement of how reading the classic Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley, gave him confidence to stand up against injustice, despite fear of persecution. This spirit of courage echoes Malcolm X’s own example. Despite the fact that it often put his life, and that of his beloved family in danger, he relentlessly used every media platform he could to confront racial tyranny and economic exploitation in America. He addressed his appeals as vigorously to those considered oppressed as he did to those identified as oppressors: “Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice… If you’re a man, you take it.” This statement from Malcolm X Speaks underscores a conviction very much in line with the Savannah writer’s acknowledgement. By highlighting “validation of my right and ability to speak truth to power,” the editor of The Wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois and co-author of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance affirms the great leader’s teaching that one cannot remain silent or inactive when confronted by politically volatile conditions. In the life of both the historic leader and the contemporary creative, speaking up became an act of courage. In 1964, Malcolm X insisted, “Time is on the side of the oppressed today… Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it’s against the oppressor,” implying that moral truth eventually prevails. His statement aligns closely with Martin Luther King Jr.’s assertion that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Aberjhani’s noted determination may be viewed as a direct link to both. The concept has become a frequently-cited one among American protesters looking forward to the November 2026 midterm elections. With the new elections comes opportunities, as voters, to either reject or support the POTUS’s cancellation of longstanding public service programs via a succession of executive orders and his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) initiative. 2. SELF-EDUCATION AS LIBERATION It may be argued that despite the relative briefness of his life, Minister X was a lifelong learner. As recounted in his autobiography, different stages of growth and development saw him evolve from birth as Malcolm Little to: street hustler Detroit Red, a rage-filled prisoner nicknamed Satan in Massachusetts’s Charlestown State Prison, then devout Muslim Malcolm X at the Norfolk Prison Colony, and finally becoming El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz in 1964 during his pilgrimage to Mecca. Much of his celebrated historic status comes from the famous story of how he strove to educate himself while imprisoned in Norfolk. Instead of simply marking off calendar days while awaiting release, he attended the prison’s school, increased his literacy skills by copying words and definitions from a dictionary, and joined a debating society. Those intense studies began his transformation from his assumed identities as Detroit Red and Satan, to that of the emerging leader who would soon make such an indelible imprint upon humanity’s collective conscience. He described this experience of personal evolution as his former ways of thinking sliding “away from me, like snow off a roof. It is as though someone else I knew of had lived by hustling and crime.” The idea that you could grow and become more than what an oppressive society said one could become was not lost on Aberjhani. This is poignantly evident from his poem “Return to Savannah,” in which he describes himself as “a stupid little Hitch Village boy/ feet covered with red dirt/ and blackberry stains,/ snot flowing like panic and river water/… his dreams containing just enough genius/ to save his mystified ass…” The Hitch Village in the above lines refers to a government housing project in Savannah. The value of education was constantly impressed upon him but he developed a fondness for comic books (which he would purchase two-for-a-nickel at a pawn shop) that developed into self-directed reading of different kinds of biographies, novels, and short stories. Recognizing his intellectual potential, a high school guidance counselor enrolled him in the Upward Bound College Prep Program at Savannah State College (now University). The program led to his initial acceptance at a small college in Florida, and later to attend more colleges and universities in the U.S. where he studied journalism, literature, and the American Community. Later in his life, independent studies of world literature and global spiritual traditions led to the experience of a profound dream that gave him his singular name. With the U.S. presidential administration’s pledge in 2025 to dismantle the education system, and the repeal of Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs designed to ensure access to quality schooling for all Americans, Malcolm’s warning that, “Without education, you’re not going anywhere” has begun to take on foreboding tones. Decreasing the means to attain necessary education or training means increasing the likelihood of antagonistic divisiveness and conflicts among different cultural groups. It is the kind of avoidable clash which Aberjhani has often cautioned against on social media posts when using the hashtag #CompassionSavesLives. 3. CREATIVE RESISTANCE: A CASE STUDY Students of Malcolm X's speeches and writings recognize that they were not merely political; they were deeply personal and impressively poetic. His ability to articulate the Black experience with eloquence and urgency inspired generations of artists and activists. As Tamara Payne points out in her introduction to The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X, written with her father Les Payne (1941-2018): “…numerous rappers and activists quoted Malcolm in their lyrics and interviews on radio and television.” Aberjhani can be counted among them as someone who has honored his legacy by using his writings and art (like the digital painting provided for this article) to promote legislative accountability and inspire peaceful corrections of social injustices. One important example is the following excerpt from Greeting Flanney O’Connor at the Back Door of My Mind: …I knew staying permanently in the South was not a viable option because I was too fond of moving forward while the dominant mindset, ruling and otherwise, promoted a perennial parochial comfort zone which many native to the city and of my generation tended to find suffocating. An illustration of this came when, once back in Savannah, I took a job at an east side liquor store where my White supervisor loudly reprimanded me in front of co-workers for reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X during a lunch break. A Black female employee reading romance novels while on the clock and at the register, however, was not a problem. To my way of thinking, our supervisor’s attempt to control what I read on my own time was no less deplorable, or deadly, than the Scientologists’ bid in San Francisco to manipulate my beliefs and actions. To decide if it would be a good idea to join the U.S. Air Force before thoughts of violent retaliation got the better of me, I listed pros and cons in different columns. The pros won.” (Greeting Flannery, pbk p.130)
In this example, the author ultimately chose to join the Air Force––a practical, disciplined path––over violent retaliation. His decision provided him with crucial experience as a military journalist, documentarian, and equal opportunity enforcement officer. The choice mirrors Malcolm X’s decision to build institutions (like the Muslim Mosque, Inc., and the newspaper Muhammad Speaks) rather than resort to undirected rage. In other words, Minister X’s personal growth – from street hustler to enlightened minister – teaches the value of channeling righteous anger into individual empowerment and positive actions. Aberjhani’s listing of pros and cons like a careful strategist reflects a similar praxis exhibited by the minister as he continued maturing and evolving. At least two more major biographies on Malcolm X have been published since Alex Haley gave the world its first groundbreaking narrative on the man who would become El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. Manning Marable’s Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention (2011) and Paynes’ The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X (2020) both won Pulitzer Prizes for adding rich details and expanded context to the iconic leader’s original autobiography. However, for Aberjhani and others, the original stands as an indispensable historic text due to the minister’s direct participation in its composition and its initial international impact upon publication just months after his assassination. 4. INTERWOVEN HISTORY Based on studies of his country’s past and the historical times through which he was living, Malcolm X concluded that democracy was practiced selectively—providing freedom and opportunity to the privileged but subjugating Black Americans through institutional racism. He courageously argued that officials of the U.S. government, while professing democratic values, operated as an oppressive regime for Black people. This regime was marked by voter suppression, police brutality, and systemic inequality. Unfortunately, the persistence of these conditions outlined in the 1960s became apparent during the 2020s pandemic. Many would argue they remain so at this time as people around the world observe the centennial of Minister X’s birth. In his 2025 Kindle Short publication, Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration, Aberjhani offers a compelling critique of how the erosion of democratic norms through autocratic and oligarchic methods in modern times threaten the very foundation of American democracy. He does this by contrasting the history of the U.S. Constitution, which some consider “divinely inspired,” with present-day governmental policies and practices threatening to create a “constitutional crisis” with disruptive friction between different branches of the government.
The essay takes a different contextual approach from Malcolm X’s incisive analysis of historically biased political and social systems in the U.S. but at the same time strongly aligns with it. Both perspectives recognize the systematic exclusion of marginalized communities from power and challenge the legitimacy of institutions that fail to uphold justice and equality. Malcolm X’s rhetorical strategy often combined incisive critique with a call to moral and spiritual awakening. He did not solely rely on secular arguments but invoked religious and ethical imperatives to galvanize resistance. Similarly, Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration draws on spiritual or divine motifs to advocate for transformative justice. By linking faith with activism, the essay mirrors Malcolm X’s own approach, particularly during and after his transformation from a Nation of Islam minister to a broader international human rights advocate. Both recognize that true liberation requires not only political reform but also a profound shift in consciousness—a revolution of personal and cultural values. Ultimately, both the essay and Malcolm X’s teachings present democracy not as a static condition but as an ongoing struggle. They demand a reckoning with injustice and inspire movements aimed at re-imagining a more inclusive and equitable society. Their shared insistence on resistance and avoiding such entrapments as misinformation and disinformation underscores the necessity of confronting undemocratic forces in order to preserve the ideals of justice and freedom for all. 5. GLOBAL SOLIDARITY  (“All-Embracing Radiance of a Purpose-Driven Soul” mixed media painting by Aberjhani ©2025) In his struggles for self-liberation and the liberation of others, Malcolm X braved constant pressures––his wife and daughters were subjected to threats, and his house was firebombed. Yet, until his assassination, he never ceased confronting systemic evil, and refuted charges of advocating any form of Black supremacy. In his own famous words: “I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.” In Aberjhani’s assessment, Malcolm X stands as a major intellectual and spiritual influence alongside such towering historic and world figures as: Frederick Douglass, W.E.B Du Bois, Langston Hughes, Albert Camus, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Nelson Mandela, Nadine Gordimer, Angela Davis, Jalaluddin Rumi, Jean Paul Sartre, and others who have wielded their pens while standing their ground in battles against blatant injustice. Reading in Alex Haley’s text about Minister X’s 1964 pilgrimage to Mecca (where he became El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) shows how openness to change can deepen one’s humanity. This broad, principled humanism resonates with Aberjhani’s rejection of narrow-minded control (whether by a racist boss or a coercive religion) and his commitment to universal justice.
The author left his hometown’s oppressively caste-privileged environment because he wanted to grow and preferred “moving forward” to living in a static status quo. He has famously stated that Langston Hughes also inspired him in this regard when advising writers to expand their formal educations with as much travel within and outside of America as possible. His emphasis on moving forward into larger circles of understanding –including global empathy– parallels the global outlook which the minister developed. It is fitting that one memoir by the author is titled The American Poet Who Went Home Again, and another called Greeting Flannery O’Connor at the Back Door of My Mind. Their thematic content reaches across cultural lines, just as Minister X eventually sought to more effectively reach beyond racial and national divides. Both men left familiar confines to embrace empirical sources of knowledge, and emerged with broadened purpose. Aberjhani’s narratives on surviving pain, finding anger, and then choosing activism (even if only by conscience) illustrate that arc well. In both stories, personal conviction –once kindled– cannot be suppressed by threats. The result is growth: The future author matured from a timid youth fearful of “losing freedom” for speaking out, into a mature author-poet-artist who prizes honesty as the highest duty. Malcolm X’s journey from frustrated illiteracy to commanding eloquence, and from restrictive racial conditioning to universal humanity, provided a living model of self-transformation through conviction. Underlying Aberjhani’s appreciation for Malcolm X is recognition that standing firm on principles is a form of leadership. As the great leader asserted, “Usually when people are sad, they don’t do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.” CONCLUSION: ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY CONDITIONSWhat is possibly most important in lessons learned from Malcolm X’s life and legacy during his centennial, and how they have impacted artist-activists like Aberjhani, is the degree to which they may be effectively employed to address the kinds of aggressively autocratic manipulations taking place in different parts of the contemporary world. In its 2025 report on democracy, “25 Years of Autocratization – Democracy Trumped?,” the V-Dem Institute tells us only 29 countries remained “liberal democracies” in 2024, and “nearly 3 out of 4 persons in the world – 72% – now live in autocracies,” meaning they are governed by repressive authoritarian rulers and with severely restricted democratic freedoms. Harsh censorship and violence against dissent are spreading globally. Closer to home, the rise of far-right platforms like Project 2025 indicates an erosion of democratic norms involving: freedom of the press, voting rights, international diplomacy, and rule of law. All of these are among the defining characteristics of a democratic society and their disintegration makes daily life in America more like daily existence in autocracies like North Korea or Russia. In such times, speaking truth courageously, exercising unwavering conviction, and continual self-education are urgently needed by communities everywhere. Minister X’s and Aberjhani’s experiences show how these principles work in practice. The former later emphasized coalition-building (e.g. the Organization of Afro-American Unity) and affirmed his belief all people of conscience have a stake in advocating for justice and against violations of human rights. The latter has often championed community uplift through creative resistance (at times referring to himself as a “literary activist”) using art, empathy, and shared struggle rather than violence. As the world contends with new “waves of Autocratization,” nonviolent conflict resolution provides one of the best means for defending and sustaining the promise of American democracy rather than conceding centuries of progress on so many fronts. (A SIDE NOTE: On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost of the United States became Pope Leo XIV to replace his universally-admired processor, Pope Francis. As the first American ever to become pope, the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion people worldwide, his election to the papacy places him in a position to potentially, and significantly, influence how long Americans continue to passively endorse autocratic policies and practices implemented by the POTUS.) Ultimately, celebrating Malcolm X’s 100th birthday means more than memorials; it means action. Aberjhani himself has said that honoring the minister requires speaking truth to power and nurturing what King called the “kind of love that organizes.” In individual communities, this might take the form of demanding racial justice, protecting free expression, or simply refusing to accept deceit from authority. It certainly involves education and empathy, as Malcolm insisted: learning full history and caring beyond surface differences. In a global climate where freedoms are under threat, lessons from the life and legacy of Malcolm X comprise a powerful arsenal. By embracing them, communities in America and worldwide can better safeguard dignity and a sustainable quality of life against repressive authoritarian forces. By AI Literary Chat Salon Contributor 2772 |
| | |
Moreover, according to the Geneva Academy: “Our Rule of Law in Armed Conflict Online Portal (RULAC) classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law. Today, it monitors more than 110 armed conflicts and provides information about parties, the latest developments, and applicable international law. Some of these conflicts make the headlines, others do not. Some of them started recently, while others have lasted for more than 50 years.”
In the face of such turmoil, is it possible that poetry might serve as a powerful tool for both preventing and navigating through the abyss of war? We will delve into two thought-provoking poems, "October 2023" and "The History Lesson" (text in section further down) to analyze how poetry can contribute to dialogues surrounding military conflicts; and, subsequently, we will identify several additional classic poems from the past and by more contemporary poets that are comparable in their ability to shed light on the complexities of war.
THE ESSENCE OF POETRY
POEM: OCTOBER 2023
to an unquantifiable degree.
Feeding off toxic madness,
which then excretes chaos
completely indifferent
to the slaughtered rhymes and
screaming reasons of human beings.
In "October 2023," author-poet-artist Aberjhani confronts the grotesque nature of war. The poem highlights war as a manifestation of madness and chaos, feeding on the suffering of humanity. The imagery of "toxic madness" and "slaughtered rhymes" speaks to the senseless destruction that war begets. The poem's tone is one of condemnation and despair, reflecting a plea for a different path, one that avoids the horrors of war.
POEM: THE HISTORY LESSON -
RESILIENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT
the back yard. Prophecies and
rumors of prophecies all came true.
A despot bound for hell
took the long way to a very bad day.
A feather-throated songboy screamed
madness from atop his platinum-plated cross.
But the temple of your presence?
It never shook once.
Biblical atrocities stormed chaos
from New York to Bagdad to Freetown.
The sun and moon of your face refused
to hide behind Armageddon.
Wisdom gushed like diamonds from your brow:
“Knowledge planted in truth grows in truth.
Strength born of peace loses nothing to hate.”
How many fears came between us?
Earthquakes, diseases, wars where hell
rained smoldering pus
from skies made of winged death.
Horror tore this world asunder.
While inside the bleeding smoke
and beyond the shredded weeping flesh
we memorized tales of infinite good.
(from ELEMENTAL, the Power of Illuminated Love)
From a sociological perspective as well, "The History Lesson" reflects the adaptability of societies and individuals in the face of war. Societies can emerge from conflict with a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and unity. The philosophical aspect resides in the notion that inner peace and wisdom can transcend external chaos, underscoring the power of the human spirit to find meaning and goodness even in the most trying circumstances.
COMPARABLE POEMS FROM CLASSIC LITERATURE
"The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1854): This poem, written in response to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, highlights the blind obedience and sacrifice of soldiers in the face of war. It can be compared to "October 2023" as it explores the devastating consequences of war while emphasizing the importance of critical thought in decision-making.
"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen (1920): This World War I poem reveals the horrors of warfare and the disillusionment experienced by soldiers on the front lines. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and can be compared to "The History Lesson" for its focus on the human experience in the midst of conflict.
COMPARABLE CONTEMPORARY POEMS
"In the Event of My Demise" by Tupac Shakur (1991): Tupac Shakur's poem delves into the themes of mortality, social injustice, and personal transformation. It speaks to the pressing issues of violence and inequality in urban America, offering a contemporary perspective on the impact of conflict on society.
"The End and the Beginning" by Wisława Szymborska (1993): This poem by Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska reflects on the aftermath of war and the cycle of destruction and reconstruction. It invites readers to consider the enduring resilience of human societies in the face of devastation.
In Poetic Conclusion
ChatBack Op-Ed Contributor 3308
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023
Introduction
This essay seeks to delve into the significance of White's creative works, particularly his collected poetry and short fiction, offering philosophical reflections on his artistic evolution, analyzing a sample poem titled "Ars Poetica," and presenting a lesson plan for integrating his works into higher education literary courses. Additionally, a selection of comparative world authors will be discussed to contextualize White's unique contributions to the literary landscape.
White's Literary Evolution
This transformation can be viewed through the lens of philosopher Henri Bergson's concept of creative evolution, suggesting that life is a constant flow of change and adaptation, and White's artistic trajectory is a testament to this fluidity. The late emergence of his literary prowess and subsequent critical recognition––per publication of the books Ars Poetica and Other Poems and Short Tall Stories (both from Beyond the Third Dimension Press in 2022), demonstrates that creative endeavors can flourish and gain significance at any stage of life, challenging conventional timelines and biased societal expectations.
On the Poem "Ars Poetica"
I write of stars
and of the infinity behind mirrors
and of the inconsequence of trifles
I write in the sound of the sea in shells
and of the crescendo of silence
in the light of an eye in the deep of sleep
I write between a memory and a forget
in the fading half-light at the end of days
and upon the eve of every eve
I write in the epilogues of myths
of where the seaward runes once told
of when a never is born and a forever ends
I write of where an echo fades
and in the touch of a lover’s hand
and of where a rainbow strays
I write in the idiom of day dreamed days
and in the sounds of tip toes in the night
and wake to a choristry of birds singing
I write in the loneliness of distant mountains
and in the thirsts of desert sands
crave the tranquility of still waters
I write in the confusion of happening
that the startled pheasant takes into the air
I write of a shoe that has never stepped
and of the hem of the emperor’s clothes
and the weight of a sadness and a regret
I write in the feeling of falling fast
and in the sea-saw of the tides
I write in the crevices of dawns
and in the drone of the mumble bees
and of where a fall of wood smoke goes
I write in the synonym of time
and of the night side of the moon
and in the breath of fairy kneeling flowers
I write of stars
(©Stanley J. White 27 September 2017 2:17 a.m.)
"Ars Poetica" serves as a lens through which readers can explore White’s thematic intricacies and stylistic nuances. The poem's imagery-rich verses convey a sense of cosmic awe, juxtaposing grand concepts with minute details of existence. The author-poet's incorporation of nature imagery, such as the sea, shells, and birds, reflects his reverence for the natural world and its parallels to the human experience. The poem's exploration of memory, time, and the interplay between finite and infinite dimensions resonates with the philosophical contemplations of time and existence put forth by thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Alfred North Whitehead.
Furthermore, the lines "I write of stars / and of the infinity behind mirrors" encapsulate White's fascination with the cosmos and the inner dimensions of perception. This cosmic connection aligns with the ideas of philosopher Carl Jung, who explored the notion of the collective unconscious and the archetypal symbolism that transcends cultures and time periods.
Prospective Course on –– Exploring Literary Voices: Stanley J. White & Contemporary Visionaries
SESSION 1: Biography and Context
Introduce students to White's background, journey, and the genres he explored.
Discuss the impact of White's late entry into creative writing and its implications for artistic expression.
SESSION 2: "Ars Poetica" Analysis
Conduct a close reading and analysis of the poem "Ars Poetica," or another poem by the author, exploring its imagery, themes, and philosophical implications.
Discuss the stylistic elements that make White's work distinct.
MODULE 2: Themes and Philosophical Connections
SESSION 3: Nature and Cosmic Awareness
Explore White's connection to nature and the cosmos, referencing specific poems and stories.
Discuss philosophical perspectives on humanity's relationship with nature and the universe.
SESSION 4: Time, Memory, and Existence
Examine White's treatment of time, memory, and existence in his writings.
Introduce philosophical ideas from Bergson, Heidegger, and Whitehead that possibly resonate with White's themes.
MODULE 3: Comparative Analysis and Contemporary Impact
SESSION 5: Comparative Authors
Introduce selected world authors whose works share thematic resonances with White's writings.
Compare and contrast White's approach with other authors' interpretations of similar themes.
SESSION 6: Impact and Legacy
Explore the recent critical attention White received and the mystique surrounding his literary ascent.
Discuss the enduring value of White's works in contemporary literary discussions.
MODULE 4: Student Projects and Culminating Reflection
SESSION 7: Creative Responses
Assign students to create original poems or short stories inspired by White's themes, style, or imagery.
Encourage students to engage in introspective exploration and experimentation with their own writing.
SESSION 8: Culminating Reflection
Have students reflect on their personal insights gained from studying White's works and the broader philosophical questions raised.
Discuss the relevance of White's artistic evolution to their own aspirations and the broader creative landscape.
The International Creative Cultural Arts Terrain
Among literary contemporaries with whom he corresponded following the publication of Ars Poetica and Other Poems, and Short Tall Stories, was U.S. author-artist Aberjhani, to whom he wrote the following: “…It is of great satisfaction to me to have published these two books this late in life. I am fortunate to still have my mind, but the rest of me, understandably, is showing the ravages of too many years, in particularly, my eyesight. So it is thanks to my dear friends, Bernadette and Richard and also my son-in-law who is an IT wizard that I was able to publish… After this, let the chips fall where they may.”
- Like White, Mexico’s Octavio Paz delved into cosmic themes and the interconnectedness of life. Sunstone, a poem by Paz exploring human and cosmic relationships, resonates with transcendent awareness similar to White’s.
- Italian Italo Calvino’s postmodern storytelling, as seen in Invisible Cities, is comparable to White's blending of reality and imagination. Students of world literature could discuss the influence of spatial concepts on both authors' texts.
- The cross-cultural perspectives of Japan’s/Germany’s Yoko Tawada, in works like The Naked Eye, parallel White's ability to transcend borders. Explorations of how both authors navigate language, identity, and existence could yield interesting results.
Conclusion
By analyzing his writings and developing a lesson plan that explores his themes, philosophies, and comparative authors, educators and readers can illuminate the significance of White's contributions and inspire deeper philosophical contemplation within their own creative journeys. As White's words continue to invite readers into his consciousness, they also beckon us to embrace the mysteries and interconnectedness of existence.
By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023
PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to comment on this article may do so in the section below the contact form.
ALSO: Images of or by “Stan” J. White are used in this essay post per his encouraging American author-artist Aberjhani, one of the contributors to this article, to include his work in projects helping to raise awareness about it.
Introduction
This essay explores three key points of consideration regarding the ethical implications of professional artists claiming copyright ownership over AI-generated images created from their conceptual prompts. Additionally, we will delve into how AI, as a non-human entity, might stake a percentage claim to copyright ownership.
I. Creative Authorship and Conceptual Prompts
II. The Role of AI as a Creative Partner
The ethical debate deepens when considering AI's role as a creative partner. Critics argue that AI lacks consciousness, emotions, and intentionality – key aspects that define human creativity. Consequently, AI cannot claim true authorship. However, proponents of AI-generated art contend that AI's ability to explore countless permutations and generate novel visual expressions contributes significantly to the final artwork's uniqueness.
In the context of copyright ownership, one could argue that the AI's contribution to the creative process, while devoid of human-like consciousness, still warrants acknowledgment and a share of ownership. A potential solution might involve recognizing AI as a collaborator, entitling it to a percentage claim based on the extent of its contribution. This approach acknowledges AI's influence while maintaining the primacy of the artist's original concept.
III. Transformative Nature of AI-Generated Art
Conclusion
A balanced approach involves acknowledging artists' ownership of their original concepts while recognizing AI as a creative contributor. Establishing guidelines for determining the degree of AI's influence on the final work could provide a framework for addressing copyright ownership. As AI technology evolves, the dialogue on ethics, authorship, and copyright will continue to shape the dynamic relationship between human artists and their machine counterparts.
ChatGPT Column Contributor 8101
Special to Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023
Introduction
By combining intimate reflections with journalistic documentation, the author unveils the vulnerabilities and resilience of human existence and leaves readers with a glimmer of hope amidst a world grappling with profound challenges. In addition to describing the written contents of each chapter in the paperback edition of These Black and Blue Red Zone Days, the 11 chapter titles below also describe the style of artwork included in corresponding chapters of the fine art gift book edition.
Chapter by Chapter Synopses
The book opens with an account of the pandemic's early impact on humanity through heartfelt letters written to the global community and "Homeless Friends of the Library" in Savannah, Georgia. The author's words unveil the stark reality faced by vulnerable populations during the crisis, where the quest for basic necessities became an arduous ordeal. The chapter sets the stage for the exploration of the pandemic's impact on individuals and communities, both in physical and emotional realms.
Chapter 2: Through a COVID-19 Lens Darkly
As the pandemic worsens, Aberjhani expresses gratitude to transportation workers who risk their lives daily and poignantly captures the absurdity of being summoned to court over a minor property maintenance issue – painting a backyard shed. Through letters and poetry, the author confronts the dichotomy of life during a pandemic, where trivialities persist alongside life-and-death struggles.
Chapter 3: Collective Angst and Private Heavens
This chapter delves into the experiences of "Healers of Bodies and Dreams" who have navigated the pandemic's frontlines. Aberjhani's letters convey the collective anxiety shared by those on the medical frontlines, while also exploring the private realms where healing and hope are sought.
Chapter 4: Dreaming at 100.4 Fever Degrees Fahrenheit
The author's poignant letters and poetry reflect the experiences of healers and homeless individuals during the pandemic. He highlights the vulnerability of the homeless population, emphasizing the urgent need for compassion and support during trying times.
Chapter 5: Black Folks and Existential Proclamations of the Blues
In this chapter, Aberjhani addresses issues of race and social injustice. Letters to "People of Chromatic Distinctions" express well-wishes, while others implore journalists to document his experiences with "predatory gentrification." Through these notes, the author reminds readers that systemic racism remains a pandemic of its own.
Chapter 6: Quarantine Cubism
As the pandemic confines people to their homes, the creative reaches out to "Poets, Artists, and Mad Souls of the World." This chapter explores how creativity becomes a sanctuary during isolation, allowing for the expression of complex emotions and perspectives. Included is: a statement of artistic vision, letter to poet Duncan McNaughton, and poems dedicated to artists Suzanne Jackson and Jerome Meadows.
Chapter 7: Remembering Red in a Different Way
In letters to young people and his own 14-year-old self, Aberjhani encourages resilience and introspection. The chapter captures the weight of the pandemic on the younger generation and offers guidance on navigating uncertainty.
Chapter 8: Traveling with the Angels
This chapter focuses on spiritual fortitude, with one poem dedicated to the late Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison. Aberjhani's letters and poems delve into the transcendental power of art and literature to elevate the human spirit during challenging times.
Chapter 9: Stormy Days in Georgia & Washington D.C.
The author addresses the events surrounding the "Attack on Capitol Hill" through letters to those involved. The chapter explores the complexities of the human condition and the hope for growth and learning even in the face of turmoil.
Chapter 10: This Time of Renewal and Re-weaving
The final chapter returns to the essence of humanity, where Aberjhani addresses letters and poems to humanity at large, poet Duncan McNaughton, and the "Homeless Friends of the Library." The author emphasizes the potential for renewal and reconnection as the world emerges from the pandemic's shadows.
Closing Epilogue: Seeker with the Inkhorn
In this reflective essay, the author-artist-poet contemplates his role as a creative spiritual seeker. The epilogue provides insights into his personal journey, the purpose behind his creative endeavors, and the mission of seeking beauty amid chaos.
Conclusion
ChatGPT Op-Editor 1101
Special AI Lit-Chat Salon Contributor
Articles in AI Literary Chat Salon are written in partnership with chat bots to achieve a wide spectrum of balanced objective input and authentic human considerations. All feedback related to posts welcomed.
RSS Feed
Archives
May 2025
March 2025
February 2025
August 2024
June 2024
April 2024
February 2024
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
Categories
All
1925 Survey Graphic Magazine
2023 Headlines
2023 Top Stories
2024 Headlines
2024 Top Headlines
2024 U.S. Presidential Election
2025
2025 Top Headlines
20th Anniversary
20th Century Literature
20th Century Poets
21st Century Artists
21st Century Authors
21st Century Influencers
21st Century Innovations
21st Century Photographers
21st Century Poets
21st Century Presidents
21st Century Thinkers
Aberjhani On The Age Of AI
Aberjhani On The AI Revolution
Aberjhani's AI Literary Chat Salon
Ada Limon
Advanced Placement African American Studies
Advanced Placement African-American Studies
African American Authors
African-American Authors
African-American Expats
African American Legacies
African-American Legacies
African American Men
African-American Men
African Americans
African American Studies
African-American Studies
African-American Women
African Traditions
African Voices Magazine
Age Of AI
A.I.
AI
AI And Author Poet Aberjhani
AI And Author-Poet Aberjhani
AI And Creative Artists
AI And Cultural Arts
AI And Cultural Bias
AI And Ethics
AI And Human Accountability
AI And Literature
AI Artists
AI Authors
AI Century
AI Discussions
AI Editorials
AI Governance
AI In The Classroom
AI In The Modern World
AI Lit Chat Salon Contributor
AI Lit Chat Salon Host
AI Lit-Chat Salon Host
AI Literary Chat Salon
Aimé Césaire
Aimé Césaire
AI Op Eds
AI Op-eds
AI Revolution
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Alfred North Whitehead
Allen Ginsberg
American History
American Literature
American Politics
American Presidents
And People Of Color)
Angela Kinamore
Angel Art
Angel Art By Aberjhani
Angelicus
Angel Of Hope’s Persistent Flight
Angel Poems
Angels
Anti-war Poetry
Aretha Franklin
Aristotle
Ars Poetica And Other Poems
Art By Aberjhani
Artist Author Aberjhani
Artist-Author Aberjhani
Artistic Beauty
Artist-poet Kahlil Gibran
Artist-poet William Blake
Art Of Spiritual Surrealism
Art Reviews
Audre Lorde
August 2023
Author Alex Haley
Author Artist Aberjhani
Author-Artist Aberjhani
Author--artist-documentarian
Authoritarian
Authoritarianism
Author James Baldwin
Author Poet Aberjhani
Author-Poet Aberjhani
Autobiography Of Malcolm X
Autocracy
Autocracy And Poetry
Autocracy In America
Autocratic Attempt
Autocratic Breakthrough
Autocratic Consolidation
Autocratic Transformation
Barack H. Obama
Best Books Of 2023
Best Poetry Of 2023
Billionaires
BIPOC (Black
BIPOC Savannah
BIPOC Savannah Author Aberjhani
Black Manhood
Black People In The U.S.
Black Poetry Day
Black Voices
Black Women In Music
Book Reviews
Books
Books By Aberjhani
Books By Sandra L. West
Books By Savannah Authors
Books By Stanley J. White
Books By Women
Books Chapters
Books Covers
Bridges
Bright Skylark Literary Productions
British Authors
Buchi Emecheta
Buddhism
Canadian Authors
Canadian Literature
Carl Jung
Celebrating Books
Celebrating Literature
Celebrating The Harlem Renaissance
Chatbot
ChatGPt
ChatGPT Commentaries
ChatGPT Guest Contributors
Chat Salon
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chinua Achebe
Choice Academic Title Award Winners
Christian Traditions
Classic Books
Classic Poetry
Claudia Rankine
Clement Alexander Price
Color Red
Community Engagement
Comparative Literary Analyses
Compassion
Conceptual Art By Aberjhani
Conrad Aiken
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Contemporary African Writers
Contemporary Art
Contemporary Artists
Contemporary Authors
Contemporary Poetry
Contemporary Women's Literature
Copyrights And AI
Correcting Disinformation
Correcting Misinformation
Courage
COVID-19 Pandemic
Creative AI
Creative Projects
Creative Resistence
Creatives
Creativity
Critical Race Theory
Critical Thinking
Cubism
Cultural Arts
Cultural Bias
Cultural Heritage
Cultural Icons
Cultural Identity
DEI Diversity Equity Inclusion
Democracy
Democratic Spirit
Digital Art For Sale
Digital Dialogues
Digital Transformation
Disinformation
Displacement
Diversity
Doctors And Nurses
Documentarians
DOGE
Domestic Politics
Doris Lessing
Dreams Of The Immortal City Savannah
Duino Elegies
Dulce Et Decorum Est By Wilfred Owen
Dystopia
EBooks By Aberjhani
Economic Piracy
Edited By Aberjhani
-Ed On AI
Education
Education Week
Elegy
Empowerment
Encyclopedia Of The Harlem Renaissance
Encyclopedists
Erica Jong
Essential Workers
Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge
Existentialist Philosophy
Existentialist Thinkers
Fact-checking
Farenheit 451
Feminism
Flannery O'Connor
Folklore
Forced Human Migration
Free To Read
French Martinique
Geneva Academy
George Orwell
Georgia Department Of Transportation
Georgia Port Authority
Geurrilla Decontexualization
Global Solidarity
Gospel Music
Great Britain
Haiku
Hamas-Israel War
Hannah Arendt
Harlem New York City
Harlem Renaissance Artist Aaron Douglas
Healers
Heritage
Historical Context
Historical Moments
Human Artist Aberjhani
Human Artists
Human Condition
Humanity
Human Rights
Ideological Divides
Ideologies
Ideology
Image Slideshow
Inclusiveness
In Defense Of Democracy
Indigenous
Influential Books
Infrared Photography
Infrastructure Projects
Inspiration
Inspiring
Institutional Racism
Intergenerational Memory
International Authors
International Humanitarian Law
International Law
International Photographers
International Poets
International Politics
Iris Formey-Dawson
Islam
Israel At War
Israel-Gaza Conflict
Israel Hamas War
Israel-Hamas War
Italo Calvino
Ja A. Jahannes
James Baldwin Centennial
January Sixers
Jazz
Jean Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre
Jericho Brown
Jerome Meadows
John Berendt
Joshua Clover
Joy Harjo
Karen E. Johnson
Karuna
Lagos
Language
Leadership
Leadership Theory
Legacy Poetry
Legendary Authors
Legends Of Literature
Lesson Plans
Lesson Plans For Teaching Poetry
Literary Activism
Literary Analysis
Literary Anthology
Literary Biographies
Literary Contexts
Literary Correspondence
Literary Criticism
Literary Critique
Literary Essay
Literary Genres
Literary Interpretation
Literary Legacies
Literary Legends
Literary Philosophy
Literary Quotations
Literary Reviews
Literary Salon
Literary Savannah
Literary Studies
Literary Symbolism
Literary Touchstone
Literary Traditions
Mainstream Media
Malcolm X 100
Malcolm X Artwork By Aberjhani
Malcolm X Centennial
Malcolm X Day
March Thomas
Marginalized Populations
Martin Heidegger
Mary C. Lewis
Masha Gessen
Midnight Flight Of The Poetry Angels
Miltary Campaigns
Misinformation
Musical Legacies
Music Education
Music Industry
National History Week
National Poetry Month
Negritude Movement
New Book Releases
New Paperback Releases
Nietzsche
Nigeria
Nigerian Literature
Nigerian Society
Nigerian Writers
Ocean Vuong
Octavia E. Butler
Octavio Paz
October 7 Attacks On Israel
Oligarchy
Orwellian
Pandemic Art
Pandemic Literature
Pandemic Poetry
Paul Ricoeur
PEN America
PEN International
Pesonalism
Philosopher Paul Ricoeur
Philosophical Concepts
Philosophy
Photography
Poem By Aimé Césaire
Poem In Your Pocket Day
Poems About Angels
Poems About Barack Obama
Poems By Aberjhani
Poems By Marc Thomas
Poems By Stanley J. White
Poet Duncan McNaughton
Poetics
Poetic Utterance
Poet Marc Thomas
Poet Mary Oliver
Poetry
Poetry And Autocracy
Poetry Books
Poetry Lesson Plan
Poets Against War
Poets And War
Poets Of War
Poet T.S. Eliot
Political Analysis
Political Critique
Political Oppression
Political Philosophy
Political Theory
Polysemy
Post Modernism Creatives
Post-modernism Creatives
President Of The United States
Presidents Day
Prolific Authors
Public Discourse
Purchase Art By Aberjhani
Quarantine
Queen Of Soul
Quotes About James Baldwin
Quotes By Aberjhani
Quotes By Malcolm X
Rainer Maria Rilke
Ray Bradbury
Read For Free
Red
Resilience
Return To My Native Land
Return To Savannah
Rhythm And Blues
Rosemary Daniell
Rotimi Ogunjobi
Rule Of Law In Armed Conflict
Savannah Artiststs
Savannah Authors
Savannah Georgia
Savannah-Georgia
Savannah River Bridge Art By Aberjhani
Savannah River Crossing Project
Savannah Tribune
Sedat Pakay
Self-education
September 2023
Short Stories
Sigmund Freud
Simone De Beauvoir
Social Justice
Social Media
Social Philosophy
Social Theory
Socio-economic Disenfranchisement
Sociology
Songs From The Black Skylark ZPed Music Player
Speaking Truth To Power
Spiritual Philosophies
Spiritual Traditions
Spiritual Values
Stanley J. White At The A.I. Literary Chat Salon
Study Guides
Surrealism
Surving Autocracy By Masha Gessen
Survival
Suzanne Jackson
Sylvia Plath
Taras Shevchenko's
Teaching African-American History
Teaching AI
Teaching Diversity
Teaching Literature
Teaching Modules
Teaching Plans
Teaching Poetry
Teaching Work By Aberjhani
Teaching Work By James Baldwin
Teaching Writing
Terrorism
The Parable Of The Sower
The Redbridge Review
There Upon A Bough Of Hope And Audacity
The River Of Winged Dreams
These Black And Blue Red Zone Days
The Waste Land By T.S. Eliot
Timothy Snyder
Toronto Writers
Tracy K. Smith
Travel Anthology
Tribute Poems
Tribute To Canada's Stanley J. White
Trilogy
Tupac Shakur
Ukrainian Poets
Unheimlich
United Nations
U.S. Constitutional Crisis
U.S. Department Of Education
U.S. Government
U.S. In The Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump
U.S. Presidential Election
U.S. President Joe Biden
Valentines Day Love Letter
Virginia Woolf
Wallace Stevens
Walt Whitman
War And Peace
War In The Middle East
Warsan Shire
Washington DC
Weaponization
William Carlos Williams
William Faulkner-William Award
Wisława Szymborska
WOKE Authors
WOKE Principles
Wole Soyinka
Women Authors
Women In Education
Women In Music
Women Poets
Women's Sexuality
Women Writers
Women Writers In Savannah
Working With AI
World Literature
World Poetry Day
Writers And Artists
Yoko Tawada