Tributes

About the Book

As Dr. Frederick Douglas Harper’s 12th book of poetry with prose, Tributes, honors and pays homage to both the living and the dead. There are tributes to exceptional human beings based on their miraculous creations or their sustained humanitarian services—exceptional human beings such as Helen Keller, Mother Teresa, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Albert Schweitzer. There are tributes to exceptional human beings whom the author knows; those unsung heroes who have consistently sacrificed to help others. This book honors the dead who sacrifi ced much to benefi t or bring joy to others (e.g., Michael Jackson) or those who died unjustly at the hands of the unjust (e.g., Emmett Till). Also, there are tributes for special occasions (e.g.,birthday) and to persons in special groups (e.g., school or college graduates and outstanding athletes). Finally, there are tributes to two courageous animals (a dove and a dog) based on true stories of valor and character.

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Dr. Frederick Douglas Harper retired as professor of counseling in 2012 after 42 years of teaching at Howard University. He has authored 14 poetry books, one major novel (The Durabone Prophecies), textbooks, and articles. Harper has served as Editor-in-Chief of three different scholarly journals. Also, he has presented speeches and conference papers throughout the United States and in other countries—including Argentina, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Since 1985, Harper has published more than 1,300 poems on topics such as social justice, peace, love, spirituality, human behavior, children, nature’s beauty, climate change, and human destiny. Most of his poems and creative prose are educational and therapeutic. A devoted jogger, Harper has jogged more than 42,000 miles. He is the proud father of two sons and proud grandfather of four grandchildren.