Constance Alexander: ‘Crowns’ musical a tip of the hat to strong, resilient African-American women
“Church was the only place slaves could congregate. Hats were a sign of status.” “A woman can flirt with a…
Constance Alexander
Read More
Constance Alexander: Library’s expansion opens portals to new worlds, and a community’s well-being
In America, there are more public libraries than Starbucks or McDonald’s restaurants. In a world where the digital divide is…
Constance Alexander: Terena Bell compels readers to focus with latest work ‘Tell Me What You See’
When the eye doctor clicks back and forth between lenses and asks, “Is this better or worse or the same?”…
Constance Alexander: Following devastating tornado, entrepreneur gets down to business… again
When a tornado tore through Mayfield last December 10, the world turned upside down for Jana Duffy, owner of the…
Constance Alexander: For kinless seniors, preparing for the inevitable effects of aging is an important step
“Tears and loss and broken dreams May find your heart at dusk.” – Carl Sandburg When my Uncle Jim used to…
Constance Alexander: Mayfield gallery, art guild thrive through community’s generosity
In the downtown historic district of Mayfield, the streets were quiet. In exactly two weeks it would be Christmas Eve,…
Constance Alexander: Murray bookstore offers stroll through ‘splendid garden’ of vintage, rare books
Used, vintage and rare, the books in Murray’s newest bookstore – Bolin Books – beckon visitors from near and far,…
Constance Alexander: Calloway County bicentennial history book from a triumph for the community
At 448 pages, Calloway County’s bicentennial history book packs a hefty wallop. Weighing in at 5.2 pounds each, copies are…
Constance Alexander: For Linda Fay Clark’s 87 years and 3000+ babies, every one was the only one
“Whenever I give a talk — no matter what the subject — I always get around to my favorite topic.”…
Constance Alexander: Books can be banned, but the discussions they spawn will continue to live on
Reading may unite us, but there are an increasing number of folks who believe literature is dangerous and books should…
Constance Alexander: There is no ‘happily ever after’ for the fairy tale princesses in ‘Disenchanted’
Once upon a time this past weekend, four fairy tale princesses vacated their respective castles and stepped on stage at…
Constance Alexander: Those ‘old enough to know better’ should have grace to know enough is enough
For most of us, aging with grace is a goal. Reaping the benefits of life experience, we aspire to be…
Constance Alexander: Celebrating National Poetry Month with ‘the magic of brevity’
Katerina Stoykova speaks with soft-spoken authority, the flutter of her r’s an indication that she is not a native Kentuckian….
Constance Alexander: Celebrating poetry’s integral role in our culture during National Poetry Month
My passion for poetry started with nursery rhymes my mother recited to me before I could read. Humpty Dumpty, Peter…
Constance Alexander: Celebrating bell hooks, west Kentucky writer with international audience
The other day I easily exceeded my daily goal of 10,000 steps in the most unlikely spot, the Murray State…
Constance Alexander: Recent Western Kentucky tornados transformed lives and landscape
“When you walked in, you weren’t in Mayfield anymore,” Jana Duffy declared. Her vision for her upscale, fashion-forward clothing store…
Constance Alexander: United Campus Workers of Ky. gives voice to COVID-weary university employees
After more than two years of masks, quarantines, needles, and other COVID-related woes, the public is weary of restrictions and…
Constance Alexander: There’s still time to do the right thing and remove symbols of country’s racist past
Imagine celebrating the bicentennial of Calloway County later this year. The official proceedings are likely to take place on the…
Constance Alexander: Cunningham’s memoir takes readers on pleasant journey through his first 15 years
Justice Bill Cunningham does not rely on shock value to engage his audience. Instead, he invites readers of his memoir…
Constance Alexander: The wounds suffered by victims of school shootings last a lifetime
Jessica remembers hurrying because she was late for the prayer circle. As she recounts the events of that morning, December…
Constance Alexander: Struggles of fictional KY family reflect the past and foretell the future
On December 7, 1941, news of the attack on Pearl Harbor interrupted regular radio programming, disrupting religious services, movie screenings,…
Constance Alexander: Paducah poet Marissa Davis achieves literary notoriety; she’s just getting started
In July, when a stunning poem by Marissa Davis showed up on Rattle, I got emails from literary friends around…