Letters A Collection of Letters Sent to the American Press
New Release!
Praise for Letters
Merrill Guillory is a writer whose posts I look forward to whenever they appear on my Facebook feed. Having taught writing for many years, I cherish a writer who can clearly articulate a topic that would be challenging to many. Merrill does not tread lightly and “takes no prisoners” in his essays and letters. He is candid and honest beyond description.
His recent post on “Defining Woke in 2023,” touches on a topic that should be of interest to everyone. His research reveals that “woke” is a potentially divisive word. I intuitively knew this was true, but Merrill’s reasoned and articulate definition draws attention to the fact that we are going backward in our society. We are banning books, we are censoring teachers’ language, and we are avoiding topics that deserve our attention. Had Merrill not explored this word and done so with literary and social references, would any of us understand its potential pernicious effects? I think not.
So, I say to Merrill, thank you for addressing issues of language and race and religion and politics. Thank you for being an honest writer who, despite the potential for criticism, writes what he feels is true. Thank you for being you.
Dr. Delma McLeod-Porter Professor of English and Director of Write to Excellence Center at McNeese State University, Retired Creative and Technical Writer at the K20 Center, University of Oklahoma
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Merrill Guillory provides the readers with a compelling voice for those who have not been heard. For so long, the voices of many underserved and underrepresented individuals were silenced because of those in power who have used their version of history and religion for control and influence at the expense of the voiceless. Merrill Guillory’s book serves as a letter through which he conveys thoughts that resonate with readers who champion fairness, truthfulness, equality, and equity. I highly recommend this book as a valuable insight to finding one’s voice to be used as a catalyst for change.
Martin W. Guillory, Middle School Principal United States, Navy Retired
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Merrill Guillory has written some of the most thought-provoking letters to the Lake Charles American Press that I have ever read over my 60-plus years as the editor and a column writer for the newspaper. Guillory treads in areas where others fear to venture and says things that people in our community need to hear. Race and religion are two of his most notable topics, and his commentaries are courageous and often controversial in nature, and that makes for extremely informative and stimulating conversation among our readers.
As an African American, Guillory has insight and experience that have shaped his views and given readers balance they don’t often get from other sources.
The letters to the editor page is one of the most popular parts of our newspaper, and Guillory’s letters are anxiously awaited by our readers. At times, he may have some who disagree, and that only encourages welcome responses from those with opposing views.
Those who will be reading the letters he has selected to publish are in for a real treat and a better understanding of many topics affecting the community in which both of us live. Merrill Guillory has become one of our most valuable contributors. Jim Beam, Retired Editor of American Press