The 2nd edition of Odyssey is live: hardback $20.99 (July 2, 2018) eBook $2.99 July 3rd. The 2nd edition includes new poems and several speeches by the author.
Hardcover 2nd edition is $20.99 + shipping = $25.00 paypal.me/MeredithEtc BUY NOW!
Odyssey 2nd edition is now available in paperback.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/odyssey-2nd-edition-alma-m-fisher/1129711055?ean=9781987002461
Foreword
The word odyssey refers to a journey or a trip. An odyssey can be either a literal or figurative journey. It is always a writer’s goal to take his or her readers on a journey. This book is the 2nd edition of Odyssey which is a collection of Meredith Coleman McGee’s writings from 1994 to 2018. The book includes poems, speeches, articles and a leadership study comparing the leadership styles of Ray Kroc (McDonald’s), Sam Walton (WALMART), and Dave Thomas (Wendy’s) with 12 business leaders from the southern United States.
I have known Meredith Coleman McGee for over 10 years; our mothers are long-time friends. Meredith Coleman McGee is a writer, publisher, acquisition editor and community activist promoting literacy and writing in her community. Meredith is the embodiment of the Kwanzaa principles, Kujichagulia, self-determination and Kuumba, creativity. She defines herself and as a publisher she helps others define, defend and develop themselves. Her activism is all about leaving her community better than she found it. She is committed to not only being a creative force herself but also helps others harness their creative energies. She is an active member and supporter of our book club, SANKOFA Reading Group.
ODYSSEY is inspired in part by her rich family legacy bestowed to her by her maternal great-grandmother, Roxie Hickman Patterson, her maternal uncle, James Meredith (the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi) and her mother, Hazel Meredith Coleman Hall.
ODYSSEY’s poetry is based on family experiences, personal pain and African American history. The reader learns about trials and accomplishments of Meredith Coleman McGee’s extended family, her ancestors, her parents, her sister, her nieces, and historical figures such as Congressman John Roy Lynch.
In addition to poetry, ODYSSEY contains speeches and articles written by Meredith Coleman McGee. The speeches and articles reflect Meredith Coleman McGee’s community activism. Her commitment to promoting literacy is reflected in her campaign to form a group to support the Richard Wright Public Library in Jackson, Mississippi. Most of her articles were originally published in the Jackson Advocate newspaper.
ODYSSEY introduces the reader to a writer, activist, poet, publisher, and family member who is changing her community and making it better. The second edition of ODYSSEY expands on the work of the original volume. The reader will be changed and inspired by this book.
by Angela D. Stewart, Founder/President, SANKOFA Reading Group
Introduction
Mississippi author Meredith Coleman McGee presents the reader with a triple expression of literary form in ODYSSEY, a uniquely written, well researched work which produces a family of fiction and nonfiction writings under one cover.
This book is an interesting read especially for the poetic minded, the Civil Rights activists, students of history, and small business leaders.
Of special notation is the prelude written entirely in a poetic fashion by the author’s sister and niece. This one volume contains 228 pages with pictures, charts and references.
The first three chapters consist of poems that mirror the behavior and conditions that are often seen in today’s world. These human conditions exist in one’s engaging journey for self-identification. Some of the poems are based on factual events; in one poem the author includes the experience of her ancestor in a four line stanza.
Chapter four consists of pre-published articles by the author which respond to current and historically charged issues which provide valuable resources for a bevy of audiences. The articles include statistical and timely information about numerous topics and record facts about McGee’s uncle Civil Rights Icon James Meredith’s 2009 Walk for the Poor and his & 2012 Walk for Education & Truth.
In the final chapter, McGee shares the findings of her research project which was submitted to Antioch University McGregor, now known as Antioch University Midwest, Yellow Springs, Ohio, in partial fulfillment of her Master of Arts Degree. This study compared the leadership characteristics of Sam Walton and Ray Croc with southern small business leaders. Walton and Croc turned Walmart and McDonald’s respectively into global conglomerates. This study is heralding for leaders interesting in mirroring the leadership styles of successful entrepreneurs.
Alma M. Fisher, Tougaloo College
Retired Librarian and Archivist
Published Oct 25, 2013
Odyssey Order Now https://www.amazon.com/dp/149122911X Print Book $10.02 1st printing 2013
Kindle Store: ebook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G6ON8JY $.99
https://www.facebook.com/events/268750103301179/ Live Love Laugh Blogtalk Radio- long intermission
PRAISE FOR ODYSSEY
The prose and poetry in Odyssey are both deep and thought provoking as each one tells a different story that speaks of the human struggle. The ‘civil rights’ history on James Meredith and others reflects the odyssey of a southern journey; we can all profit from the small business interviews and lessons.
Barbara Meredith Hardy, Family Matriarch, Michigan
Meredith Coleman McGee writes honestly about pain, human frailty, and difficult social issues, yet her poems reflect a tenacious, sometimes surprising, hope in the possibility of transformation, healing, and wholeness. As she both celebrates and laments our rich, but often troubled, collective and individual heritages, she reminds us that our journeys continue, and our striving for better things must never cease.
Alexis Spencer-Byers, Author, Urban Verses, Coauthor, Stepping out From the Shadows
http://alexisspencerbyers.wordpress.com/
“Meredith’s verse is a strong and edgy look at the everyday issues of life–from family ties to political lies–helping us see ourselves more clearly through her lens. Is it any wonder? Her uncle is famed Civil Rights icon James Meredith.”
Jeanetta Britt, Award-winning author www.jbrittbooks.com
“ODYSSEY,” the latest publication from our cousin, is a fascinating journey in the layered mind of Meredith McGee. It’s more than just a collection of poems, antidotes and recollections, but an elixir for the soul. She delves into the pain, hardships, and triumphs of our families and their “neighbors,” giving mother-wit as well as scholarship for solutions. Nearly 300 pages of historical pictures, accounts and anecdotes, this book is a must read for aspiring minds! Great job cousin!
Ahmed Majeed, Descendant of the Patterson lineage
Meredith Coleman McGee on Off the Shelf with Lynette Stafford in Greenville, Mississippi
MEREDITH ETC & AUTHOR EVENTS
Seven newspapers and or online articles presenting new material on James Meredith are in Odyssey … Historic Walk Teaches Basic Principle p. 74; James Meredith’s Walk for Education and Truth reaches the Jackson area June 10-13, 2012 p. 76; 200 Miles for the Poor and Powerless p. 84; Meredith on the Road p. 88, Last Two Miles of Meredith’s Walk for the Poor p. 92, James Howard Meredith: A Living Legend p. 111, and Civil Rights Icon’s Vision for the Poor p. 130).
https://www.audible.com/pd/Odyssey-Audiobook/B07M68G6GY Odyssey 2nd edition 2018 Audible Book
Meredith Etc 
ODYSSEY BY MEREDITH COLEMAN MCGEE
POEM EXCERPTS:
“Democracy, Democracy where were you when they killed Jimmie Lee Jackson and beat mama to sleep?
Democracy unless you deliver freedom and liberty,
the cloak of death will knock this world to its knees.”
“Rise high, rise high, and don’t you lean.
Show all the haters they can’t win.
Their hate will never doom you in.
Mama don’t slow down.
Someday you’ll earn your royal crown.”
“Where was peace man when brother was sitting on the corner, almost in tears, smoking a Marlboro, wondering why his dad hadn’t called in years, and why his mother could barely pay the bills?
Where was peace when the little girl was staring out the window because she didn’t comprehend the day’s lesson plan, hadn’t done her homework, and was sad because she heard her parents screaming all night which kept her poor mind uptight?”
CHAPTER 4 SOMETHING STUDIED
QUOTES & HIGHLIGHTS
Leaders are visionaries, who are both learners and teachers.
Influence is the true measure of leadership.
Effective leaders tend to be low in sentimental attachments and comfortable with criticism.
Sam Walton believed that happy employees meant happy customers and more sales.
The new currency of the Internet Age includes (social capital) which is the collective value of the people we know and what we can do for each other.
More can be accomplished by empowering others than by ruling others.
The relationship between leaders and subordinates is the number one success factor of a firm.
Ray Kroc made a lot of sacrifices after becoming a partner with Dick and Maurice McDonald in 1955. Kroc worked long hours even though he was in his mid-fifties and he withheld his salary for eight years.
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G6ON8JY Odyssey e-store link
https://www.createspace.com/4382369 Order the print book “Odyssey
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Join Authors William Trest Jr. and Meredith Coleman McGee for a joint Book Release Party, Monday, November 25, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Richard Wright Branch Library 515 W. McDowell Rd. Jackson, MS 39204, 601.372.1621.
The authors will release their new books Reverse Guilty Plea which is about a fierce family feud which led to the wrongful incarceration of one of its own and Odyssey which includes poems and a collection of writings by Meredith Coleman McGee. Both books are Meredith Etc titles, a small press in Jackson, MS http://www.meredithetc.com.
Come out and let’s have some FUN.
READING, SIGNING, Q&A, PRIZES, PHOTOS & AUTHOR MEET AND GREET.
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https://www.createspace.com/4382369 order a print copy of Odyssey
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G6ON8JY order an ebook
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Odyssey is a book for everyone. I was impressed. Lynch Street, a poem about John R. Lynch, is history. I learned a history lesson in this poem. I live in Jackson, MS and I was told that Lynch Street was named after a black man who was lynched which is false. Mr. Lynch was a black politician in the 1870s. All of Meredith Coleman McGee’s poems relate to every day life. There are stories about James Meredith; he is history. My first thought about poems is poetry that rhymes and is boring. I’ve never been into poetry, but this book is not ordinary; these poems, tell stories, is history, and is very interesting. I recommend this book to any and every one. It is a good read.
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thank you for your views Shirley
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“Odyssey” is an intellectual, financial, cultural gumbo. Possibly this is due to the author’s Southern upbringing.
Yet, personally, I have not been blessed to smell nor even taste gumbo. Never-the-less, because of the satisfaction and fulfillment I received after taking this Odyssey with Meredith, I believe I experienced vicariously that same pleasure.
Just today, I laid back on the grass in prison, surrounded by concrete walls, barbed wires and all types of broken men, i.e. criminals, and I looked up toward the clouds, watching sparrows soar and glide as they rode the winds. And I did not have a care in the world.
Then, I returned to my cell opened Odyssey, and re-read Meredith’s poem about me (p. 3), and I thought to myself, for a moment as she described “I was free like a bird!” In her writing, I see her as a custodian of not just our family history, I see the fulfillment of the part of the Rosicrucian Prayer, that says…” No other gifts, Dear God, we ask/ But only sense to see/how best the precious gifts to use/we have received from thee…
This book is not just a precious gift, but rare literary jewel she has selflessly given to all who but have eyes to see, read and receive it.
Ronald Earl Patterson
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Greetings, as I read your book [Odyssey], I felt the way you was making your point, and the things you was speaking about, shine light on my own life – somewhere other than prison. I feel that “if” you can walk for what you believe to be right, I can write about what I feel to be right also. I wrote a poem about what your book made me feel.
O’ God Allah,
Grant me this moment to shine my views, and points on these so near, and dear; grant me a peace of mind to understand not only where I am coming from, but where I’ve been.
Grant me a chance to pay it forward to another brother and sister that may want to share their own story.
Grant me all the time I may need to plant this sweet but oops beautiful seed for the next person that may come after me.
Written after reading “Odyssey” 7/16/14
Rayvon Wheeler
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Meredith’s book is filled with history, poetry, stats, a research project, facts, practical advice, and wisdom. What you read will make you wonder, make you feel, make you take some things to heart, and make you want more. “Odyssey” is a book that caters to different interest which will keep your attention.
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Thank you for your positive views about Odyssey.
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Meredith Coleman McGee is a wonderful author, publisher and great motivator of writing. She has a wealth of knowledge to help new writers, encourage young writers and give hope to unpublished dreams. Her book “Odyssey” is a great collection of poems, historical facts and tidbits. I really enjoyed interviewing her on the “Kixie Sunday Morning Magazine” on WKXI 107.5 FM.
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Thank you Ms. Hayes. It was a pleasure to be on your show again. You’re really a great host.
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Meredith Etc (by way of William McGee & William McGee III) awarded Meredith Coleman McGee, author of “Odyssey,” the 2014 “Most Valuable Player.”
“Odyssey” was the most revenue generating title in 2014.
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I enjoyed reading some of Meredith’s poems especially in the book “Odyssey” her poems are so inspiring giving so much insight about life,leaving something for the imagination; they are breath taking and realistic; my favorites were “Deceptive Dreams,” “Freedom and Liberty” “The Odds of Losing,” and “The legacy” all were more than educational. I would like to congratulate my childhood friend on her writing success.and we look forward to them publishing our upcoming book.to God be the glory.
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Thank you for your positive response Loretta. We look forward to helping your share your poetry and art with readers too.
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This is a very important piece of literature. My first novella, “Reverse Guilty Plea,” and “Odyssey” were released around the same time in 2013.
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This collection of poems and writings is very rich. The author touches a lot of different themes and time periods; she also shares stories and lessons for the young-at-heart, those with heavy hearts, and those who will respond to lighthearted as well as serious matters. Enjoyed it.
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Meredith Coleman McGee’s writings challenge our democracy. One of the new poems in this edition “What of Life if Liberty is a Joke? hits multiple tiers of social justice issues. She condemns debtor’s prisons, unjustifiable police murders, community violence, and the conditions of poverty.
The line “Why is a patent so high?” reminds us that everyone doesn’t have equal access to opportunities.
She speaks with common wit. A line from one of her speeches declared, “Don’t let anybody fool you, it’s cool to be smart. Smart people get the good jobs…”
Another speech challenged the policies in her local library system. The article section reveals some of the happening in her hometown of Jackson, MS. Plus, there are several informative articles on her uncle, James Meredith, a college integration pioneer, in Chapter 4 “Something Written.”
McGee has something to say. She throws hard balls. This book is a good read.
Frances Mays
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https://www.wjtv.com/community/calendar#!/details/JSU-Poetry-Reading-with-Meredith-Coleman-McGee/5538103/2018-10-18T15
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