About the Books:

Trilogy Poetry started as a family’s way of overcoming the grief surrounding the loss of a loved one.  The passing of Joseph’s mother was very sorrowful.  His method of overcoming the grieving process was to write.  He wrote everyday, and during every spare moment.  His enthusiasm began to spread throughout the household.  The family loves to write and soon all were writing. Eventually, the writings were turned into a manuscript and then a book. The family certainly enjoyed putting the project together collectively.  The diverse brainstorming process of every thought, idea, concern and the like was written down.  After a period of time papers were all over the place.  An effective management process was implemented whereby everyone had a journal and kept track of the poems written for each section of the book.

To the Spence family poetry is the inner music of the soul.  It is the internal spring which invigorates the mechanism of the inner self with substance to reach a new horizon.  Poetry opens the self to a new height of tranquility and the essence of being.  It unfolds the making of a new dawn.  Trilogy was a transitional moment in time when poetry transformed a family from grief to one of tranquility.  The different blend of poems and prose in the book makes the reading exciting and enjoyable.

Now therefore, take your seat with the best and attest with the rest as your mind, body, and soul are engulfed with excitement while experiencing the thrills in the enchanting pages of Trilogy.  Three different writers with three different blends of poetry and prose coming together as one is really amazing.  This is truly a book of enlightenment. 

About the Authors:

Joseph S. Spence:

Joseph is a third place winner in the 2004 Midwest Literary Festival Poetry Slam where he recited

“Justice Defenders” and “Such A Romantic Aroma.”  He has recited “If We Must Die” before various audiences.  He has written numerous articles in his newspaper columns You and The Law and Your Financial Investments, and has appeared on radio talk shows regarding various subjects.  His recent appearance was on Black Nouveau in Milwaukee, Wisconsin regarding his book “A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts For The Mind, Body, and Soul.” 

Joseph holds a Bachelors Degree in Business from the University of Maryland, a Masters Degree in Management from Webster University, and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Washburn University Law School.  Also, he studied International Comparative Law at Brunnel University of West London, in Brunnel, England.  He is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Howard University ROTC Program, has completed over twenty years of military service, served in various theaters of operation with the U. S. Army,  has received numerous awards, and retired as a major from the U. S. Army Reserve.

Joseph believes in the education of young people and teaches for Bryant and Stratton College and Milwaukee Area Technical College, and has educated people across the world. While serving with the University of Arkansas Law School, he was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by President William Jefferson Clinton, then Governor of Arkansas.  He has served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Marquette University, is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and also has life memberships in the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He is a 33º degree Mason, Prince Hall Affiliated.

Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence:

Jonathan is a second place winner in the 2005 YMCA Black Achievers Oratory Contest where he recited his award winning poem “As I Put My Contacts On In The Morning.”  He served as a judge in the 2004 Midwest Literary Festival Poetry Slam. He also performed with his violin and recited his poems, “My Favorite Month Is Black History Month” and “If I Were A Paycheck” at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee open mic recital.  He is the youngest son of Joseph and Sheila Spence, is a middle school honor student, a violinist, and a martial artist.  Jonathan has participated in forensic competitions at his school, competed at state competitions, and has awards and medals for his performances.  He is also a member of the “Center Street Fiddlers” which is a part of his school orchestra where he plays the violin.

Jonathan enjoys working with young people, and is a role model and mentor to youth.  He is active in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., serves as a student council member for his school, and is active with various committees in his church.  He also serves in leadership positions on the Teen Action Council and Leaders Club for the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). His other siblings, Joseph, Jr., Claudia, and Joselyn are adults.

Sheila M. Parrish-Spence:

Sheila participated in the 2004 Midwest Literary Festival Poetry Slam, is the wife of Joseph Spence and mother of Jonathan Spence.  She is an attorney, community activist, volunteer, lecturer, and writer.  She has a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a Juris Doctorate Degree from North Carolina Central University Law School, and has studied international law at Exeter University School of Law in Exeter, England.   She has appeared on radio talk shows and television with her husband Joseph, and son Jonathan.  Her column “You and The Law” has appeared in various newspapers and magazines.  Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Links, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the Inns of Court keep her active in her community and the legal world.

Sheila has delivered poetry recitals to various community groups and has received numerous awards and honors. In the spring of 1972, her article, “Due Process in Juvenile Procedures” was published in the North Carolina Central University Law Journal. In 2004 she was recognized by the United States Postal Service – “Women Putting Their Stamp on Milwaukee” and the Milwaukee Times Newspapers for her legal service to the community.  She is the daughter of the late Honorable Clarence Parrish, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge, who was also a Baptist minister, and the daughter of the late Mildred English Parrish, a publisher and philanthropist.  Sheila plays her violin with “No Strings Attached,” a local group of judges, lawyers, and other court personnel. In December 2004 she recited the poem “This is Mellow” at the annual Christmas Sing-A-Long with “No Strings Attached.”