A detailed preview, origin, synopsis, chapter by chapter outline and description of the concept and contents of Ugonna Wachuku's up-coming new book:
American Galaxy
Celebrating the People and the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave [Sub-title]
A Loving Higher Purpose for the People [Back cover caption]
By
Ugonna Wachuku
Copyright © Ugonna Wachuku
Origin of the Book:
With refreshing new voice, let me humbly say that in 1960, on a US tour as First Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, my dad's elder brother, Senator Jaja Anucha Wachuku (1918-1996): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaja_Wachuku was honored by Americans, with the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Blue Seal, and in Georgia, he was honored too, with the Key to the City of Atlanta. My uncle was also very good friends with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Marian Anderson and so many other Americans; including the Ford and Rockefeller families, etc. I have my uncle's photos with President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, President Johnson and Reverend King, Jr.; including another photo in which my uncle was paying a condolence visit to Robert Francis Kennedy after the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy on 22 November 1963. Deeply saddening, 4 years and 7 months later, on 5 June 1968, Robert too was slain. Indeed, my uncle's photos with Speaker Sam Rayburn, Marian Anderson, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller and others can be found at the University of Pennsylvania Library Marian Anderson Special Collections, The Center for American History's Speaker Sam Rayburn Pages at the University of Texas Archival Resources Online [TARO], United States Department of State Newsletters, amongst many others.
My uncle was also First Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations and later First Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, later Foreign Affairs - what Americans call Secretary of State. His life was so eventful and a blessing to so many people.
A little after the clock struck noon, on a hot Nbawsi, Eastern Nigeria Wednesday 10 March, 1971, I was delivered into this world by my persevering, brave mom. And right from my early childhood days, my great and inspiring uncle, Jaja Anucha Wachuku took much interest in me. During my High School and University years, I spent a lot of time with him. My uncle passed on-to me worthy words of wisdom and uplifting stories about the people of the United States of America and their kindness, care and love for him and our historic Wachuku family. He kindly allowed me to use his awesome library – a library that according to African Media Houses, to this day, is the biggest one-man owned library in West Africa. Right from then, based on the American lessons and tutorials my uncle imparted in me, my fascination and respect for the people of the United States of America began. Naturally then, I resolved within my deepest soul and being to cherish, encourage and uphold every American and their breathtakingly beautiful vast land, as well as, importantly, those ideals and truth of liberty, freedom, peace, worth, human dignity, purposeful living plus trust in God Almighty and All-Sufficient – that gave birth to their Union and Nation.
Today, at the dawn of the 21st century, after many years of writing and working on it, having started creating the book in January 1990 before I entered University, I have finally given soulful birth to 52 chapters of American Galaxy - my epic and monumental celebration of the people and the land of the free and home of the brave – the United States of America - where the Star-Spangled Banner still soars like the eagle that is my namesake!
Synopsis:
In the dramatic opening and prologue of American Galaxy, each State of the United States of America tells the story of their origins and creation in a very educative manner. They talk about their motto and flower and the meaning their people give to these symbols. Each State also mentions the part it plays in the unfolding story of the book. The American eagle also richly explains how it feels and what it means to be the national bird of the United States of America.
Using the voice of Alabama, Wyoming, Wisconsin and West Virginia, the book’s introduction explores the meaning of the Declaration of Independence; and through the actions of various American Presidents and notable citizens explains where the country is today – in terms of upholding the ideals of America’s founding fathers and nurturing mothers. Wachuku analyses the state of the American nation presently using those inspiring ideals that were used to establish the country. Consequently, the author, in the interest of the United States and all humankind, calls on all Americans to uphold and sustain those touching realities that gave birth to their beautiful country.
In the third part of the book every other American State tells an uplifting story connected to the country and its people plus natural endowments. Each story flows into the other in poetic harmony. In the epilogue, the American eagle remembers Julia Ward Howe and her outstanding "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord" soulful poem and stirring song and what it means for the United States of America. With love and heart-felt humaneness, Eagle enjoins the Union and people of the land of the free and home of the brave to be calmly prepared to talk the talk, walk the talk and do the talk of being courageous, focused and caring enough to soulfully recognize when the humane need arises for the people and their leaders to compassionately help that wounded traveler on the road to Jericho.
In American Galaxy, Ugonna Wachuku weaves humane, inspiring, loving, empowering, passionate, reflective and hopeful creative labyrinths with nature’s moving patterns clad in imaginative, spiritual, political, historical, contemporary, poetic, cultural, soulful, educational and spellbinding dimensions to write an original and stirring theatrical spectacle of a story in celebration of the people and the land of the free and the home of the brave – the United States of America!
With American Galaxy, Wachuku has established a whole new world of creative paradigm and inspiration, out of the ordinary insight and thoughtful encouragement. In the book, each American State is a character, and plays out their parts from the dramatic opening, through the introduction to Dawn on Colorado, all the way to the epilogue. The American eagle as eagle one and Ugonna, as eagle two are also characters in the story. Indeed, American Galaxy is a fascinating story that holds life enriching bounties and lessons for everyone – young and old. Wachuku captures his book’s essence this way:
I believe in my known creative awakening in relation to the betterment and merciful survival of all human beings and our earthly home. I believe that Richard Henry Lee's, George Washington’s, John Adams', Thomas Jefferson’s, Abraham Lincoln’s, Clara Barton's, John F. Kennedy's, Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Barack Obama's dream plus that of their cherished compatriots must be kept alive and real for all Americans and the rest of humanity.
Surely, I would not have lived in vain, if I can only help in making Americans keep their heart-beat and focus on those soulfully rewarding and solid, humane ideals of freedom, purposeful living, compassion, care and peace (the hope of all humankind) that gave birth to their Union and Nation centuries ago.
Contents Outline:
1
Dramatic Opening:
With moving, eloquent words, Eagle One, America's National Bird premieres the book and the characters. He also emotionally explains how he feels about being America's Bird, etc. In this chapter too, the history and creation of the US Star Spangled Banner National Anthem is told; including the performance of the anthem by the book's Chorus. Afterwards, Eagle Two and every American State emerge to tell their story – each State talks about its origin, motto, flower and the part it's playing in the unfolding American Galaxy yarn...
2
Dedication:
Eagle One is there again to explain whom the book is a homage and tribute to…
3
Chorus:
An enchanting and soul searching plea by the oppressed, terrorized and brutalized of the world - for the land of liberty and home of the brave to set them free...There is also a response from the United States to this plea - with a quotation from God's words in Isaiah chapter 58 verses 6 to 11 - as inspiration...
4
Introduction:
Here is an extensive explanation of the book in its essence plus my inspiration for it. Why American Galaxy? This chapter is also filled with encouraging and uplifting thoughts, words and soulful gift to every American. It calls for the upholding of the American dream and promise. Echoes of spirit ennobling words from Theodore Roosevelt, Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, Bush, Kennedy, Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Taylor, Wilson, King, Jr., Margaret Mead, etc. are seen and heard in this introductory chapter. There is a message of hope that pervades this chapter, representative of the enthusiastic spirit in which American Galaxy is created and written. This chapter is presented by Alabama, Wyoming, Wisconsin and West Virginia plus Eagle two...
5
Dawn on Colorado:
Told by Washington, this poetic and creatively moving chapter explains the life sustaining essence and importance of the Colorado River to the land and Union...
6
Morning Dew:
Here, Virginia upholds the ideal, refreshing American morning dew and the nature of its inspiration...
7
Appalachian Summit:
The amazing majesty of the land's mountain is extolled and highlighted by Vermont especially...
8
Rio Grande:
Another Celebration of America's beautiful nature and meaning by Utah...
9
Lake Michigan:
Mind-blowing visions and the story of the lake and it's life-blood to the land and people of America is told by Texas...
10
Horizon: A message of hope and a call to keep the American promise is told here by Tennessee
11
New York, New York! :
The meaning of liberty, survival and the reality of it is told here by South Dakota. Reference is also made to Franklin D. Roosevelt...
12
Lofty Los Angeles:
South Carolina, in poetic terms and spirit, uplifts the nature of this American city and the people...
13
Chicago:
A historical and hopeful perspective in every worthy, creative and enterprising sense is told by Rhode Island...
14
Fresh Fountain:
Pennsylvania emerges here to tell of a fresh fountain for the rejuvenation of the land of the free and home of the brave...
15
Philadelphia Parnassus:
Oregon takes us to a Parnassus that enriches and soulfully maintains the land's freedom and hope...
16
Lonely Mother:
Oklahoma takes a look at the psychology of pain and loss, and urges the land to brace up and comfort her own...
17
Detroit of Bloom:
With calmness and sense of rhetorical humaneness, Ohio views the Union's drive to create and achieve through Detroit's heart...
18
San Francisco:
North Dakota steps in to light a hopeful way to the city's importance for the land...
19
Dallas:
North Carolina talks of the Union's renewal, healing and a new start in Dallas...
20
Houston's Pulse:
New York leads us into a pulse in the city's heart to uphold the land's freedom...
21
Boston's Breath:
Here, New Mexico tells us of a merry moon in the land and a breath of strength to help the Union keep its peace...
22
Precious Pittsburg:
New Jersey tells of how to live and sustain the Union in real ways within the precious heart of this land's city...
23
Baltimore Blossoms:
Here, New Hampshire tells of a deeply rooted hope and bountiful harvest in the soul of
Baltimore's blossom...
24
Munificent Minneapolis:
Nevada uplifts the land's compassion and giving heart through the soul of Minneapolis in the Union...
25
Atlanta Stars:
In this chapter, Nebraska takes us to the stars and hopes in the heart of the land's Atlanta; and tells of love that will keep the Union's progress...
26
Living Lover:
Montana tells of yearning and ideal love for the land through the eyes of a lady and a gentleman in the Union...
27
Waterfalls:
Missouri pays homage to the land's waters and the life they bring to the Union and people; using the imagery of a blooming fertile mother of the land of the free and home of the brave...
28
Noble Lady:
Mississippi tells of a noble lady in the land and the inspiration and freedom of the soul her beauty brings to the Union...
29
The Soul:
Minnesota goes philosophical and reminds the Union of a hopeful search for happiness and the reality of the people's mortality; plus the need to make good the promise of America while the human breath thrives...
30
Creative Flower:
Michigan uses old and modern English to tell of the creativity and blessing the land of the
Free and home of the brave bestows on the people...
31
Hollywood of Pierides:
Massachusetts tells of evergreen trees in the land; and leads Americans and humankind the way of calmly living with a sense of purpose and peace for the good of the land even in the heart of this creative beat of the Union...
32
Jewel of the gods:
Maryland takes the stage in American Galaxy, and brings Zeus, Athena and Hermes down to the land for a message of cherishment, love, hope, peace and glory in the Union's heavenly freedom...
33
Peaceful Emotions:
And in this chapter, Maine takes its turn and tells of the land's creative heart and peaceful emotions for the Union's progress under the Saving Lamb's watchful eyes...
34
Royal Rhythm:
Louisiana uses this chapter for Catherine Obianuju Acholonu, the author's creative mother; and goes on to talk of joy and gladness in the land of the free and home of the brave; urging the Union to uphold the people's freedom and that of humankind with this humane royal rhythm from Igbo forests and lighted landscapes...
35
Share the Dream:
Kentucky tells of riddles and hope through the Union's heart, and uses the imagery of forest and village paths, as well as the imagery of going to the farm to unfold the land of the free's hope for a fulfilling harvest plus sharing of the dream that gave birth to the Union itself. Even the author's soul mate and wife: Alejandra is enjoined by Kentucky to be part of this sharing and heavenly healing for the people of the Star-Spangled Banner and the rest of humankind...
36
Moonlight Treasure:
In this chapter, Kansas takes the Union on a visionary journey; and tells of the land's first footprints on the moon - with a call for the Union to uphold its freedom and promise with inspiration from moonlight treasure...
37
Beloved Mother:
Eagle Two, Ugonna, the book's creator, steps in and tells of lessons in courage, patience and peaceful hope made real in his mom's and dad's mustard seed faith and answered prayers on the land of the free and the home of the brave...
38
Green Pastures:
Iowa uses the imagery of a sailing boat to give the Union peaceful and real visions of heavenly glory and caring freedom on the land's green pastures and meadow sea shores...
39
The Muse:
Indiana gives us a dramatic fragment and tells of the land's muse, lady and poet - the story of their real dream to share the land's freedom and happiness and also help with the strength and persevering courage needed to complete the story and voyage of American Galaxy as a whole...
40
Lake Superior:
Illinois takes us into another wonder of the Union, and tells of the lake's free spirit that will be a living guide for the land's dignity and hope...
41
Denver Dreams:
Idaho brings Denver into the heart of everyone in the land of the free and home of the brave, and tells of endless dreams of the people's right to freedom and well-being in the Union...
42
New Orleans:
In this chapter, Hawaii, with an uplifting spirit, tells of hope being born in New Orleans' cultural eye and soul - for the Union's progress and peaceful freedom – with encouragement for the people and the land to survive the hurricane's devastation...
43
Cincinnati Cherishment:
Georgia takes us on a journey of cherishment and appreciation in the heart of the Union's Cincinnati. It's a journey that leads to the Union's mountain tops for a vision of the land's freedom and glory brought down to Cincinnati...
44
American Galaxy (II):
Florida gladly takes the Union on a second part, yet different, view of the whole book in this inviting and charming chapter; capturing the land's essence with poetic freedom and caring hope within the people's heart...
45
Tears and Sea Waves:
Delaware tells of the Union's caring heart through the tears and sea waves of life...
46
The Eagle's Passion:
Connecticut upholds the land's eagle in all of its passionate reality and echoing call for the people of the Union to love one another with the humility of learning how eagles teach eaglets the mystery of calmly soaring through life in the land of the free and home of the brave...
47
Alaskan Sun:
Colorado bravely tells of freedom, hope and progress being born anew in the Union with inspiration from the land's midnight sun and snow of the last frontier...
48
Life! :
California goes psychological and philosophical; using the imagery of lush green mountain slopes where the river's journey to life begins with liberty in the land of the free and home of the brave...
49
Homage to Mississippi:
Arkansas takes the American Galaxy stage and with poetic tenderness tells of the land's visionary and hopeful journey to freedom, purposeful living and unwavering stand in nature's blue boat of love that sails down the river to see the Star-Spangled Banner still soaring like eagles of the land...
50
Farewell with Love:
Because, there's nothing good in saying goodbye, Arizona emerges from deep down the Union's heart to lovingly say farewell to the readers and audience of American Galaxy; and indeed, to every American soul. In a powerfully moving Shakespearean type of sonnet, but in a unique style, Arizona renders the third paragraph of this last chapter of American Galaxy; and tells of a daring dawn of love that will ever light pathways of hope, inspiration and peace within the land of the compassionate free and home of the caring brave where the Star-Spangled Banner still soars on moon, earthly and green glory like eagles of heaven's upliftment...
51
The Author:
In a simple but striking performance, Alaska briefly talks about the author, writer and creator of American Galaxy: Ugonna Wachuku...
52
Epilogue:
And then, with the land's worthy dignity and inspiring freedom, Eagle One emerges once again to finally draw the curtain on the story of American Galaxy...There is a remembrance of Julia Ward Howe and her outstanding "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord" soulful poem and stirring song...With love and heart-felt humaneness, Eagle One enjoins the Union and people of the land of the free and home of the brave to be calmly prepared to talk the talk, walk the talk and do the talk of being brave, focused and caring enough to soulfully recognize when the humane need arises for the people and their leaders to compassionately help that wounded traveler on the road to Jericho...
_
Dramatic Opening
_
Characters
Eagle One:
Dignified symbol of America's soaring vision, freedom and compassionate strength; presenter of the prologue to dramatic opening, dedication and epilogue
Eagle Two:
Creator and Writer of American Galaxy and part presenter of the introduction to American Galaxy and presenter of Beloved Mother
Alabama: Introduction Presenter
Wyoming: Introduction Presenter
Wisconsin: Introduction Presenter
West Virginia: Introduction Presenter
Washington: Dawn on Colorado Presenter
Virginia: Morning Dew Presenter
Vermont: Appalachian Summit Presenter
Utah: Rio Grande Presenter
Texas: Lake Michigan Presenter
Tennessee: Horizon Presenter
South Dakota: New York, New York! Presenter
South Carolina: Lofty Los Angeles Presenter
Rhode Island: Chicago Presenter
Pennsylvania: Fresh Fountain Presenter
Oregon: Philadelphia Parnassus Presenter
Oklahoma: Lonely Mother Presenter
Ohio: Detroit of Bloom Presenter
North Dakota: San Francisco Presenter
North Carolina: Presenter of Dallas
New York: Houston's Pulse Presenter
New Mexico: Boston's Breath Presenter
New Jersey: Precious Pittsburg Presenter
New Hampshire: Baltimore Blossoms Presenter
Nevada: Munificent Minneapolis Presenter
Nebraska: Atlanta Stars Presenter
Montana: Living Lover Presenter
Missouri: Waterfalls Presenter
Mississippi: Noble Lady Presenter
Minnesota: Presenter of The Soul
Michigan: Creative Flower Presenter
Massachusetts: Hollywood of Pierides Presenter
Maryland: Jewel of the gods Presenter
Maine: Peaceful Emotions Presenter
Louisiana: Royal Rhythm Presenter
Kentucky: Share the Dream Presenter
Kansas: Moonlight Treasure Presenter
Iowa: Green Pastures Presenter
Indiana: Presenter of The Muse
Illinois: Lake Superior Presenter
Idaho: Denver Dreams Presenter
Hawaii: New Orleans Presenter
Georgia: Cincinnati Cherishment Presenter
Florida: American Galaxy (II) Presenter
Delaware: Tears and Sea Waves Presenter
Connecticut: The Eagle's Passion Presenter
Colorado: Alaskan Sun Presenter
California: Presenter of Life!
Arkansas: Homage to Mississippi Presenter
Arizona: Farewell with Love Presenter
Alaska: The Author Presenter
Americans: Chorus
Earth's Oppressed: Chorus
Poets: Chorus
Musicians: Chorus
Singers: Chorus
Drummers: Chorus
Friends of America: Chorus
The Audience: Chorus
Dramatic Opening Prologue:
Act One
_
The stage is set. Beautiful American landscapes, nature, monuments, flags and other national symbols abound.
[Eagle One soars in and lands on an oak tree branch.]
Eagle One:
I am Eagle: The humble pride, soaring essence, freedom, compassion and strength; as well as visionary symbol of the courageous people of this land of the free and home of the brave: The United States of America. I am here to usher in my fellow patriots - the States of our Nation and Union. Our distinguished States are characters in this book called American Galaxy created and written by my beloved fellow Eagle, Ugonna. He will be part of the presenters of the introduction. And will also present "Beloved Mother". Five of our States will be his partners in presenting the introduction. The remaining forty five States will present different parts of the book, starting from Dawn on Colorado to the Author. I will present the dedication and epilogue as Eagle One of the Nation.
Beloved compatriots, ladies and gentlemen, friends of America, all humanity, please, note that whatever our States as characters in this outstandingly spectacular American Galaxy say or play out must be seen as their dutiful, responsible way of helping the creator and writer of this celebration of the people and land of the free and home of the brave, pass on his message to all Americans and the rest of humankind. It is done in Ugonna's compassionate feeling and acts of true love, sharing and oneness; recognizing that everyone deserve to be counted as somebody, heard, loved and respected: We all as human beings are God's children, and must help cherish and live out loving one another with that image He created us in. May all Americans with mankind ever come to appreciate, do and walk the talk of this sense of celebrative love and sharing which strikingly pervades this American Galaxy clad in Ugonna's (Eagle Two) empowering and caringly sustaining creative spirit.
Dear friends, I am truly honored and humbled to have been given this once-in-a-life time privilege of presenting the prologue, dedication and epilogue. I warmly, as warm can be in Alaska, thank my fellow Eagle, Ugonna for this honor. I am glad because Americans and eagles share the same visionary strength in freedom. The eagle cannot ride the storm without freedom. America has ridden the storm with her hard-won freedom and unequivocal declaration of independence. This land of the free and home of the brave still walks in this homely freedom with hopeful vision, compassionate strength and purposeful living that recognizes the worth and dignity of every human being. America still rides the storm like eagles, upholding and comforting her own, supporting and freeing the oppressed, brutalized, burdened and terrorized!
I am glad to be a character in this American Galaxy because this blessed United States of America have given me so much love, care, respect and honor. I am America's national bird. And I must strongly let you know that it doesn't get better on this universe than being "the heaven rescued" land's national bird. I am, therefore, humbly proud and always strengthened to continue being an inspiration in showing the United States of America the persevering way to soar the landscapes and skies of freedom, caring strength and visionary hope forever!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, young and old of the land of the free and the home of the brave, all humanity, thank you for your attention. Here comes Eagle Two and the States of our Nation and Union...