Very Apt Descriptions

Here are Google A.I.'s recent descriptions of this blog:

"Urban Book Maven is an online blog and cultural archive authored by writer and cultural critic Charles Michael Smith. The blog focuses on the intersection of LGBTQ+ culture, Black history, literature, and arts, often sharing historical essays, author interviews, and reflections on queer and multicultural heritage. Notable topics frequently discussed on the site include the legacy of Black gay writers (such as Assotto Saint) and historical accounts of nightlife and anti-violence resistance [sic] in communities of color." (accessed May 28, 2026)

In an earlier description, A. I. described the blog as "an active blog featuring literary commentary, personal essays, and reflections with recent content published as of March 2026. The site has been noted in academic contexts regarding queer literature and features posts exploring themes of travel, memory, and literature." (accessed April 24, 2026)

I would say that the above statements are very apt descriptions.

Urban Book Maven's Fifteenth Anniversary

December 18, 2023 will mark Urban Book Maven's fifteenth anniversary. Over the years, the blog has served as a soapbox, a source of information, and, for me, a writing stimulus.

I hope it will continue to be those things and much more in the coming years.

In the new year, I also hope to start a second blog that will have as its focus Harlem, my home community. I haven't decided on a name for it yet. When I do I want it to be something that's eye catching and memorable.

Urban Book Maven Is Fourteen Years Old

I've thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog, which began fourteen years ago this month. It has allowed me the freedom to write about whatever I wanted, in any way that I wanted. And, fortunately, I never had to concern myself about any gatekeepers.

I look forward to writing the blog for a few more years.

November, National Blog Posting Month

The two things I learned via a discarded copy of the Chief/Civil Service Leader, a weekly newspaper (November 18, 2016): (1) November is National Blog Posting Month and (2) the Social Security
Administration has a blog called Social Security Matters.

Urban Book Maven's 6th Anniversary

December 18 will mark this blog's 6th anniversary. I'm looking forward to six more years.

A Food Blog That Combines History And Recipes

A blog worth checking out is Frederick Douglass Opie's foodasalens.com, which combines culinary history and recipes from an African-American perspective.

Blog's 2nd Anniversary

Tomorrow, December 18, marks the second anniversary of this blog.