Marshall, Douglas Scott 1961–

PERSONAL: Born March 22, 1961, in Flint, MI; son of Edward (an automotive industry employee) and Mildred (a homemaker) Evans; married Jewell M. Byers, June 20, 1988 (divorced 1994); children: Tanasha Gilchrist, Ramesha Davis. Ethnicity: "African American." Education: Attended Michigan State University; Rio Salado Community College, A.A.

ADDRESSES: Home—24365 Buchanan Ct., No. 1946, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2147. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER: U.S. Postal Service, Detroit, MI, mail carrier, 1992–. Military service: Served in U.S. Air Force; received three commendations.

MEMBER: National Association of Letter Carriers (union steward, 1997–), Detroit Writers Guild.

WRITINGS:

Let Me Help You Say It (poetry), 1stBooks Library (Bloomington, IN), 2003.

SIDELIGHTS: Douglas Scott Marshall told CA: "The primary motivation for my writing is to encourage debate and express my views on certain issues. I also wanted to say thank you to some people who have helped me continue to believe in the human spirit.

"The 2000 presidential election and the war in Iraq particularly influenced my book. I wanted to express my feelings on the effects of the war on the American people as well as the world community. Also, surviving in capitalism is the real fight.

"I call my poetry simple message poetry. It is based on some of my personal study of poetry, but it follows no particular style. I just like to say things in a memorable way.

"My book covers a lot of subjects. I wanted to express what came to mind on any given news day. Also, since the year 2000, the political climate has intensified, and I had something to say."