The Author

Who Am I? Where do I begin? Let’s start with my birth. Even though there are many stories all related to this monumental event, by all accounts I was conceived at an undisclosed location in the Bronx and shortly thereafter I emerged “battle ready” somewhere in the five boroughs. Maybe I’ll ask my parents for all the details one day. But for now, I’m content with the vivid memories that constantly seize, shape and define my thoughts. These are the childhood memories that have helped develop and mold me into the man that I am today.

Who is that man? Some have described me as being an enigma. Not very easy to explain. But, those are the ones that have failed to commit the time needed to understand an individual that strives for complete mastery of self. My second grade teacher understood me...sort of. She read one of the first stories I wrote and told me that I would grow up to be a scientist. She was only partially correct in her assessment of me though. Even at seven years old, I knew that I already was one.

This was on Long Island, New York where I was raised, and where I spent most of my weekdays growing up. I really appreciate the fact that my parents were able to provide a better life for me and my siblings in the suburbs. I am also thankful that my Saturdays were usually spent visiting a cousin in Brooklyn, the Bronx or Queens and Sundays were always spent in Harlem at church on Lenox Ave. Afterwards, I would end up once again at one of my Aunt’s apartments to enjoy a meal and kick it with the family.

The memories are vividly clear. I remember experiencing Hip-Hop in its infancy. Watching heroine addicts nod out on stoops across from my church. The murder of police officer Edward Burns, around the corner from my aunt’s house in South Jamaica, Queens. Larry Davis surrendering to the police around the block from my cousin’s apartment in the Bronx. I felt the tension that gripped Brooklyn after young seven year-old, Gavin Cato was run over by a car in Crown Heights, and the subsequent violence and riots that took the life of Yankel Rosenbaum.

So, even though I was uprooted from the hood, I was never really removed. As a matter of fact, I probably became more curious and observant, if only to soak up as much as I could during those weekend ventures. Back then, I developed the knack for putting my ear to the concrete and obtaining a pulse for the streets.

My love for reading and writing would stay with me throughout my teenage and young adult life. I would eventually take some journalism courses at Hofstra University, obtain a Bachelors degree from Empire State College and a Master’s of Science degree from Polytechnic University. But regardless of my pursuit of knowledge, I never stopped writing and striving to perfect this craft that I respect deeply. Much respect to James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Walter Mosley, Richard Wright and all the other literary pioneers.

During this same period of time, I conducted interviews and wrote articles for websites and newspapers such as Onthesneaktip.com, 88HIPHOP.com, The Voice and Newsday. I was very fortunate and blessed to have this experience, which allowed me to gain a better understanding of the historical and ethical principles of journalism. I also met some good people that helped mentor and develop me as well.

I always knew that one day I would get the opportunity to tell some of the stories that the streets told me. Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones is the first of many. I hope the world enjoys it.

Moses Miller

Writer/Scientist