I was overwhelmed following my interview with the one of the most talented and brilliant women I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She is the first African-American to write, produce, direct, and bring plays to stage within the city of Akron, Ohio. She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. Quite simply; she has done it all and shows no signs of slowing down. Her name is Jewelene Banks.

When she’s not writing, she spends her time converting her novels into movies, or on the internet completing research or updating her blog. She’s not the typical author. Her authentic writings awaken the spirits of our young. They are the epitome of reality and focus on issues concerning mankind in its present state. She unapologetically ministers lessons of determination, hope and faith without standing in a pulpit or on a proverbial soapbox. She writes what is required to gain the attention of the future generation in times like these. It doesn’t matter whether her genres are mainstream, urban or hip-hop…in finality she delivers the Word to those who will not hear it in a traditional setting.

What inspired you to write the book entitled, BOYS PULL YOUR PANTS UP?
Actually, I was inspired by a global epidemic called…saggin. Now, let's cut to the chase and keep it real. If men walk around with their pants saggin down, they will hear the cries of racism and discrimination loud and clear. I know some of these guys don't believe that appearance gives them credibility, but when they stand crying before a judge, nine times out of ten they'll be wearing a suit. Whether it's a professional suit or a jail suit...they'll be wearing one!

What exactly is meant by use of the term saggin?
The term s-a-g-g-i-n is urban slang which refers to pants which are worn in such a manner that one’s underwear, butt, and pubic hair are exposed. Many people believe the fad (saggin) originated in prison, but that belief is not quite true. Saggin started a long time ago, during American Slavery. Many slaves were ordered to wear pants that were so big; they would sag. The question is why? If they chose to run away from their masters, it would prove to be very difficult. It was a task for them to hold their pants up while running for cover. Being slowed down meant they would be captured by dogs and put to death.

What inspired you to transform the book into a play and bring it to stage?
I’m deeply concerned about the erosion of our African- American men. Experts report that accidents, Black-on-Black crime, suicide and AIDS have become the number one killer of the black population. Black men are accountable for 52% of the prison population, 70% of all special education privileges, but less than 4% of the total college population. I knew that educating the young men from a visual aspect would prove to be very beneficial. Police operate on one principle...if he walks like a thug, talks like a thug and looks like a thug…he’s a thug. Afterwards, they scream, “Justifiable Homicide! Well, your Honor, he looked like a gang banger, so I had to shoot him! How was I supposed to know he was an Honor Student?” I’ve found that wardrobe malfunctions give police another reason to zoom in on young men. First impressions are indeed everything.