Writing Portfolio Overview
Explore a collection of Randall Mitchell’s most notable academic, creative, and technical writing samples, showcasing his expertise and versatility.
“Where’s Our Leader?” is a cultural critique exploring the decline of moral and spiritual leadership within modern Black America. It contrasts historic figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. with today’s influencers and entertainers, questioning how celebrity culture, social media, and weakened faith institutions have reshaped the meaning of leadership. The essay calls for a return to integrity, discipline, and truth as the foundation for the next generation of leaders.
“Apocalyptic Poetry” is a creative reimagining of five Old Testament prophets: Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, and Zechariah, each speaking as if their end time visions have already come to pass. Written in vivid, prophetic verse, the collection merges biblical imagery with poetic storytelling, portraying divine judgment, renewal, and ultimate redemption through the eyes of those who first foretold it.
“High Blood Pressure in the Black Community: A Public Health Crisis” examines the social, historical, and cultural roots of hypertension among African Americans. Blending public health research with personal reflection, the essay exposes how systemic inequities, food insecurity, racial stress, and medical mistrust have turned hypertension into a generational epidemic. It calls for community driven, culturally informed solutions like barbershop screenings, church health programs, and nutrition education, all to heal and empower Black families for generations to come.
Grant Writing
“Letter of Intent for Priority Health Needs Grant Application”
For this project, I collaborated with a peer to create a Letter of Intent for the Skaggs Foundation Priority Health Needs Grant on behalf of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. Using program data provided by BCFO, we framed a clear narrative that highlighted the rising financial needs of breast cancer patients in Stone and Taney Counties. I refined the draft into a formal LOI, added a proposed request of $135,000, and aligned the language with the funder’s priorities. Our goal was to demonstrate both the urgency of increased financial assistance and BCFO’s proven capacity to deliver impactful support. The process strengthened my ability to write persuasively, translate data into narrative form, and meet professional grant-writing standards.
“The Black Church Case Study”
This case study examines the historical and contemporary role of the Black Church as the cultural, political, and spiritual backbone of Black America. It traces the Church’s evolution from a sanctuary of resistance during slavery to a driving force in abolition, civil rights, and modern social justice movements. The paper critiques how digital media has reshaped the Church’s influence, highlighting both its power to expand reach and its tendency to amplify spectacle or theological conflict. It also explores internal issues such as patriarchy, theological inconsistencies, financial transparency, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Through real-world examples, the study reflects on how some churches uplift the community while others risk drifting from their spiritual roots. Ultimately, it argues that the Black Church’s future impact depends on its ability to stay truthful to its foundation while adapting to contemporary challenges.
“Son of the Sea” (Expansion Version)
This excerpt from my third novel Pangaea’s Garden showcases my ability to shift from technical precision to immersive, imaginative storytelling. Through detailed world-building, multi-layered cultures, and emotionally driven characters, I create a vivid fantasy landscape grounded in myth, conflict, theology, and identity. The narrative follows an Amphibian named Omi, blending action, introspection, and political tension while exploring loyalty, grief, and destiny. My use of sensory description, invented dialects, and unique biological traits illustrates the depth and creativity of my fictional universes. This piece truly highlights my versatility as a writer as I can move seamlessly from analytical, research based writing to cinematic, character-centered storytelling. Together, these skills show my commitment to crafting writing that is both technically strong and imaginatively bold.
Randall Mitchell 