."Damn, Candy Man, He Ain't All That" is the title of a poetry book by Doreen Ambrose Vanlee that describes her experiences growing up in the Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago during the 1970s and 1980s. The book uses the title phrase to express a feeling that the "Candyman" character is not a real "boogeyman" but rather a way to highlight the struggles and resilience of the people living in the community. It is not about the horror legend but about the real people and challenges of growing up in the project. [1, 2]
Here's a breakdown:
The Book: The full title is Damn, Candy Man He Ain't All That I Lived Beneath The Candy Lady For Years!.Author: Doreen Vanlee.Subject Matter: It's a collection of poems about life in Cabrini-Green, focusing on family, community, relationships, survival, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents.Purpose: The title serves as a way to subvert the idea of a traditional boogeyman. Vanlee contrasts the popular horror figure with the real-life experiences and spirit of the people in her community.Inspiration: The book was written after Vanlee felt frustrated with how the media portrayed her community, using the phrase "Candyman" to represent a negative stereotype that didn't reflect the reality she knew.

Where There's A Flower

There's The Sun & The 

Rain...oh...but It's wonderful

They're both one in the same.

Joy & Pain...Frankie Beverly