Ellington

Valentine's Day is a day for partners to share their love for one another. Some people prepare romantic evenings at home by candlelight or plan a night on the town with dinner at a favorite restaurant. Others write love letters and poems, or craft handmade gifts and cards.

When I was dating, I made a "Valentine's Day Mix tape" for my sweetie featuring our favorite songs, including "Soon As I Get Home" by Faith Evans, "These Three Words" by Stevie Wonder and "Heaven" by John Legend.

I asked a few of my fellow Eagles at Hinds Community College to tell me what they would include on a mix tape of their favorite love songs, and the responses include some excellent romantic material.

"Love Me in a Special Way" by DeBarge
"Cruisin" by Smokey Robinson
"For the Love of You" by The Isley Brothers
—Dr. Marquise Loving, Academic Dean

"Cause I Love You" by Lenny Williams
"Superstar" by Luther Vandross
"Knockin' Da Boots" by H-Town
—Illya Harris, Student Adviser

"Kiss Me to the Music" by Bobby "Blue" Bland
"Simply Beautiful" by Willie Clayton
"At Last" by Etta James
—Jackie Quinn, Librarian

"Angels" by Robin Thicke
"Back at One" by Brian McKnight
"Look After You" by The Fray
—Nicole Finch, Bookstore Manager

"Love Calls" by Kem
"On The Ocean" by K-Jon
"He Loves Me" by Jill Scott
—Shaun Hiley, Campus Police

"Like You'll Never See Me Again" by Alicia Keys
"Cruisin'" by Smokey Robinson
"There's No Me Without You" by The Manhattans
—Mrs. Robinson, Admissions Assistant

"The Point of it All" by Anthony Hamilton
"I Love You" by Lionel Richie
"Popcorn Love" by New Edition
—Shivochie Dinkins, Paralegal Instructor

"Love" by Musiq Soulchild
"Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
"More Than Wonderful" by Brian McKnight
—Linda Carter, GED clerk

"Am I Dreaming" by Ol'Skool and Xscape
"Superstar" by Luther Vandross
"Just One of Them Thangs" by Keith Sweat
—Twaneka Jackson, GED clerk