Category Archives: Cultural

It’s often said that we’re inspired to action by what we feel. Not coincidentally, the combination of events, circumstances, hopes, dreams, loves and losses in life, provide a potent poignancy to our association of, feelings and music.

Who among us doesn’t link special people, times in our lives, with particular music or music genres? It is not unusual that the poetry and prose of music enhances our experiences, or that certain experiences are profound because of how music reflects their meaning.

So here we are in the midst of Valentine’s Day, celebrating the enduring spirit of love and it’s possibilities. If we’re fortunate, we have fond memories of loves won, lost or desired, that are inextricably linked with certain music or songs. Certainly such confluences are not limited to pleasure. Valentine’s Day also happens within the framework of another enduring commemoration, Black History Month.

Music and struggle for social change, are viscerally and importantly linked in ways that speak to the souls of the affected. Often, such music can also penetrate the defenses of the uninterested. Anyone who walks through Central Park’s Strawberry Field’s, will undeniably find that John Lennon’s “Imagine” or “Give Peace a Chance” are quintessential anti-war songs, that influenced the politics of millions. Black History Month had its beginnings in 1926 in the United States, when noted historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”. This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson created the holiday with the hope that it eventually be eliminated when black history became fundamental to American history. Negro History Week was met with enthusiastic response; it prompted the creation of black history clubs, an increase in interest among teachers, and interest from progressive whites. Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday.[1] Wikipedia, (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month)

When compared to the depth and breadth of the unprecedented atrocities of the African-American Holocaust and their ongoing effects, a mere month seems wholly inadequate and diminutive. Certainly music has been and is, a necessary expressive inspirational outlet. Depending on how old one is, particular artists or songs may resonate with a particular generation in the struggle. Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”, John Coltrane’s “Alabama”, or Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” may be favorites.

But how do these two enduring frameworks, Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, intersect in terms of musical expression?

In my view, that process must be founded with the legacy of struggle, while infusing it with a contemporary passion for freedom and creativity. A background in classic Jazz and Blues, blended with an application of hip-hop and pop, and a tasteful sensibility of how to reach diverse cultural audiences, would be a start. Add to the mix, a touch of genius virtuosity and you have pianist, Robert Glasper.

I recently saw The Robert Glasper Experiment perform at The Harlem Stage. His approach to expression is superbly attuned to address the complexity of struggle while embracing a visionary diversity that is aptly described as, emancipatory love.

Mr. Glasper is a winner of the 2012 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, “Black Radio”.

Submitted for your consideration is “Enoch’s (Inaugural) Meditation”

Given the rampant record of corporate crimes and sins committed against humanity across the world…why doesn’t the Church speak out on behalf of its flock? Chris Hedges article is a worthwhile look…
www.truthdig.com/report/page2/where_were_you_when_they_crucified_my_movement_20111205/

I’ve read, heard and seen some of the latest Donald Trump bufoonery, but have also been amazed at the media coverage of his self-promoting talk concerning President Obama.

No doubt that were well past the notion that we’re living in a post-racial world because of the election of President Obama. Certainly much of the rhetoric that is heard about “taking our country back” is understood to be racist coding, despite attempts to frame it within ideas of economic prosperity or good old American values.

However, it is amusing and sad to see the media treat the Trump musings as either serious news or a spectacle sideshow. For the most part there has been no attempt to question his clear racist implications. Frankly, our country needs to have substantive ongoing policies in place to address historical, institutional and contemporary racism. For instance, despite the symbolism of President Obama, has any major news media reported on the pattern of racial demographic exclusion in college and graduate schools over the past 30 years? At least this article, confronts in a small way what major media is deathly afraid of….

www.thenation.com/blog/160197/confronting-coded-racism-donald-trump

We’re all familiar with the power of suggestion and the insidious nature of subtle and overt advertising on television. Sadly, were also painfully aware of the bloviating that masquerades as fair and balanced news reporting on cable networks.

However, its recently come to light that unchecked mind control has now crossed over into the workplace. Imagine being made to act and speak in ways that violate your sense of right and wrong because it’s required to keep the lights on, or your grocery bill paid.

Take a look: www.thenation.com/article/160062/big-brothers-thought-control-koch

In this era where having less is the new normal, a persistent question that comes to mind is what will be the price of compassion? In this case, someone apparently did the wrong thing for a greater good. What are your thoughts on this story….

www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/571885/homeless_mom_charged_with_larceny_for_sending_kid_to_good_public_school/