The Black Arts Movement: A Defining Period and Speeches of Reflection...

This is my last official Black History Month post. Although, I believe that Black History is ETERNAL due to the significant contributions that Black people made to the world. I must ask; don't you find it funny that the history of Black people is regulated to one month out of the year? At any rate, our history is the most important, because we outline the hypocrisies that defines the world. Some of you may think what does he mean by that, but I want you to reflect on that statement. Our last Black History videos of the day comes courtesy of a symposium which reflects upon the Black Arts Movement in the broader legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. Peace to all oppressed and repressed people.....

The Black Arts Movement: Time to be Heard....

               

Here is another collage I decided to do in honor of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960's. This has often been considered the most important and controversial time in Black Literature. Many Black writers were inspired to establish, own, and operate publishing houses, magazines, journals, and art institutes. The movements origin has been accredited to Amiri Baraka, and was started in Harlem after the assassination of Malcolm X. The Black Arts Movement was a hotbed of Black rhetoric and voices naught often heard. Many prominent and exemplary Black writers were  part of this movement.

Influential Black Figures of the Harlem Renaissance

    

                                                  

                                   

 

                                                      

                                            

This is a collage of some of the most prominent Black leaders of the Harlem Renaissance. During the 1920's and 1930's this movement produced and influenced countless intellectuals, writers, actors, artists, playwrights, and activists. The movement came about due to changes in the Black community after the abolition of slavery, Reconstruction after the Civil War and World War I. There was an influx of Black people moving to northern cities from the south in the 20th century, due to constant and atrocious racial disparities. This period gave way to some of the greatest works of American art.

Mos Def: There Is A Way

Today's Black History song of the day is Mos Def's There Is A Way from his 2006 Album True Magic. The song's lyrics are simple, yet compelling. I think it also has that spirit and embodiment of the struggle Blacks have been faced with. This song is also special to me because it is my youngest nephews' favorite song. I told him to believe in those words, and I swear he sang this song everyday for a month lol. This one is a special dedication to my nephews.

Dr. Ben Carson: Gifted Hands

Today's Black History video of the day is about one of the most inspiring Black men that my generation has seen. His name is Dr. Ben Carson, he is Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. His story is inspirational, especially for young Black children. I was 11 years old when my mother gave me his book Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. I was surprised to see how many similarities there were between us as kids, we came from similar backgrounds, as do many other young Black inner-city kids. This was the first man to show me that I can achieve anything I wanted to through hard work and determination. His book is one of my most prized possessions, and his teachings are some of the most valued lessons I have learned.

The Beautiful Ms. Erykah Badu... Time's A Wastin'/Orange Moon

Today's Black History songs of the day come courtesy of Erykah Badu. Taken from her 2000 album Mama's Gun are Time's a Wastin' and Orange Moon. With an artist such as Ms. Badu, it is hard to chose one song, so I chose two that I believe are quite philosophical and spiritual. Personally, Mama's Gun is held in the same esteem as many of the greatest albums of all-time. It is an album of deep reflection, honesty, and spirituality only the way Ms. Badu can give it.

Booker T. Washington: The Founder of Black Education, Finance, and Politics....

I have been having a hard time trying to find a Black History video today for perhaps the most important Black man to ever grace this earth. More than any of my personal heroes, this man is the most cherished. Dr. Booker T. Washington rose up from slavery and provided the blueprint for educational, financial, legal, and political power. Dr. Washington was an educator, author, public speaker, and political leader. Dr. Washington's philosophy was that Blacks should concentrate all their energies on industrial education, and accumulation of wealth. Through Booker T. Washington's efforts in conjunction with Julius Rosenwald, 5,000 schools in Black communities were established and operated throughout the southern states of the U.S.A. Dr. Washington also formed the National Negro Business League in the year 1900 with the help of Andrew Carnegie. Booker T. Washington was a great contributer to American society as a whole, but he was the greatest contributer in history to Black society. So, today's video is a short but very important piece of Black History; it is The Atlanta Compromise speech given on September 18, 1895 in Atlanta, GA.

Nas: I Can

Today's Black History song of the day once again comes from The "N" (Nasir Jones). I Can off of Nas' 2002 album GOD's Son provides an inspiring message to the Black youth. I chose this song because I think it specifically coincides with the Black History video of the day. Black youth like Devin Snipes gives me hope for future generations of Black people.

Memphis City School Student Creates an Iphone Application.....

For Today's Black History video of the day, I would like to introduce Fairley High School student Devin Snipes out of my hometown Memphis, TN. I am proud of this young man specifically because this is what Black kids in America should aim to be, creative, innovative, imaginative, and ingenious. If you believe, you can achieve.....

MCS Student Creates iPhone App: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

A Change Gonna Come, but Let's Hope it's Not for the Worse.....

I want to discuss these major outbreaks of revolt in North Africa and the Middle East. I am all for change believe me, but it has to be the right change. I can only imagine what it means to be living under a so-called repressive government, although, the U.S. regime is oppressive in its own right. My heart goes out to all of the young people. Yet, I think the youth in these countries have to understand that when you overthrow your government it tends to lead to a regime change backed by a nation with its own interests in mind. Oftentimes these regime changes tend to put in power dictators, these changes rarely produce "democracies", which is what is being called for. The U.S. explicilty calls for "democracy" on a global scale usually because it is in their best interests; and they have plotted many a coup d'etat. I implore all young Arabs fight for change, but make sure it is a lasting change that you and future generations of your nations will be proud of.

The U.S. has a long history of overthrowing democratic governments through coups and military interventions, as well as supporting dictatorial and suppressive regimes, including:

• Iran (1953): The CIA with the help of the MI6 engineered a coup and overthrew the democratically elected government of Dr Mohammad Mossadegh who had attempted to nationalize Iran's petroleum industry. The U.S. backed Pahlavi monarchial regime rules the country with an iron fist for 26 years after the coup.
• Guatemala (1954): The CIA successfully engineers a coup to overthrow the democratically elected government of Guatemala led by Jacobo Arbenz. The military dictatorships which rule the country for the next four decades, a succession of military rulers kill between 140,000 – 250,000 Guatemalans.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (1960): The CIA in concert with Belgium overthrows the democratically elected government of Patrice Émery Lumumba who was a leader of the anti-colonial struggle in the country.
• Brazil (1964): The democratically elected government of President João Goulart was successfully overthrown by a CIA coup in March 1964. A military dictatorship rules the country for the next 21 years.
• Indonesia (1965-1967): With U.S help., a military coup ousts President Sukarno from power and installs army General Suharto as the new president. An estimated half a million Indonesians are killed in the process and 1.5 million are arrested for being “pro-communist.” Suharto rules Indonesia for the next 32 years.
• Ghana (1966): Kwame Nkrumah, the democratically elected leader of Ghana was overthrown in a CIA backed military coup while he was on a state visit to Vietnam.
• Iraq (1968): The CIA backed the coup by Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr of the Baath Party, bringing Saddam Hussein into power. Sadadam Hussein ruled Iraq from 1979-2003, becoming one of the greatest tyrants of the 20th century.
• Chile (1973): In September 1973, the democratically elected President of Chile Salvador Allende was overthrown by a CIA backed military coup. General Augusto Pinochet is installed as head of a new military dictatorship which rules Chile until 1990 using draconian measures and widespread human rights violations.
• Argentina (1976):  The democratically elected government of Isabel Martínez de Perón is overthrown by a US backed military coup. The military junta takes over the country and rules until 1983 during which time more than 30,000 people, most of whom were trade unionists and students, are tortured and killed.
• Nicaragua (1981- 1990): The Reagan administration directs the CIA and the National Security Council to undermine the democratic Sandinista through financing, arming and training Contra rebels.

OutKast: Babylon

Today's Black History song of the day is courtesy of the spaced-out Atliens OutKast. Babylon was included on OutKast's exemplary 1996 album ATLiens. The album was refreshing to say the least. 1996 was a time in Hip-Hop when artists were really starting to get money, and the gangsterisms of the music were in full effect. Yet, OutKast produced a nonconformist album. 3Stacks and Big Boi have always provided two types of meaningful social commentary. You have Andre Benjamin, the in-depth, intuitive thinker. Then, you have Big Boi, the street-wise, ghetto poet. These two have always been a faultless tandem. Go out and cop all of OutKast's albums, you are guaranteed to learn something.....

I came into this world high as a bird
From second hand cocain powder
i know it sounds absurd
I never tooted but its in my veins
While the rest of the country bungies off bridges
Without no snap back
and bitches they say they need that
To shake they fannies in the ass clubs
they go the other route
turn each other out
burn each other out
where a bonified nigga like me
can't even get no back rub these days
ain't that bleak on they part
but let me hold it down
cause they shut you down
when you speak from your heart
now that's hard
while we rantin and ravin bout gats
nigga they made them gats
they got some shit that'll blow out our backs
from where they stay at....

Kwame Toure Speaks at the "Free Huey" Rally Parts 5 and 6

Today's Black History video of the day once again is provided by the incomparable Kwame Toure (Stokely Carmichael). These are parts 5 and 7 of his speech presented at the "Free Huey" rally in Oakland, CA on February 17, 1968.

Goodie Mob. Live at the O.M.N.I. (One Million Niggas Inside)

Today's Black History song of the day is the potent Dungeon Family's own Goodie Mob coming Live at the O.M.N.I. off of their 1995 debut album Soulfood. These cats are one of the greatest Hip-Hop groups of all-time. If you don't know much about them, go out and cop their first 2 albums.

Ain't no mo' you, ain't no mo' me
It's only us but no unity
Got yo' eyes open still can't see
Yo' soul is priceless but you'll die for free
Seek and you'll find but we gon' stay lost until...
One Million Niggas Inside this frame of mind
Cee-lo Greene

Stokely Carmichael Speaks at the "Free Huey Newton" Rally Parts 1,2, and 4

Today's Black History video of the day comes from one of my personal heroes, Kwame Toure better known as Stokely Carmichael. If you don't know the history of this man, please do some reading. He was a driving force in the SNCC as well as becoming the Honorary Prime Minister of the Black Panther Party. Kwame Toure was the man behind the phrase "Black Power". In the later stages of his life, he became involved in Black Nationalist and Pan-Africanist movements. I studied this man back and forth and was honored to meet one of his good friends and comrades in the struggle, Professor Ekwueme Michael Thelwell. Professor Thelwell worked on the masterful book Ready For Revolution, which I just so happen to have an autographed copy of. These speeches were presented at the "Free Huey" rally in Oakland, CA on February 17, 1968. This is supposed to be a 7 part series, but parts 3 and 7 are not working. I will post the videos over the next couple of days.

The Purpose Restated....

One of my friends told me that she was having a hard time following the direction of my blog. My blog has no direction, it goes left, right, up, and down, inside and outside, it has no bounds. The intention is to touch on a very broad range of subjects. I don't think that is possible when you use constraints. This blog is an educational tool, as well as a discussion forum. As I stated in my first post, this is not a politically correct site. Sensitive topics will be discussed, such as: religion politics, the downtrodden educational system, family, community, racism, discrimination, etc. Together maybe we can come up with some solutions to some of the problems that will plague future generations. This being Black History month, I have focused predominantly on leaders of the past, because it is definitely very important to know the struggles of past generations. After Black History month, we will begin to delve into many other issues.

Peace.....

The Secrets of the Federal Reserve

I am an adamant believer that the Federal Reserve Act signed into law by Woodrow Wilson on December 23, 1913 sought to destroy not only the United States, but the entire world. Being a private entity not bound by any governmental laws, the Federal Reserve has the sole right to print money. In other words, the government has to ask the Federal Reserve for money, the government can't supply it themselves. This issue is quite complicated, which of course is their goal. In order to truly understand the trickery which is the Federal Reserve system people should read Eustance Mullins' book Secrets of the Federal Reserve. One of my homeboy's found this intriguing cartoon, courtesy of livefreerevolution. It outlines how the Federal Reserve came into effect and now has total control of our lives through a process called, "monetizing debt." Check it out.....

Monetizing Debt????

Sam Cooke: A Change Is Gonna Come

Today's Black History song of the day is "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. This is one of the most important, songs ever created by a Black musician. Inspired by the injustices of the Civil Rights era, Mr. Cooke delved deep within himself and produced what would become the anthem for Black people in a time of gross negligence. 

Malcolm X: Ballot or the Bullet (The Real Vote or Die Campaign)

Today's Black History video of the day is Malcolm X's Ballot or the Bullet. This speech given by Malcolm X on April 3, 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio provides a very powerful message. Having just recently broken ties with the Nation of Islam, Malcolm's speech signifies ideologies contrary to the Nation. The Nation of Islam was undoubtedly against it's members being involved in political affairs, thus, this speech also symbolizes Malcolm's complete separation from the Nation. The theme of the speech was simple yet poignant; Black Americans must exercise their right to vote, but if the ends don't justify the means, Black people may very well have to resort to the use of violence. Ballot or the Bullet was ranked number 7 of the top 100 speeches of the 20th century by a group of 137 leading scholars of American public address.
"I'm nonviolent with those who are nonviolent with me. But when you drop that violence on me, then you've made me go insane, and I'm not responsible for what I do. And that's the way every Negro should get. Any time you know you're within the law, within your legal rights, within your moral rights, in accord with justice, then die for what you believe in. But don't die alone. Let your dying be reciprocal. This is what is meant by equality. What's good for the goose is good for the gander." Malcolm X

Someday by the Legendary Scarface

Today I feel spiritual, and this song always makes me feel good. I don't consider myself a Christian, Muslim, Agnostic, Buddhist, Atheist or follower of any religion. But, I do have a firm belief in GOD. I think this song has a great message whether you are religious or not. Today's Black History song of the day is Someday by the great lyricist Scarface off of his 2002  album The Fix. "Some say a man is lost without a prayer, without a song."

Dr. Frances Cress Welsing: The Isis Papers Parts 10-11

This is the finale in The Isis Papers lecture by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. Today parts 10-11 will be presented.

It's Your World/Real People by Common Sense

I couldn't make a decision about which Common cut to use for the Black History song of the day. So, I decided to go with both. These are two powerful songs right here. It's Your World and Real People both give an outline of Black life along with the struggles and obstacles set in our paths as Black men and Black women. These songs come from Common's most important album BE, released in 2005.

It's Your World (Parts 1 and 2)

Real People

The Isis Papers lecture parts 7-9 by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

Ok, we are nearing the end of this series. I think Dr. Welsing proposes an intricate theory about global racism. Sometimes we fail to realize why theories like these arise. I'm not quite sure, but I'm adamant in my belief that people of color did not invent racism and the inferiority complex, but as a means to combat it suppositions such as these are formed. Today's Black History videos are parts 7-9 of Dr. Frances Cress Welsing's The Isis Papers lecture.

De La Soul: Stakes is High

Today's Black History song of the day is De La Soul's Stakes is High off of their 1996 album of the same name. These days more than ever, the stakes are high.

The Isis Papers lecture parts 4-6 by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

These are parts 4-6 of The Isis Papers lecture by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. They are today's Black History videos.

Whatever Happened to Save the Babies? Higher Educational Funding is About to be Cut by 89 Billion.....

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-14/higher-education-funding-cut-by-89-billion-over-10-years-in-obama-budget.html

Really, so this is what it is coming to. First, the catastrophic No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 pretty much destroyed inner-city schools across the nation by depleting the funding that so many schools need and rely upon. And now President Elect Barack Obama plans on cutting educational funding by 89 billion dollars over the next ten years. All of this after the President stressed the desire for the U.S.A. to lead the world in college graduates by the year 2020. We're not talking about reducing the spending on war over the next ten years, are you crazy, that would be immoral. How dare we even propose that, so let's take it away from what they need most, yes the peoples' education. All I can see are the two scientists in that Guinness commercial yelling "Brilliant". You know what, I think it is time to get it cracking like over there in London. Read the article and watch the video.....

Lupe Fiasco: Words I Never Said

This is a contemporary Black History song of the day. I must say that Lupe Fiasco presents one of the most poignant depictions of American society today. This record is from his upcoming album Lasers which drops March 8th, go out and support real artists who stand for something.

Dr. Frances Cress Welsing: The Isis Papers

For the Black History video of today, I would like to present The Isis Papers lecture by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. Dr. Welsing is a psychiatrist who has written and spoken extensively about the white supremacist power structure. I didn't post this to offend anyone who may watch these videos who are not Black, or to offend any Black people who may not agree with the content. It is just a theory, such as Darwin's theory of evolution. This is an 11 part series, so I will post 3 videos at a time over a period of 3-4 days.
                                                                           

  

                                                                               

Black History Song of the Day: Marvin Gaye- What's Going On

This is perhaps Marvin Gaye's most profound work. Rarely being involved in the songwriting process, Marvin was inspired to participate. This is due to the letters he received from his brother as well as the stories his brother told him upon his return from the Vietnam War. So I ask, since the beginning of the war on terror, with all of the perform for the troops concerts we hear about, why aren't there more songs and albums in the same vein? If you have never heard or listened to Marvin's 1971 album What's Going On please do. It is a conceptual album (the first of it's kind from a soul musician) that takes you on a ride with a Vietnam War veteran. Upon the soldier's return to the U.S.A. he sees injustice, poverty, grief, hatred and violence. Marvin had this to say about the album in an article with Rolling Stone Magazine:

"In 1969 or 1970, I began to re-evaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say... I was very much affected by letters my brother was sending me from Vietnam, as well as the social situation here at home. I realized that I had to put my own fantasies behind me if I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world."

Dr. Maya Angelou and the Power of Words

This is an interesting interview with Maya Angelou on Night Talk with Mike Schneider that I'm posting as the Black History video of the day. It was in honor of the release of her book "Letter to my Daughter." Dr. Angelou is an inspiration to women and men of all backgrounds. As she says, "I have daughters of every persuasion." So, this is for all women, be proud, be strong, and believe.

Gil Scott-Heron: Save the Children

Here is today's Black History song of the day, Gil Scott-Heron's Save the Children from his 1971 debut studio album Pieces of a Man. "We've got to do something to save the children, soon it will be their chance to try and save the world."

They Came Before Columbus Part 5

This is the fifth and final installment of Dr. Ivan Van Sertima's lecture; They Came Before Columbus. If you don't know who the Doc is read about him. He has written some great books, check some of them out here: http://www.africawithin.com/vansertima/vansertima_books.htm

It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

I was scrolling through my ipod and I came across Public Enemy's seminal album released in 1988, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. I thought about the irony in the title. If you are a true fan of Hip-Hop then you are familiar with PE and their message. PE's frontman Chuck D was full of Black rhetoric. As a people we have often been perceived as being our own worst enemies, or as the old adage goes crabs in a bucket. So I pose this question; have we held ourselves back as a people? In a familial, educational, communal, and economical sense: have we surrendered? The irony in the title is that true indeed it does take a nation of millions to hold us back; but was it our own doing?

Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos: From PE's 1988 album It Takes a Nation of Millions......

2PAC: Never Call You Bitch Again

Black History Song of the Day: Never Call You Bitch Again. "I found a partner and a rider a woman and friend. I swear I'll never  call you bitch again." For all my beautiful and strong Black women out there.

They Came Before Columbus Part 4

                    This is the fourth part of a five part series.

This Is No Johnny Depp Movie

So, I had a discussion with a European about the Somali piracy issue. For some reason people seem to think that this is just a one-sided affair, actually it is lopsided. I swear ignorance is bliss, it allows you to speculate and insinuate about topics, because you don't fully understand and comprehend why such things occur. Honestly I have no idea how we even got on the subject, because when I am hanging out in a bar, I'm usually focused on the aesthetic surroundings. Yet, I let myself get baited into this nonsense when I knew full-well that he had the slightest clue what he was talking about. The crimes of humanity against the Somalian people date back to the early 1990's when the nation's government collapsed. It is common knowledge that the pirates have indeed taken innocent people hostage and the piracy has produced casualties. Yes, the pirates "now" see dollar signs when they patrol the seas in search of these massive tankers. These pejoratives are what the majority of the world sees on the surface. It's like those buildings that you pass by on your way to work. You can see the foundation that they are built upon, but what lies beneath could be hoards of dead bodies. Such is the case with Somali Piracy. In order to put things in some form of perspective, I'm going to post a few links. Read these articles I implore you, before you write off the Somali people as gangsters without a cause. Please watch the two videos posted as well. "Anytime Brothers can't get jobs then they rob. A man rather die than live on his knees and starve". Word to Nasir Jones.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article418665.ece

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_09/Jan/Waldo/08_The_two_piracies_in_Somalia.html

http://rebelreports.com/post/94198014/putting-todays-pirate-attack-in-context#

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2008/10/2008109174223218644.html#

http://www.somaliawatch.org/archive/990829501.htm

Black History Song of the Day: Africa Unite by The Great Bob Marley

How good and how pleasant it would be before GOD and man to see the unification of all Africans. We are the children of the HIGHER MAN.

They Came Before Columbus Part 3

The third installment of this series. The Doc is giving us our history back.

A New World Order

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html

Predictions have been made before about the split and falling of nations, such as French political scientist Emmanuel Todd forecasting the demise of the Soviet Union 15 years before its fall. So, we must entertain the notion that the same may some day happen to the mighty U.S.A. I think we sometimes fail to realize that America is a debtor nation. The deficit is in the trillions. Many of the states of the U.S. were once territories owned by other countries. So, it may not be so far fetched to think that these states can eventually be sold off to decrease the deficit. Think about it like this; if you loaned a thousand dollars to an acquaintance do you some day expect to collect on that debt, or do you chalk it up to an act of goodwill?

Public Enemy Fight The Power

This is classic material right here. Chuck D. is definitely one of the greatest Hip-Hop artists of all-time. This is the Black History song of the day.

Dr. Ivan Van Sertima: They Came Before Columbus Pt. 2

This is part 2 of the lecture by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima entitled "They Came Before Columbus". I believe that it is imperative that we know and understand true history. Part of the problem between the many ethnicities around the world is that true history has been destroyed. This great destruction has led to the master race and inferiority paradigms that have long existed. History must be reconstructed.