This piece is written from a place of pure nostalgia. Oftentimes when we speak about the past, we tend to overemphasize the positives while downplaying the negative. We do it about the 60s, the Panthers and sometimes, music.
I tend to pick the 1970s as the pinnacle for music. I myself was never there to experience it firsthand, being born in 78', so most of this recollection is based on what I been able to listen to as an adult. But that's not what this is about. Over the past couple decades, we've witnessed the decline in Black musicianship. While alternative and rock bands continue to crop up, littering the airwaves and MTV, we can count the number of Black counterparts on one hand.
Our musical history is rich and filled with many great Black musicians. From Duke Ellington to Robert Johnson to the greats of jazz, there have been hundreds of great guitar players, drummers and instrumentalists who were Black. In the 60s, the 'Motown Sound' was a product of the innovative Funk Brothers, who created most of the rhythms that created the canvass for the early Motown artists to paint their masterpieces. This continues well into the 70s with Parliament, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire to name a few. Huge funk parades, with unbelievable horn sections were easily translated into great live shows. Back then, even those who weren't lead singers who given the spotlight to shine. Bootsy Collins, Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire), and Fred Wesley became household names in their own right.
Call it the evolution of music, but with the ability to recreate all instruments in the studio, is there a need for live musicians except for the tour? Thankfully what we call neo-Soul is still dependent on actual musicians and their shows rarely miss a beat live. Ironically, if there would be an emergence of all-Black band, I doubt they would be embraced. My generation and those after me tend to equate guitars (electric, that is) with strictly rock n roll and to us, that means "white". The rise of the DJ and Hip Hop have done a lot to change the view on instruments. Even R&B suffered from this obsession with slick, hip hop-type beats as opposed to the methodical sound of instruments. Plus, like I stated, any instrument can be created by the engineer, which saves money and the trouble of dealing with a multitude of musicians.
Could it also be related to the Black church? In the past, many Black musicians cut their teeth playing in their churches where they were given time to perfect their craft. It is clear that this isn't quite the case anymore. I could be wrong, but besides the Roots, I haven't seen a band with all the elements of the past groups. With music programs almost non-existent in inner city schools (or most public schools for that matter), there doesn't seem to be any chance in reversing this trend. Unfortunate it is, as a major part of our musical history is being lost.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Other People's Kids
There used to be a time when parents were parents and kids were kids. Each had their own defined role which basically boiled down to this: parents spoke, kids listened. Not in all cases, but definitely in the public setting where the parent was at risk of being embarrassed amongst their peers.
The nature of my job means I come in contact with youth almost on a daily basis, albeit, indirectly (the day-to-day interaction is left up to my staff). Its a good thing too, because sometimes I feel the uncontrollable urge to tell a kid off for backtalk. I could not recall growing up thinking it was okay to swear around adults; it was something you just didn't do. When adults were around, the language was cleaned up and manners were usually observed. I can't tell you how many times I've been around youth and heard them use every expletive in the book, not to mention our favorite word, nigga.
Other people's kids...
I know with my child, I'm able to give her lessons on manners and how to act in different settings. I will be able to help her navigate different environments and give her proper discipline that will benefit her in the long run. It is my opinion that many parents simply don't want to be parents in the long run. The Learning Centers at my job have turned into day care centers for latch-key kids whose parents either are working or have pushed them out the door, not to be bothered. So they come to us with the lessons (or lack thereof) from their parents: indiscipline and disinterest. And we're expected to break this cycle?
The best I've seen for re-teaching youth is in environments where they are able to be given positive reinforcement on a daily basis (e.g. a teacher who shows true interest). These are the unsung heroes that are able to give certain lessons not given by one's own biological parent.
Until then, they'll just be other people's kids...
The nature of my job means I come in contact with youth almost on a daily basis, albeit, indirectly (the day-to-day interaction is left up to my staff). Its a good thing too, because sometimes I feel the uncontrollable urge to tell a kid off for backtalk. I could not recall growing up thinking it was okay to swear around adults; it was something you just didn't do. When adults were around, the language was cleaned up and manners were usually observed. I can't tell you how many times I've been around youth and heard them use every expletive in the book, not to mention our favorite word, nigga.
Other people's kids...
I know with my child, I'm able to give her lessons on manners and how to act in different settings. I will be able to help her navigate different environments and give her proper discipline that will benefit her in the long run. It is my opinion that many parents simply don't want to be parents in the long run. The Learning Centers at my job have turned into day care centers for latch-key kids whose parents either are working or have pushed them out the door, not to be bothered. So they come to us with the lessons (or lack thereof) from their parents: indiscipline and disinterest. And we're expected to break this cycle?
The best I've seen for re-teaching youth is in environments where they are able to be given positive reinforcement on a daily basis (e.g. a teacher who shows true interest). These are the unsung heroes that are able to give certain lessons not given by one's own biological parent.
Until then, they'll just be other people's kids...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Story of Oakland
For the past four months, the city of Oakland has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Only months after the killing of Oscar Grant by a BART police officer on New Year's Day, just yesterday three police officers and a suspect were killed in a shootout. For a city still reeling from the Grant shooting and the protests that followed, this is more bad news the city does not need.
The city has experienced many highs and lows over the past 60 years. Known as the less glamorous of the two major cities in the Bay Area, Oakland has often played little brother to progressive, stylish San Francisco. Many Black people emigrated to the city from the South seeking work in the shipyards and service industries and were attracted to Oakland's opportunity for growth. As with other major cities in the 1950s and 60s, the relationship between the Black citizens of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department were tenuous at best. Routine harassment and unlawful arrests were commonplace from an openly-racist 'protector of the people'.
Enter the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, an organization built around protection and community self-determination founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. The Panthers were in direct opposition to the police department and the elected officials in Oakland, but were a welcome change to the only people they sought to please: Oakland residents. I find it ironic, but not to surprising that the Panthers are known more for their "violence" when in fact, 9 times out of 10, they were the victims of brutality from law enforcement. The people of Oakland remember the Panthers for feeding their children, setting up medical clinics and running youth programs that taught Black History. For many, Oakland and the Black Panther Party are synonymous.
So the question is ultimately asked...what happened? What happened to all the progressive advances made by the Panthers and the citizens of Oakland? A couple of factors can be considered. First, in-fighting amongst the Panthers in combination with the increasing influence of drugs ultimately crippled the party. The increasingly detached Newton became disillusioned with the Panther and was eventually killed in 1989. As the Panthers influenced decreased, the influence of the drug trade did the opposite. This in combination with the massive loss of staple industry jobs, the cutback of social programs and a deteriorating educational system became a serious obstacle for Black citizens of Oakland. Even the election of a progressive-minded mayor like Ron Dellums (who served as Mayor from 1971-88), did little to stem the increase in violence that made Oakland one of the more notorious homicide cities in the country.
Modern-day Oakland still has remnants of its glorious past (one of my favorites happens to be Marcus Books on MLK blvd), but has been known more for its violence. This is unfortunate for a city that has citizens with many talents. Despite its trials, the city has produced many musicians, scholars and athletes who still look back at their hometown with fond memories. As it stands now, the issue continues to be Black-on-Black crime, prison recidivism, and a crumbling infrastructure.
Now adding to this powder-keg are three murdered cops. Because of how society and public opinion works, the murder of Oscar Grant will undoubtedly be forgotten in comparison to law enforcement officers being killed. The tension between the main protagonists, the OPD and the citizens of Oakland will no doubt increase as each look across at each other with suspicious thoughts.
Article on the latest incident
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090322/ap_on_re_us/police_shot_ca
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Move Over Denzel
(inspired by the Black Expo)
I make it an effort to go to the Black Expo every year here in Sacramento. This is a weekend filled with events and vendors during the end of Black History Month. Depending on what year you attend, you can find vendors who are disinterested or non-existant, or like last year, more vendors and local businesses eager to give you their pitch.
This year's unofficial theme was all things Obama. Not surprised because his ascension to the White House has sparked a never-before-seen enthusiasm in the Black community. This is completely understandable and I fully expected the Black Expo to follow this trend. I was particularly intrigued by a painting being sold by one vendor. The Mount Rushmore-esque painting showed Fredrick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Obama side by side, all with dignified poses. As I questioned the validity of having Obama join these luminaries this early in his administration, I was immediately rebuked by the vendor and the friend I was with (both female). Their arguments for his placement in this "hall of fame" were legit, but I still held onto my viewpoint that it was too early for the man to be included amongst the other two.
This brings me back to my main point about the adulation that many have with our new President. I've noticed more in Black women than most, this sort of "Barack-can-do-no-wrong" theory. Never did I think that Denzel Washington would be replaced atop his mantle as "Soul Brother #1" in the hearts of Black women; but Barack has temporarily knocked him out the box. The reasons for this are pretty clear. Firstly, he is a Black man. Although bi-racial in reality, Barack himself acknowledges that he is viewed by society as a Black man. He has, by his side, an intelligent and beautiful Black woman in Michelle and two beautiful Black children. On the surface, this is a Black family worth emulating: good-looking, intelligent and successful. For all these reasons, Barack is worthy of praise.
Unfortunately, he is the President of the entire country, not just Black America. Most of his policy decisions, from Iraq/Afghanistan to the failing economy will not be made with Black America in mind. Let's be clear, Barack is more Douglas Wilder (the first Black governor of Virginia) than Malcolm X or Dr. King. His politics are that of a centrist, much like his Democratic predecessor, Bill Clinton. What makes Barack different than most in his position (Presidents that is), is that he has direct experience working amongst the forgotten. That in itself is a welcome change from presidents past. Although both him and Michelle are Ivy League graduates, they have an understanding for the inner city with strong ties to Chicago.
As Black Americans with a clear understanding of politics and history, we must not be afraid to offer constructive criticism. Yes, what Barack has accomplished is historical and great, but nonetheless, he is not above criticism. We must not become so enamored that we fail to see policies and instead just see the man. We've come to a point where we have to be completely honest with ourselves.
I make it an effort to go to the Black Expo every year here in Sacramento. This is a weekend filled with events and vendors during the end of Black History Month. Depending on what year you attend, you can find vendors who are disinterested or non-existant, or like last year, more vendors and local businesses eager to give you their pitch.
This year's unofficial theme was all things Obama. Not surprised because his ascension to the White House has sparked a never-before-seen enthusiasm in the Black community. This is completely understandable and I fully expected the Black Expo to follow this trend. I was particularly intrigued by a painting being sold by one vendor. The Mount Rushmore-esque painting showed Fredrick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Obama side by side, all with dignified poses. As I questioned the validity of having Obama join these luminaries this early in his administration, I was immediately rebuked by the vendor and the friend I was with (both female). Their arguments for his placement in this "hall of fame" were legit, but I still held onto my viewpoint that it was too early for the man to be included amongst the other two.
This brings me back to my main point about the adulation that many have with our new President. I've noticed more in Black women than most, this sort of "Barack-can-do-no-wrong" theory. Never did I think that Denzel Washington would be replaced atop his mantle as "Soul Brother #1" in the hearts of Black women; but Barack has temporarily knocked him out the box. The reasons for this are pretty clear. Firstly, he is a Black man. Although bi-racial in reality, Barack himself acknowledges that he is viewed by society as a Black man. He has, by his side, an intelligent and beautiful Black woman in Michelle and two beautiful Black children. On the surface, this is a Black family worth emulating: good-looking, intelligent and successful. For all these reasons, Barack is worthy of praise.
Unfortunately, he is the President of the entire country, not just Black America. Most of his policy decisions, from Iraq/Afghanistan to the failing economy will not be made with Black America in mind. Let's be clear, Barack is more Douglas Wilder (the first Black governor of Virginia) than Malcolm X or Dr. King. His politics are that of a centrist, much like his Democratic predecessor, Bill Clinton. What makes Barack different than most in his position (Presidents that is), is that he has direct experience working amongst the forgotten. That in itself is a welcome change from presidents past. Although both him and Michelle are Ivy League graduates, they have an understanding for the inner city with strong ties to Chicago.
As Black Americans with a clear understanding of politics and history, we must not be afraid to offer constructive criticism. Yes, what Barack has accomplished is historical and great, but nonetheless, he is not above criticism. We must not become so enamored that we fail to see policies and instead just see the man. We've come to a point where we have to be completely honest with ourselves.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Problem with Patience (also known as Karma's revenge)
(Inspired by the "ex's")
Before, when I was in a relationship, I would do some type of self-sabotage. Cheating, disinterest were the tactics of choice in activities that were purely selfish. Couldn't quite understand why it was I would choose this route as opposed to just realizing that I wasn't ready to commit.
Now I'm at a point where I want to be in a relationship and of course, as it always seems to be, I cannot find a situation that fits my aspirations. One girl has put me in the 'friend-zone' (an ego blow at the least), while others don't quite measure up to my sometimes unrealistic expectations.
I call it Karma's Revenge.
So now I'm at a point where being patient is an internal conflict that goes on in my mind and heart. Do you wait for someone who you feel is worth it? Or chalk it up as a loss and move on. The irony is almost comical because the situation used to be reversed. Others have waited for me to come to my senses; by the time it took place it was too late. I've come to realize that sometimes it not something wrong with me or the 'other', but the timing is what makes it all wrong. No matter how one goes about self-improvement to make themselves more desirable, it doesn't necessarily translate to being more appealing. It's a harsh reality.
Solution? Maybe there is none, especially in my particular case. But then again, this might be a product of late-night trippin'. Who knows right now, but tomorrow is a different day.
Before, when I was in a relationship, I would do some type of self-sabotage. Cheating, disinterest were the tactics of choice in activities that were purely selfish. Couldn't quite understand why it was I would choose this route as opposed to just realizing that I wasn't ready to commit.
Now I'm at a point where I want to be in a relationship and of course, as it always seems to be, I cannot find a situation that fits my aspirations. One girl has put me in the 'friend-zone' (an ego blow at the least), while others don't quite measure up to my sometimes unrealistic expectations.
I call it Karma's Revenge.
So now I'm at a point where being patient is an internal conflict that goes on in my mind and heart. Do you wait for someone who you feel is worth it? Or chalk it up as a loss and move on. The irony is almost comical because the situation used to be reversed. Others have waited for me to come to my senses; by the time it took place it was too late. I've come to realize that sometimes it not something wrong with me or the 'other', but the timing is what makes it all wrong. No matter how one goes about self-improvement to make themselves more desirable, it doesn't necessarily translate to being more appealing. It's a harsh reality.
Solution? Maybe there is none, especially in my particular case. But then again, this might be a product of late-night trippin'. Who knows right now, but tomorrow is a different day.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
"Damaged Goods"
(inspired by Sanaa Lathan & Rod-zilla)
One of my favorite actresses, Sanaa Lathan played the role of a successful, intelligent Black woman who found herself in an interracial relationship in the movie Something New. Although I never saw the movie all the way through, it wasn't hard to guess the plot:
Hard-working and successful Black woman works her way up the corporate ladder only to find herself without many options in the dating arena. Fed up with trifling brothas with their babymommas and selfish ways, she finds "something new", in the form of a white man.
The movie in tandem with the segment on CNN's "Black in America" which spoke to the dwindling hopes many Black women feel about their chances to get married, has raised a couple of interesting scenarios not seen before in Black America. Is the eligible Black man to Black woman ratio so lopsided that Black women feel the need to date outside their race for the first time ever? Or is still a phenomenon that has been exaggerrated by sistas at the salon or brothas at the barbershop. For years, Black men have crossed the color line in search of a mate. White women, and other women of color have been chosen, while some sistas fumed. It has to be somewhat of a self-esteem blow for a women who in her mind, has all the tools to be somebody's wife. Before I let my cape get too tight, let me explain that I've let a couple of these wife-like women get away myself.
In speaking to one of my brothas who takes exception with women who choose to lay with the "slave-master" (his term), I had to let him know that lately, we haven't been the most husband-like brothas. Knowing women that I consider friends choose to be in relationships with men who are not Black, its hard to pass judgement on those who you respect. Are they "damaged goods" or is it a case of being treated better? This is not to say all the problems lie on our laps as Black men. There are plenty of good brothas who are single, not by choice, but because some women choose to look the other way because of what the last brotha did. The sad truth is some women fail to look internally to try to find the answers to their questions. A woman who on the surface has all the tools, may have enough baggage to scare any man away, regardless of race. And of course, the opposite is true.
But its not all doom and gloom. If nothing else, the elevation of Barack and Michelle Obama in the hearts and minds of Black America, has brought back the concept and reality of Black love.
One of my favorite actresses, Sanaa Lathan played the role of a successful, intelligent Black woman who found herself in an interracial relationship in the movie Something New. Although I never saw the movie all the way through, it wasn't hard to guess the plot:
Hard-working and successful Black woman works her way up the corporate ladder only to find herself without many options in the dating arena. Fed up with trifling brothas with their babymommas and selfish ways, she finds "something new", in the form of a white man.
The movie in tandem with the segment on CNN's "Black in America" which spoke to the dwindling hopes many Black women feel about their chances to get married, has raised a couple of interesting scenarios not seen before in Black America. Is the eligible Black man to Black woman ratio so lopsided that Black women feel the need to date outside their race for the first time ever? Or is still a phenomenon that has been exaggerrated by sistas at the salon or brothas at the barbershop. For years, Black men have crossed the color line in search of a mate. White women, and other women of color have been chosen, while some sistas fumed. It has to be somewhat of a self-esteem blow for a women who in her mind, has all the tools to be somebody's wife. Before I let my cape get too tight, let me explain that I've let a couple of these wife-like women get away myself.
In speaking to one of my brothas who takes exception with women who choose to lay with the "slave-master" (his term), I had to let him know that lately, we haven't been the most husband-like brothas. Knowing women that I consider friends choose to be in relationships with men who are not Black, its hard to pass judgement on those who you respect. Are they "damaged goods" or is it a case of being treated better? This is not to say all the problems lie on our laps as Black men. There are plenty of good brothas who are single, not by choice, but because some women choose to look the other way because of what the last brotha did. The sad truth is some women fail to look internally to try to find the answers to their questions. A woman who on the surface has all the tools, may have enough baggage to scare any man away, regardless of race. And of course, the opposite is true.
But its not all doom and gloom. If nothing else, the elevation of Barack and Michelle Obama in the hearts and minds of Black America, has brought back the concept and reality of Black love.
What is Soul-liloquy?
The person who gave us the phrase, "The pen is mightier than the sword" must have never had experienced the pain of a bullet. Although words have a powerful influence in modern society, its just not enough to change the balance of power. That being said, the purpose of this blog is to bring a different perspective to the table.
We all have various opinions on a host of topics, but rarely do we record our thoughts and ideas: this is the opportunity to capture mine. A lot has changed in Black America since the year of my birth, 1978. Back then, our president was a southerner named Jimmy Carter who had a way of speaking to Black America that seemed honest and practical (of course Clinton wasn't the first!). The dream of an equal America was faced with a troubling reality: some ten years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Black America was still struggling to make ends meet. 30 years later, some things have changed and some have remained.
Poverty, racism, familial conflict still exist in great numbers in our inner cities. We have distrust between Black men and women, we have the indirect neglect of our children and an educational system that has continued to fail us.
But all is not lost. We have made inroads in corporate America, we now have more millionaires than we ever did before and we are able to look to a number of role models in many facets of society. This blog serves to highlight our successes and attempt to explain our failures. From explaining why some sistas don't like interracial dating to understanding the beauty of Neo-Soul, these are merely thoughts laid out for all to see and critique..
The saga continues.
We all have various opinions on a host of topics, but rarely do we record our thoughts and ideas: this is the opportunity to capture mine. A lot has changed in Black America since the year of my birth, 1978. Back then, our president was a southerner named Jimmy Carter who had a way of speaking to Black America that seemed honest and practical (of course Clinton wasn't the first!). The dream of an equal America was faced with a troubling reality: some ten years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Black America was still struggling to make ends meet. 30 years later, some things have changed and some have remained.
Poverty, racism, familial conflict still exist in great numbers in our inner cities. We have distrust between Black men and women, we have the indirect neglect of our children and an educational system that has continued to fail us.
But all is not lost. We have made inroads in corporate America, we now have more millionaires than we ever did before and we are able to look to a number of role models in many facets of society. This blog serves to highlight our successes and attempt to explain our failures. From explaining why some sistas don't like interracial dating to understanding the beauty of Neo-Soul, these are merely thoughts laid out for all to see and critique..
The saga continues.
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