Songs of Protest and Inspiration performed by Nina Simone.

 The High Priestess of Soul was one talented Lady. I haven't seen many artists that can capture an audience and move them in any direction they desire from one second to the next.

I believe she did this not by design but by allowing those sharing the moment with her, into her innermost intimate place and just being herself, which is why she always seemed so vulnerable. This condition of vulnerability coupled with the nature of these following pieces make for some spectacularly moving performances. Hang on to your hearts.
W.P.


Nina Simone - Revolution & Strange Fruit


Nina Simone - Mississippi Goddam


Nina Simone - Blackbird


Nina Simone: Go To Hell


Nina Simone - I Shall Be Released


Nina Simone: Four Women


Nina Simone: Take Me To The Water


Nina Simone: To Be Young, Gifted and Black

Americans consider Frederick Douglass's words

The following recording is an example of the kind of effort that will be necessary for Americans to begin racial healing. It's good to see that some folks are making the attempt and we can all follow their example.

Frederick Douglass

VHC, Reading: Frederick Douglass, The 4th of July
by KATV

I'm going with Sister Souljah again. Her message is never stale.

Make the time to listen to what the sister says, then teach it.

Cointelpro tactics that need to be examined.

Freedom is as freedom does. Take a long look at America's so-called leaders.

Some Truth About The Black Panthers

R.I.P. Marvin Gaye "April 1, 1984"

Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.; April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984 
African American singer, songwriter and musician. Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records, first as an in house session player in the 1960s and later as a solo artist with a string of hits, including How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) and I Heard It Through the Grapevine, and duet recordings with Mary Wells, Kim Weston and Tammi Terrell, later earning the titles Prince of Motown and Prince of Soul.

AFTER TRAYVON: Black Boys Speak. A video

A public discussion among  9 Black and Latino boys ages 10-17. These young fellas share their feelings and their impressions very well.  Guided by moderator Kevin Powell they talk about their concerns on racism, stereotyping, stop and search, unity, education and more. This video was shot shortly before the arrest of George Zimmerman. I reccommend watching the entire video for an intimate look into the thoughts of these youngsters.

I hope this will inspire more of us to encourage and empower our young people to speak their minds, using whatever tools are available to us.

Watch Who This Cop Picks To Eject From The Park

He wasn't sitting up straight enough. Give me an effen break. You might not call it racism but I sure would. After watching this video for the third time, I have decided that sergeant Lee has committed a grievous assault on this young man's dignity. Having witnessed this cowardly act, it is readily apparent to me that this wimp like many others, has no business in a position of authority. This was much the same way that Eric Garner was approached, for something that could have been left alone. By forcing these degrading confrontations on people who are minding their own business, the police always give themselves the opportunity escalate a situation which was nothing in the first place, to one where their victim ends up in trouble or worse seriously injured.

A look at Fred Hampton (August 30, 1948 – December 4, 1969)

Craig Hall and Vernon Martin producers of "RAISE YOUR SELF IMAGE"
Dedicated their 4th program

(February 10, 2011) to Fred Hampton, leader of the Chicago chapter of Black Panther Party for Self Defense
They present a segment of Eyes on the Prize that discusses Fred Hampton. While the program is not long enough to present the entire program, there should be enough to stimulate people to search for more info on this dynamic young African American who gave his life trying to improve the circumstances of his community.

#BlackLivesMatter

Let Ferguson Remind Us To Revisit The...

National Black Litany (I Am Somebody) From Wattstax 1972

40 Years ago things weren't so different, the people knew knew what time was though.
We all know that Ferguson is, Fruitvale, is Sanford, is Cleveland etc, etc.

LBJ and J. Edgar Hoover discussing Mississippi Civil Rights Workers' Murders (1964)

This is a very interesting communication between the president and the head of the FBI. I don't know if I believe the part about the local authorities cooperating with the federal agents. Notice how FBI director Hoover assumes right away that the young men have been killed. After that he tries to say it's  possible that the rights workers faked their own abduction.