Originally published June 2020: Trump and Xi Play the Race Card? The U.S.A. under Donald Trump is devolving into becoming modernity’s global symbol of racial and ethnic oppression, with China in close contention for its economic foothold in Africa and flagrant maltreatment of African emigres and expatriates in China’s provinces. Thus, something of a 21st Century… Continue Reading
Originally published June 2020: Black Boys Fear for Their Lives and Dreams Deferred in America! A friend who lives here in NYC recently posted this screenshot of his 14-year-old son’s messages to his 14-year-old friend on social media. The text in blue is the message of my friend’s son. This is an important insight into the… Continue Reading
Originally published May 2020: Ida B. Wells and Otelia Champion: A Legacy of Black Women who Spoke Truth to Power After the riots of the 1960s, the Kerner Commission Report concluded that America would become two separate, unequal nations unless systemic policy changes were made. I had to attend an HBCU to more fully understand that… Continue Reading
Originally published April 2020: Covid-19 Over-Kill Like many of you, I’m feeling the news coverage tracking Covid-19 information essential and much needed but oppressive at times. The intensity of life and death struggles played out visually in real-time can be emotionally draining – so many heart-wrenching personal narratives wreaking havoc on our stress levels. Yet,… Continue Reading
Originally published April 2020: Alex Layne – Harlem Jazz Icon Alex Layne has died on April 1 2020 from complications of Corona Virus, as confirmed by his son Terence Layne and close friends, the musicians George Braith and Kiane Zawadi. My musical association with the veteran bassist spans over a quarter of a century in Harlem. Alex… Continue Reading
Originally published March 2020: The Musicians Gig Economy and Equity Click here for a must-read for Musicians! It’s time for solidarity around equity and fairness for Jazz musicians and artists. The present void in live music and our cultural reliance on electronic digital music streams evinces the need for empowering musicians as the valuable commodities they are.… Continue Reading
Originally published March 2020: Richie Rogers, Renaissance Man Who Made a Difference R.I.P., Richie Rogers, whose Memorial Service was held at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene (the relevant section is three-quarters of the way through the video). The story of Richie’s incredible journey is one of profound spiritual meaning. He used his own personal set-backs and… Continue Reading
Originally published March 2020: Traveling While Black: The Quest for Racial Justice Recently Ray Blue, an internationally renowned jazz saxophonist, posted a comment on his Facebook page that caught my attention. I’ve known Ray for over 20 years and he also happens to be featured on my latest album. In temperament, he is typically unflappable and… Continue Reading
Originally published February 2020: The Legacy of W.E.B. Dubois Dr. W.E.B. Dubois’ legacy as scholar and public intellectual has stood for well over a century. His sociological research, books, and writings on historic African civilization’s intersection with white colonialism and the forces that shape African American culture, socioeconomic status, and well being are foundational to understanding race… Continue Reading
Originally published February 2020: “Naima” with Special Guest Harold Mabern I recorded the John Coltrane classic, “Naima,”with Harold Mabern as my Special Guest Artist on my last CD, Dennis Llewellyn Day – Bossa, Blues, & Ballads. It was a memorable session on many levels for me. At one point “Mabes” made it a teachable moment by reminding… Continue Reading