Links to Excellence - Remembering Curtis Mayfield

Ten years in the making, this tribute to Curtis Mayfield is a perfect feature for MLK Day, as we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s visionary dream.

Featuring contemporary female and male vocalists, Ledisi and Bilal, with the WDR Big Band, orchestrated by conductor, Vince Mendoza with guest musicians, Billy Test (keys), Mike Scott (electric guitar), Will Lee (electric bass), Jason “JT” Thomas (drums), and Rhani Krija (percussion) – it is more than a stimulating tribute to Curtis Mayfield’s music, but a reminder of Dr. King’s vision of racial unity, as the tribute is an artistic construct of such, exemplified by a culturally diverse band with vocalists and musicians honoring a music legend, whose music career began during the Civil Rights Movement.

To view the concert and more, visit: 

A Tribute to Curtis Mayfield 

or

WDR Big Band 

(direct streaming concert)

______________ Create

The opportunity to create abounds in what has yet to be created – what’s waiting for the creator to immortalize words, lyrics, paintings, … whatever gift defines their art the silence before its birth always waits for the art to begin.

Interior Observations _________________

The most deserving are those who want the best for others as much as they want it for themselves.

Links to Excellence – More than a Model: The Unforgettable Ms. Hardison

                                                                                               Bethann Hardison, co-director and subject

                                                                                                                                            of  INVISIBLE BEAUTY 

                                                        

a Magnolia Pictures release.  All Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

If you have not yet seen Invisible Beauty this documentary on Bethann Hardison’s transformative influence on the fashion industry, co-directed by Hardison and Frederic Tcheng, is one to add to your watchlist.  The trailer alone offers insights into Hardison’s trailblazing work, her contributions to fashion, and affirmations that can lead to success.

Invisible Beauty Trailer

Frederic Tcheng, co-director of INVISIBLE BEAUTY

                                                                                  

To Imagine __________________________

Two decades into this 21st century, I can only imagine what it’s like to be a young black man growing up in the inner cities … burdened with confrontations to be hard in order to survive outside pressures setting false examples of manhood, while their inner voice drowns under violent noise. Yet, it is those with resolve who do survive, hearing not just their inner voice, but seeing a vision for their lives, beyond their current state.

Links to Excellence: Enriching Content - A Movie Soundtrack Special

Airing the uplifting two-part Lifetime TV series, Real Love and Strength of a Woman, executive produced by Mary J. Blige, along with writers, Rachel Ingram and Sonja Warfield, and directors, Camrus Johnson and Shari L. Carpenter, the song-entitled movies are mature narratives on Black life, focusing on education and career goals, amidst physical trauma and romantic obstacles, impeding loving relationships worth fighting for.

Intelligently executed, I hope to see more of such needed content.

The Other AI ____________________

With so much talk about artificial intelligence, there are various categories and speculations about its future impact.  One obvious form that is currently impacting consumers is that which is found in retail stores and fast-food establishments, requiring automated transactions with fewer cash transactions or retail personnel to assist customers. 

In its implementation humanity suffers and society is left without a soul, seeing the rise in unemployment and those with minimal skillsets feeling disheartened, not having advanced skills beyond those found in customer service jobs, teaching youth survival skills as saying please and thank you.

Just as gas station attendants are an anomaly, cashiers and baggers are at threat of becoming extinct, as we may soon find ourselves on the other side of humanity.