Why the N-word?

Though it’s a conversation that will always be debated, I still find this racial slur offensive regardless of who uses the word or how it is used.

After having my commentary, “Denouncing the N word,” published in a lifestyle magazine over twenty years ago, I find the word more offensive, observing its insidious damage to those who view it as innocuous, and witnessing the blatant damage to those who are fully aware of its harm.

It’s not the etymology of the word that mystifies, but it’s preservation and longevity that is deeply ingrained in the human psyche that it has developed a life of its own, obliviously passed down through generations that some for whom it was intended to offend are immune to its intra-racial use.

More than an implosive word that has turned on itself within some parts of the black community, it’s a commodified utility that’s heard in songs and movies, as I have seen great dramas use the word incessantly till it racially emasculates and eviscerates dignity – the flaw that I feel if omitted would elevate these shows to their highest merit.

WHY?

“The standards of the civilization into which you are born are first outside of you, and by the time you get to be a man they're inside of you.” 

                                                                                                       -  James Baldwin  

Celebrating Black Music with Timmy Thomas

 

Some of the best songs are contemplative inquiries, petitioning for peace and unity, as the 70’s hit, “Why Can’t We Live Together,” written, sang and instrumentalized by late R&B singer and keyboardist, Timmy Thomas.  As with such songs they are infinite reflections of our current times.

For more on the historical background of this song and to listen, visit: 

The Inspiration

The Song

Ancestral Words

Each year as Memorial Day is celebrated, some of us not only think about those who have served in the military, but also civilian loved ones who are no longer with us, and the words they often spoke that we memorialize, as we repeat them and heed the wisdom attached to their words and sayings.

These sayings may have been passed down through generations; derived from biblical scriptures, or coined from sacred lessons that are relevant to our times and hold the solution to living a victorious life.

 "I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven."

                                                                                                    - Josephine Baker   

 Using art to convey a message that inspires change is a supreme construct.

                                                                                 __________________________________

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)