"I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven."
- Josephine Baker
An equal-gender Arts & Culture blog created by Yvonne Grays Nathane
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:
or
(direct streaming concert)
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.
The most deserving are those who want the best for others as much as they want it for themselves.
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.
Frederic Tcheng, co-director of INVISIBLE BEAUTY
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.