68 Search results for "biography"

I try not to say much anymore about the POTUS in this space, but since he stole the spotlight from Bill Cosby by actually speaking about the George Zimmernan verdict, I thought I should make say something very briefly. If you missed it, the POTUS gave a 10-minute or so speech about Trayvon Martin. Working […]

Today is the 71st birthday of the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin! Arguably the greatest voice in the history of popular music, Franklin’s vocal chops are legendary and her impact on rock and soul untouchable.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was forced to cancel his book tour after “protests escalated into threats of violence.” Do you think Vick is deserving of the continued hostility towards him? Or is it time to let it go and move on?

“Who will cry for the little boy, the boy inside a man / Who will cry for the little boy, who knew well, hurt and pain / Who will cry for the little boy, who died and died again / Who will cry for the little boy, a good boy he tried to be / […]

Today, the genealogy website Ancestry.com released research suggesting that President Barack Obama is the descendant of slaves–on his mother’s side. Thoughts on this latest journey into the POTUS’ heritage?

This isn’t the post that I had planned for today but a series of conversations surrounding Nelson Mandela’s birth and whether it calls for international celebration led me to make a change. My thoughts on USA Basketball can wait. On my drive to work this morning, a local DJ mistakenly called Nelson Mandela the first […]

For a music nerd such as myself, May 26 is all about Miles Davis. Happy B-Day to a LEGEND. Do yourself a favor this holiday weekend and pick up a copy of any one of his countless classics this weekend. What’s your favorite Miles Davis album?

A 8th grader’s incendiary essay comparing modern public education to slavery is causing a firestorm of controversy in her upstate New York community. The essay infuriated teachers and administrators at her school, who launched a campaign of harassment against the young lady.

I understand the outrage at rapper Too Short’s latest comments. But should we be so up in arms? Since dropping his first song, the rapper has consistently degraded and disrespected women in his music. But it wasn’t his lyrics that drew the ire of the media and the general public over 20 years ago when […]

Emerging during the Harlem Rennaisance, Langston Hughes is one of the most important poetic voices of the 20th century. Honor his legacy today by checking out a few of his classic poems below, read by the man himself. “I, Too,” “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” and more! What is your favorite Hughes poem?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WJFjXtHcy4&feature=player_embedded *sigh* Well, there’s one (or more) for every generation. I think Kreayshawn (nee Natassia Zolot) is a fraud.  I don’t believe she’s serious; I don’t believe she’s real.  Some good discussion about Kreayshawn and appropriation is happening, but I’m still at the start line refusing to believe her alleged biography about being the child […]

I know the NBA playoffs are in full swing, and Derrick Rose and the Bulls are annihilating the competition, but I just wanted to take a brief moment to talk about baseball. Before you yawn and  press the little “x” in the top right hand corner of your window allow me to explain the importance […]