Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
TIBH: Sierra Leone
On this date in 1961 Sierra Leone became politically independent of Great Britain. It would take another ten years but in April 1971 they became a republic.
Fonzworth Bentley 'C.O.L.O.U.R.S.' [MIXTAPE]
Fonzworth Bentley's music is finally seeing the light of day. His new mixtape, C.O.L.O.U.R.S. has 17 tracks in total including a couple previously released songs that have been on here. This is being called a mixtape but at one point this was suppose his debut album under Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music label. You can stream the entire mixtape here or go to iTunes and purchase the music.
TIBH:The Death of Kwame Nkrumah
On this date in 1971 the great African leader Kwame Nkrumah left us to be with the ancestors. While alive Nkrumah was the first President of Ghana and the first Prime Minister of Ghana. He was one of the biggest supporters of Pan-Africanism and was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity(OAU). Kwame was a great leader for the people of Ghana and shining example for leaders of the newly independent African nations. His pro-Africa stance came at a cost as outside forces in 1966 would help overthrow his government in a military coup. He lived in exile in Conakry, Guinea, as the guest of President Ahmed Sékou Touré for the remainder of his life.
Happy Independence Day Togo
On this date in 1960 the Togolese Republic gained independence under Sylvanus Olympio from France. In 1884 through the European "Scramble for Africa" Germany declared Togoland a protectorate. After World War I, rule over Togo was transferred to France.
Theo Martins – “Up & Away” [Video]
Theo "The Rhode Island Hero" Martins has a new video for "Up & Away" off his Sincerely Yours, The Dance Floor project. Sit back and enjoy as we continue to see the growth of Theo musically and visually.
TIBH: Coretta Scott
On this date in 1927 Coretta Scott was born in Marion, Al. She would go on to marry Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1953 and be an integral part of his civil rights movement in the 50's and 60's. After her husband's assassination, Coretta continued to play a role in the fight for the rights of blacks and women in America.
The Greater Than Club(TGTC) - Fly.Union
The Greater Than Club is the latest album from Fly.Union. This group from Columbus, Ohio has been on the road working hard laying down the ground work for this project. This new collection of music has appearances from Dom Kennedy, B.J. The Chicago, and Pac Div. These three along with Stalley continue to do their part to put Ohio's Hip-Hip scene on the map with the music they are blessing us with.
Download: Fly.Union -The Greater Than Club(TGTC) / iTunes Link
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
TIBH: South Africa's First Real Election
On this date in 1994, South Africa held its first ever all-race elections. This was a historic moment for a country that had been so deeply rooted in apartheid for so many years. The election of Nelson Mandela caused the nation to truly start the process of becoming a unified. This new leadership ushered in a chance of a new harmonious country and started the removal of the thick overcast of racial tension that had hovered over the land for decades.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Cornel West On Barack Obama [Video]
How do you guys feel? Is Dr. West correct? Is there much hope for 2012?
Friday, April 1, 2011
YEBies Birthday: Gil Scott Heron
On this date in 1949 Gil Scott Heron was born in Chicago, Illinois. Heron, a Lincoln University alum, is one of my favorite poets and musicians. You can see the influence he had on hip-hop with is poetic and musical styles. Last year Gil released his first new album in 16 years, entitled I'm New Here.
Globalization and Occupation: America's Real Foreign Policy
"This ain't politically correct, this might offend my political connects"
Jay-Z "DOA"
The last few days I have been on my Twitter account ranting about the current wars throughout Africa and how the one in Libya should be the least of our concerns if we are truly going over there for the reasons we have been telling the world. Somalia, Darfur, and Ivory Coast have needed outside help for their situations for some time now yet they continue to get the blind eye from the world. There have been no "non-fly zones" created to stop the governments or fighting from rebels in any of these nations. In Libya there is leader that has done a lot for his country and people over his reign. There has been no leader in the history of man who has was ever been loved and accepted by all of his people. It should never be the role of America or any other nation to create or get involved in Civill Wars of of another country. Domestic issues should be handled by governments and officials, not outside nations and rebels. As we get deeper into this current situation with Gaddafi this continues to look like old American politics with oil playing a huge role. Is this America's true idea of globalization? Occupation, removal of leaders, new governments, and control of oil and other goods for the good of America and its allies? If you look at the U.S.'s foreign policy and the CIA's track record since World War II many would say this is exactly it.
The news like schoolbooks, movies, oral history, museums, all have a story to tell of a nation's history and evolution. For generations across the world the main story has always been that of the experiences, lives, and issues of privileged white males and silence to the voice of others. We have to realize that news and history is not just a bunch of dates and facts but more of a interpretation of events that should come from multiple point of views. History should always have a chance to be rewritten because of the narrow filters we look through to see the world. Today we have the opportunity to have history written by many writers with incredible stories to tell. However we continue to let a select few control how each one of these great moments in history will be viewed for future generations. Here in the U.S. we like to make our history develop through a perspective that reduces the role of slavery, native removal, conquest, as well as racism, genocide, power of class. Without these often forgotten people this country would be far from the super power it became and lack the authority it currently still has throughout the world.
I hope for our sake and the future of America's legacy that things change quickly. We have to be honest and more transparent with our policies. We can't say we have a history of making moves that save people from their leaders, when we let Rwanda happen while Clinton was in office and Castro lasted in Cuba for nine different U.S. presidents in our backyard. We consistently back Israel and their terrible politics as they continue to take from the Palestinians. America's history in the Arab world shows us that there is really only one reason we are in North Africa right now. We can no longer let "black gold" control and determine our policies as the world continues to watch America and its leaders ever so closely each day.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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