The 100 Days of the Biden Presidency.

 

  

 

President Joe Biden gave his address to Congress on Thursday. Biden's Presidency is the paradox of being progressive on many issues while having a foreign policy that is a mixture of good things like a withdrawal from Afghanistan including on some issues with supporting many neo-conservative thinking. Biden stridently criticized white supremacist extremism. Biden is right to do that, as far right white racist terrorism is the biggest domestic threat in American society (as proven by many studies even by the FBI's own research). Also, Biden praised the historic occurrence of 200 million Americans being vaccinated. He also wants key legislation passed from the George Floyd Policing Act to the infrastructure agenda. Biden wants to raise taxes on the super wealthy. These tax increases will not deal with the vast majority of Americans, but most GOP Congressional leaders reject any tax increase at any circumstance. The irony is that Republicans accuse Biden of being divisive, when Biden has gotten out of his way to seek bipartisanship in his legislative goals. That tells me that Biden is not a super far left man. His career has been dealt with his moderate views. Yet, we live in an emergency in America from the pandemic to record police brutality against black people (and other oppressed people). One of the most surprising things about the Biden Presidency is his progressive stimulus law that has helped the lives of millions of Americans, their businesses, and their other livelihoods. President Biden has gone to Georgia on Thursday to fight for voting rights in Georgia after the new Georgia law blatantly has violated many voting rights.

U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina said that America is not a racist nation. You already know how I feel about that statement from the Senator. Before I show my views on that issue, let's look at history. Black people are the victims of the Maafa, slavery, the peonage system, Jim Crow apartheid, police brutality, discrimination, and other evils in America spanning centuries. So, obviously, America is a racist nation. That doesn't mean that good people don't exist in America. Tons of great, upright, righteous people live in America. It is just a racist, classist, and xenophobic system dominates American society unfortunately. That is why we have to do activism and legitimate actions in changing society into a system of justice for all. That is our goal and precept. Vice President Kamala Harris said that America is not a racist nation. I respectfully disagree with Kamala Harris. It is obvious what America is. Kamala Harris is right to say that we have to deal with the racism found in America. We want to transform America into what it can become. The irony of Senator Tim Scott (who admitted that he was stopped by cops and suffered racism) is that he complains about people using race in divisive terms, but he sugarcoats the seriousness of calling out racial oppression in pro-Republican terms. Republicans now promote defunding schools, promote anti-voting legislation, and desire austerity (which are anti-black policies). Scott can't on one hand say that he wants the temperature to go down, but he falsely accuses Democrats collectively of using race as a political weapon. The fact of the matter is that we can't be lukewarm on this issue. There must be a ban on chokeholds and qualified immunity must be addressed. We have to be firm and forthright in eliminating the system of white racism from our society. The fact that Tim Scott supported one of the most racist Presidents in American history, who is Trump, while talking about reconciliation is the height of a contradiction.

 

Some breaking news is that the feds have raided the home and office of Rudy Giuliani. We know that senior DOJ officials under Trump blocked the execution of the Giuliani search warrant last year. The judge approves the execution of a search warrant. The FBI and the DOJ had to convince a judge that a possible crime took place at the place of the search warrant is desired to be promoted. The Southern District of New York is investigating many issues too. This search warrant is about the Ukraine probe of financial corruption. Investigators are looking for evidence of a crime. The feds have gathered Rudy Giuliani's electronic equipment. The feds have seized Rudy Giuliani's iPad, iPhone, and his laptop. 

 

Yesterday was the Birthday of Sister Erica Monique Campbell, and she is 49 years old. Inglewood, California is the place of her birth. She has a long gospel career with her sister Tina Campbell in the group called Mary Mary. People from my generation know exactly who Mary Mary is. She had her own solo career in recently years too. Erica Campbell represents the new school group of gospel artists with songs about God mixed with R&B sounds at times. She won a Grammy for Best Gospel Album. She has hosted the Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell with the comedian Griff. Being part of Mary Mary, she earned 4 Grammys, Stella Music Awards, Dove Awards, a Soul Train Award, 2 American Music Awards, three NAACP Awards, and a BET Award. One of Mary Mary's greatest songs is In the Morning. I love that song. Shackles (Praise You) was their song from May of 2000 that I heard of just before I was 17 years old. Even back years ago, I love their music. Erica can sing for real like her sister. Erica Campbell's solo album came out in 2013 called Help. That album was heavily praised. Her husband is Warryn Campbell. She loves her husband and her 3 children. In 2014, Warryn and Erica Campbell started a local Bible study program in Los Angeles, California. The following year, Warryn was ordained as a pastor. In 2015, the couple founded the California Worship Center, which meets in North Hollywood, Los Angeles Erica Campbell remains the same, and we appreciate her walk with the Heavenly Father and his only begotten Son.  Erica Campbell is a great human being.  

Yesterday was the Birthday of a late legend. She can sing her heart out. Not to mention that her outstanding songs are timeless. We know about her story and her pain. She suffered a great deal. Yet, she had great strength, and her talent has inspired the world. She was the late, great Sister Tammi Terrell. Philadelphia was the place of her birth. Also, Tammi Terrell had a close friendship with Marvin Gaye. They loved each other like brother and sister. For her career, she was a star of Motown Records. Motown had black soul, and they appealed to people of every color with their songs. With Gaye, Terrell scored seven Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "You're All I Need to Get By." She sang since the early 1960's. She was engaged to Dr. Ernest Garrett or the doctor at the hospital where she had been treated. One of her greatest songs was If This World Were Mine in 1967 featuring Marvin Gaye. Tammi Terrell was a black woman with a sweet spirit whose life was short. Yet, her spirit was enormous, and her legacy in music remains forever glorious. 

Rest in Power Sister Tammi Terrell. 

 

By Timothy

 

The Most Revolutionary Year of the Twentieth Century Part 2

 https://www.scribd.com/document/388613919/1968-Part-2

India surpasses 200,000 coronavirus deaths; firefighting plane may be sold to help fight pandemic: Latest COVID-19 updates

 https://news.yahoo.com/us-passed-1m-cases-one-080004392.html

On the Eve of President Biden's First 100 Days in Office.

  

Today, Congress has negotiations among Democrats and Republicans on police reform legislation. The GOP is concerned about qualified immunity issues that gives police nearly carte blanche escape from personal liability. The Democrats want a strong George Floyd Policing Act to pass. The truth is that we change is needed in American society. The status quo will not work.  The tragedies of police killings in America is at epidemic levels. The FBI has opened a civil rights probe into the North Carolina shooting of Anthony Brown Jr. An autopsy proved that Brown was shot 5 times. This comes after the DOJ has started to investigate the Louisville, Kentucky police department. What makes society stronger is confronting injustice, so real justice for all is made real.   Not to mention that black political power is important to grow. Black people from across the political spectrum always believe in self determination among our community and forming black independent political institutions plus bases (which is in opposition to the agenda of the one percent). I agree with those who want working class liberation. Also, people who are homeless or jobless need liberation too. There is a foundation of capitalist power built on the backs of black slaves and the genocide of the indigenous people of the Americas. That is just history. 

The center left person Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina said that he is more of a Truman Democrat than a FDR Democrat. Clyburn is part of the old school part of the Democratic party who loves neoliberal policies on foreign policy. He is half right. He is right that FDR made mistakes during his Presidency from not being militant enough on civil rights, promoting internment camps against Japanese Americans, and racists exploiting the New Deal to discriminate against black Americans. He is wrong to assume that Truman is some savior for black people like us. Truman was from the Pendergast machine in Missouri. Back in the day, Harry Truman regularly used racial slurs. Truman was the moderate that Democratic neoliberals choose as VP, because Henry Wallace was the progressive during that time. Wallace wanted civil rights, universal health care, and international cooperation long before Truman won the 1948 election. Clyburn talks about how Truman wanted health care and he integrated the Armed Forces. That is true. Yet, Truman also dropped atomic bombs on 2 Japanese cities that was opposed by even U.S. generals back then as being unnecessary. Those bombs were crimes against humanity and a crime against God. Tons of people suffering in Hiroshima and Nagasaki have their bodies destroyed instantly by those atomic weapons. Truman also red baited Americans who didn't follow his imperialistic foreign policy. So, Clyburn omits stuff like that. Also, the New Deal is complex. The Federal Housing Administration did in fact was used by racists to discriminate against black people. Also, FDR won 3 terms with a coalition of black people, poor whites, and other ethnic minorities lasting to this day. The New Deal also includes Social Security. I doubt Clyburn would want Social Security banned. Public employment programs in the New Deal employed tons of black workers. Harold Ickes fought for racial justice. The New Deal's Federal Writers' Project helped black writers like Richard Wright and Arna Bonetemps including Zora Neale Hurston. So, not everything in the New Deal was evil. It is that racists exploited parts of the New Deal to advance oppression against black people. That was wrong, not the concept of a New Deal in the first place. Oh, Clyburn omits that Truman was a heavy critic of Dr. King, and Truman opposed even peaceful civil disobedience and demonstrations. 

He or  Harry Truman even questioned Dr. King's activism in Selma, Alabama. Harry Truman has said that the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama has not accomplished anything except attracting some attention and it is silly. I got my receipts now. No one should omit FDR's imperfections (like him refusing to sign federal anti-lynching legislation), but President Franklin Delano Roosevelt led America to defeat the Nazis during WWII. Truman doesn't have the will nor the leadership to lead America to defeat the Nazis and other fascists during the beginning of WWII. Truman was President at the end of WWII constantly taking advice from FDR. The problem with the New Deal wasn't that it was some government overreach. It was that it wasn't progressive enough to radically change society for the better. See, I know how the game is. These neo-liberals are slick as they claim to be so woke, but they refuse to call out imperialism, capitalist exploitation (for over 1,000 years, the system of capitalism murdered millions of people worldwide via imperialism, slavery, colonialism, neo-colonialism, environmental destruction, economic instability, and other evils), and other evils. Why should I be surprised. Neoliberals always glorify imperialists like Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, now George W. Bush, and their other "heroes."

 

The family of Andrew Brown want accountability and justice. The family only got a 20 second clip of the shooting. This is a crisis in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Elizabeth City is very close to Virginia. I have kinfolks from Halifax and other places of North Carolina. Many people in Elizabeth City watch our Hampton Roads, Virginia TV shows. We are one culturally. Protests are existing now. Brown was only 42 years old, and he was shot in his back. There is no justification for this action at all. The North Carolina state Attorney General can easily handle this case. Three deputies have resigned. That signaled to people that something is terribly wrong. The back window was shot out. Andrew Brown Jr. was a father and beloved by his family. Mayor Bettie Parker said that Elizabeth City is a microcosm of what is going on in the nation of America now. Witnesses say that the officers unloaded bullets on Andrew Brown Jr. The truth is obvious, the cover up by many cops is clear, and justice is our total aim involving this tragic situation. This is my first time writing about Ma'Khia Bryant. I have to say that I'm disappointed in many people are now slandering this late teenage black sister by dehumanizing her, by slandering her character, and even saying that she deserved to die. This sick rhetoric is not just found among racists but by boot-licking sellout black people who worship the police instead of honoring truth. Ma'Khia Bryant was a victim of a flawed foster system. She was abused by a system who doesn't the dignity of black girls. The police officer shot her 4 times on her body. Now, we know that Bryant's father was there, and he refused to protect her daughter. Now, we know that 2 adults were fighting Ma'Khia Bryant. So, Ma'Khia Bryant was mistreated all around. 

RIP to Sister Ma'Khia Bryant.

No one should be surprised at Kevin McCarthy. He recently defended Trump's response to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump not only refused to immediately respond to the terrorists harming people at the U.S. Capitol. He wanted Pence to illegally make him the winner of the 2020 election which didn't happen at all. The Republicans in Arizona want another election recount as many of them believe in the big lie about the 2020 election. McCarthy revealed the Republican leadership as not only cowards. They promote nativism, isolationism, extremism, racism, xenophobia, and complete lies. That is what they are. That is what they promote in hatred of real democracy. We certainly live in a crossroads in American history. Police accountability is what real people want.  In the midst of these tragic times, we certainly realize that the job is not done. Policing among crooked cops is to occupy communities, harm black lives, and maintain the status quo. Yet, the truth is that corrupt policing must be rejected in favor of treating communities with respect and federal legislation to make sure that accountability, justice, and rebuilding communities are made into a reality.

 

 

By Timothy

 

Larry Hogan and the Mushy Middle

 https://www.currentaffairs.org/2021/04/larry-hogan-and-the-mushy-middle

The Vapid Deceit of Joe Scarborough’s Book About Truman

 https://www.currentaffairs.org/2021/03/the-vapid-deceit-of-joe-scarboroughs-book-about-truman

The GOP Is Cracking Down on Protesters — And Protecting People Who Run Them Over

 https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/04/gop-protesters-cars-motorist-attacks

Jim Clyburn Is Wrong About FDR and the New Deal

 https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/04/jim-clyburn-fdr-new-deal-joe-biden-black-workers

 

https://louisproyect.org/2021/04/20/looking-past-the-plant-gate-to-understand-white-supremacy/

Killer Cop Derek Chauvin is Guilty, But the Struggle Continues!

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/04/26/killer-cop-derek-chauvin-is-guilty-but-the-struggle-continues/

The COVID-19 Catastrophe in India Keeps Growing

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/04/26/the-covid-19-catastrophe-in-india-keeps-growing/

A History of the CIA in Congo

 https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/04/25/a-history-of-the-cia-in-congo-zaire/

ADOS: Right-Wing Cooptation of the Reparations Movement

https://www.leftvoice.org/ados-right-wing-cooptation-of-the-reparations-movement?fbclid=IwAR36RHwHMyGkWpalcLn-JraJOmBknqCKictzdSyezPTSX1mdnTrEcRldbxw

Information about Our Lives.

 

 

Busta Rhymes's 2020 album of ELE2 (or Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God) is one of his most lyrical albums of his career. His song with Kendrick Lamar was very poetic and lyrical. In essence, ELE2 is about Busta Rhyme's political, social, economic, and spiritual views. It is no secret that Busta Rhymes is part of the Five Percent Nation. The album reflects the Five Percent teachings, and rap music have many powerful artists with links to the organization too. Busta Rhymes have made over 10 albums and 56 music videos. He has been involved in hip hop for decades now. He came from Brooklyn, NYC and was on the scene during the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Busta Rhymes, like Missy Elliot, has been flashy with his videos being extra creative. He gave East Coast hip hop a new boost of energy and caused music videos to change forever with the influence of Hype Williams too. For example, Busta Rhymes in his 1996 video Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check was a video that was ahead of its time. Much of his music have fun themes and serious themes too like The Coming (1996), When Disaster Strikes (1997), and E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998). These albums talk about a disaster in the future or a major event that would change the world forevermore. In 2021, the world is controversial, even moreso, than the 1990's. Busta Rhymes is almost 50 years old. His new album of Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God has many messages and symbolism. 

 

The cover of ELE2: The Wrath of God have a man with a skull wearing a facemask and an ELE symbol on its forehead. That was about the pandemic and people wearing masks. ELE2 is about a more serious tone. Busta Rhymes admitted that his album is about analyzing a serious event of the pandemic, our intelligence being insulted, and protecting our families. Busta Rhymes talked about those in power has an agenda going on to promote propaganda against the people. He said that his artwork in 1998 on his album of E.L.E. had the WTC gone and New York in flames. 3 years later, 9/11 happened. So, Busta Rhymes believed that shady people are involved in corruption in the world (which has been demonized by some as a "conspiracy theory"). The intro of the album of ELE2 shows the Biblical person of Nimrod unifying the world and making one language. The Tower of Babel is mentioned, and it said that humanity have learned nothing in being in defiance to God. Now, we know that many elitists promote the new world order. The intro implies that this goal will cause the ultimate wrath of God again. A common lesson in life is that people are doomed to repeat history if the lessons of the past aren't learned. That is what the intro is all about. The album have concepts and symbolism from the Five Percent Nation as Busta Rhymes and Rakim are famous members of Five Percenters. The song Satanic talks about the satanic imagery that took over some of hip hop, pop, and other musical entities in the few years. Busta warns artists that, by bowing down to Satan in their music, they’re “playing with a match that can grow into an inferno." Busta talks about artists using visuals using like rituals and sacrifices. This is confirmation about people like us for over 10 years now documenting occult, satanic, and other diverse symbolism in mainstream music videos. Busta says that they used to be subtle, but now they “display it major." That is 100% true. Busta Rhymes made a promotional video called The Prophecy will be Fulfilled about Catholic clergymen secretly worshiping Satan.  

Ironically enough, despite the messages found in ELE2, Busta Rhymes himself ended up being accused of being satanic. I don't believe that Busta Rhymes is satanic, but he wants to make a point in that video. A Catholic priest in the promotional video gives a sermon that quotes various parts of the Bible including Psalm 37: “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them.” The priest marks the foreheads of children with the ELE2 logo which is similar to the Mark of the Beast. The video shows the priest showing his true demonic face. The children acts possessed with glowing eyes. Some accuse the video of being satanic, but it's a reflection of his Five Percent views. Five Percenters have the sun, moon, a star, and the number 7 (representing God). It was created in 1964 by Clarence 13X, or a former Nation of Islam member. Clarence worked under Malcolm X. Clarence left the NOI, because he didn't view Wallace Fard Muhammad as God incarnate.  Instead, Clarence 13X taught his students that the black man (individually and collectively) is God. Conversely, in the eyes of the Five Percenters, white people are “devils” and their technology is actually “tricknology” that will not stand the test of time. What do I believe in ? I believe that black people are the original humans on Earth. I believe that Black is Beautiful. I don't view myself as a god or God, as I am only a black human being. Five Percenters believe that only 10 percent of the world's people know the truth of existence. These elites and their agents keep 85% of the world in ignorance and under control. The remaining 5 percent know the truth and are given the mission to enlighten the 85%. These people are known as "poor righteous teachers." Five Percenters have similarities to Islam, but they are not equivalent to orthodox Islam. Five Percenters believe that there is no mystery God and the Original Man (or black people) can be a god via knowledge of self. I do believe in God that is beyond the power of Nature and human beings. Freemasonry teaches this doctrine of man being like a good or experience godhood like Manly P. Hall and Wilmhurst. 

 

Know Thyself is the hermetic axiom found in Mystery Schools like in Freemasonry. NGE believes in apotheosis of humanity which is similar to Gnosticism and the New Age Movement instead of the beliefs of traditional monotheistic religions. The Five Percenters believe that the  Asiatic black man is God and his proper name is “Allah." Supreme Mathematics and the Supreme Alphabet is used by NGE to understand how man relates to the universe.  For instance, in Supreme Mathematics, the number 7 and the letter G (the 7th letter of the alphabet) are associated with God. While Freemasonry is a rigid secret society that recruits the local elites within its ranks, the NGE is a community-based organization that attracts disenfranchised men and inmates in urban areas. Artists such as Rakim, Busta Rhymes, Jay Electronica, the entire Wu-Tang Clan, Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, Nas, and many others integrated NGE concepts and symbolism into their lyrics while heavily influencing hip-hop slang in general. Expressions such as “word is bond”, “peace”, “cipher”, “dropping science”, “dropping knowledge”, and calling each other “god” all originate from the NGE. The symbol of the NGE has been worn by Rakim, Jay Z, and RZA. That is why Jay Z publicly said that he believes in one God, he doesn't believe in organized religion (as Jay Z said in public that he isn't a Christian or a Muslim), he doesn't believe in Hell, and he believes in karma. Obviously, I don't share Jay Z's spiritual views. Busta Rhymes stands next to a picture of Clarence 13X in a music video called Master Fard Muhammad. That is why it is not a secret that Busta Rhymes refers to himself as God in ELE2 and in other albums. So, the corrupt priest in the promotional video promoting ELE2 is about criticizing organized religion in general (which is common in mainstream society). This is found in the Nation of Gods and Earths FAQ site where they criticize organized religion. So, ELE2 is a creative album with tons of messages that many rappers don't do. I agree with ELE2 in exposing the new world order agenda, satanic imagery in music videos, and the destruction of lives from the pandemic. I don't agree with the Five Percenter religion or its doctrines. Likewise, I am not God. So, Busta Rhymes, despite his spiritual errors, is much more sincere than others in exposing the elite's agenda. We should definitely be aware of how the world is and use means to resist the evil from the one percent elites who desire a globalized, confirmist, and neoliberal world order to exist (filled with capitalist exploitation, imperialism, distraction, and other evils). 

   

Many people want to know what is hip hop to me. I was born in 1983, and during the 1980's, I never listened to hip hop music that much. I listened to soul music and R&B music mostly. I started to listen to hip hop music in a greater deal by 1990. Over the course of many decades of living on this Earth, I realize the complex nature of hip hop culture. The sounds of hip hop came from the poor areas of NYC. It came from the streets in which human beings were the victims of racism, deindustralization, police brutality, poverty, and other socioeconomic problems. Hip hop originally was a means to help people express their talents in diverse ways to find joy in the midst of so much pain. Hip hop was filled with competition, freedom of expression, and less corporate control back in the day. The 1980's both saw the Golden Age and the crack epidemic. The crack epidemic ruined millions of lives in America, especially among poor black and brown human beings. By the mid to late 1980's, controversial forms of hip hop existed like gangster rap and more sexually explicit rap. They have many differences, but the common denominator is that these 2 forms of music readily glorified killing black people, celebrating recreational usage of dangerous drugs, disrespecting including exploiting women, and praising excessive materialism. That led into negativity, and many lives were ruined by people who sought destruction in their lives. I have not seen a legitimate argument in the world that justifies glorifying anti-black murder, glorifying slandering women with misogynistic slurs, and loving the n word (regardless of it is in the -er or -a at the n of it). When one rapper once walked around with women with chains around their necks, then that is wrong. It's bigger than the artists as large corporations control the music industry not black people collectively. Therefore, we are not naive to blame hip hop for everything under the sun (as extremists do as many artists promote legitimately positive messages), but people have the First Amendment right to critique any form of music. We should express empathy to any black person suffering in a harsh environment. There is complexity in life, and we shouldn't place ourselves in another person's shoes to criticize a person. We ought to give people the opportunity to change and be better regardless of a person's background or zipcode. Yet, living in a harsh environment is not an excuse to dehumanize a black person though via music. Today, we have a more digitized society. Hip Hop is a powerful force in the world. Hip Hop to me is one of the most youth driven forms of music in human history. It is also one of the most controversial and debated genres of music in world history. So, hip hop in my eyes is a voice for the voiceless that should be used in legitimate ways to lift up human beings. There are many talented hip hop artists who sacrificed a lot. I believe we should make a distinction between music that promotes good and music that promotes evil. We have to address corporations, violent gangs, elitists who desire the status quo, and sellouts who love anti-black music (and desire to promote the most anti-black lyrics around. Gangster rap, in retrospect, was the opposite of revolutionary consciousness. We don't want total censorship, but we do believe in outright resistance against anti-black caricatures, stereotypes, and slurs promoted in society). So, hip hop in my eyes that is an international musical artform that inspired the world, it includes many good people, and it should be constantly improved upon to make sure that righteousness prevails (without evil). 

 

  

It has been almost 50 years since hip hop has existed. The Afro-Caribbean man Kool Herc created hip hop. Also, hip hop had predecessors like the lyrical songs made by jazz/blues musicians and spoken word legends (like The Lost Poets). By the 1970's, hip hop expanded in New York City. From Grandmaster Caz, The Sugar Hill Gang, and Sylvia Robinson (the Mother of Hip Hop), hip hop grew rapidly. The early 1980's saw Run D.M.C. making history in developing the consciousness of hip hop culture. The Golden Age of Hip Hop included some of the greatest MCs in history like LL Cool J, Rakim, MC Lyte, Antionette, Kane, Geto Boys, etc. MC Hammer and Biz Markie promoted a more fun, dance oriented hip hop too. By the mid to late 1980's, hip hop became more diverse and controversial (with groups like NWA, Too Live Crew, etc.) with lyrics being more explicit. To this day, debates exist about free speech and the limits of music. One thing is true. Words have power, and we have to be wise to show messages that seek to enlighten people, make people have fun, and inspire change. That separates moderate rappers to legends. Legendary hip hop artists not only rap. They have real messages in their music that goes against the grain. By the 1990's, original groups like Digitable Planets and the Fugees expanded along with prominent artists like Tupac, Biggie, Nas, Scarface, Snoop, etc. After the deaths of Tupac and Biggie, people questioned if hip hop would survive. It did survive. Then, new movements existed like Ruff Ryders (with DMX), G-Unit, Murder Inc, Hot Boyz, Aftermath, No Limit, etc. There were soundcloud rappers later on. Also, By the 2010's and 2020's, women artists have received more shine in a men dominated artform like Rapsody, Megan Thee Stallion, and S-Roc. Hip Hop has been around for decades, and it still exist. Through its ups and downs, it remains the most popular form of music in the world too. It isn't immune from critique. No musical genre is immune from critique regardless if it is rock, gospel, R&B, jazz, etc. The irony is that critiquing hip hop will make it better in the long run. The irony is also people like us are really in league with making real change. I'm not against positive hip hop music. I'm against certain music that calls black folks every name but a child of God (C. Delores Tucker accurately predicted that people would still fight to promote righteousness in music in 2020 and beyond) and music that dehumanizes black women including black people in general. Hip Hop has saved many lives from pain, depression, abuse, and other terrible conditions. Hip Hop foundations have established scholarships, STEM programs, and other ways to help humanity. So, hip hop is a powerful artform with beauty and creativity. Along with that, we have the responsibility to set up a foundation where our communities grow prodigiously via legitimate means too. 

 

 

The music of the Caribbean has inspired the imagination of the world. Caribbean music has motivated the soul for a long time too. One thing about the Caribbean is about multicultural influences. Every region of the Caribbean has been a huge foundation of specialized music. From fun records to more serious music, Caribbean music is very blessed. People from around the world knows about reggae which is Jamaica's best known style of music. It has roots form mento music, ska, and rocksteady. It has the one drop rhythm and has conscious and spiritual lyrics. Other reggae songs have lyrics about romance and love too. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lee Perry, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, Maxi Priest, and other artists expanded reggae worldwide. Patra, I Wayne, Empress Minott, Tessanne Chin, Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, and other new school reggae artists are prominent now. Ska is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950's, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. It is characterized by a walking bass line accented with rhythms on the upbeat. Calypso came from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. It was popularized in America by people like Harry Belafonte. Soca, Chutney, and rapso are musical styles popular in the Caribbean too. Compas is found in Haiti.  Like basically all other Caribbean music, compas is a blend of African rhythms with the music of the Native Caribbean people and European musical elements. Some of the more popular current artists include Tabou Combo, Les Freres Dejean and Sweet Micky, who ran for and won the Haitian presidency in 2011. Other styles you'll find in Haiti include rara, mizik rasin, kadans and meringue (which is related to the merengue music of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti). Salsa music came from Cuba. It is popular in cities of America, and other places. Clubs with salsa music is commonplace in NYC, Miami, LA, Chicago, etc. Salsa used fast, elaborate dance moves, and creative music. Bachata is found in the Dominican Republic. It has roots form Iberian guitar music. It has pop appeal too. Large Dominican populations in American cities celebrate bachata. Caribbean music has been influenced by African, European, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous musical traditions. Other styles of the Caribbean music include merenque, palo, mombo, denbo, baithak gana, bouyon, cadence-lypso,  chutney-soca, dancehall, jing ping, parang, pichakaree, punta, ragga,  reggaeton,  soca, and zouk. Caribbean is also related to Central American and South American music.As such, most Caribbean music, however unique to its own island culture, includes elements of African music - heavy use of percussion instruments, complex rhythmic patterns, and call-and-response vocals. That said, it's important to recognize the musical styles unique to each island. In many cases, the difference between one style and another comes down to the rhythms utilized in each music; there is almost a different rhythm for every island. Bari is a festival, dance, drum and song type from the Dutch Antillean island of Bonaire. It is led by a single singer, who improvises. Lyrics often concern local figures and events of importance. Careso is a Virgin Islander song form, which is now entirely performed for special holiday and appreciation or education events, by folkloric ensembles. It is similar to quelbe in some ways, but has more sustained syllables, a more African melodic style and an all female, call and response format with lyrics that function as news and gossip communicator, also commemorating and celebrating historical events. 

  

 

Caribbean cuisine is a mixture of many influences. It has came from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, China, and other places. Native American culture and Creole culture has been part of Caribbean food too. A famous Caribbean dish is dhalpurie roti, pumpkin tarkari, channa and aloos, and curry goat from Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean food has items like rice, plantians, beans, cassava, cilantro, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, coconut, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Beef, poultry, pork, and fish are  found in cuisine too. A characteristic seasoning for the region is a green herb-and-oil-based marinade called sofrito, which imparts a flavor profile which is quintessentially Caribbean in character. Ingredients may include garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, Mexican mint, chives, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. This green seasoning is used for a variety of dishes like curries, stews and roasted meats. Caribbean goat stew is found in Monsterrat and at St. Kitts and Nevis. Pelau, Ackee, and staltifsh is found in Jamaica. Okra and spinach is celebrated all over the Caribbean region too. Poul an sos or Chicken in sauce is very prominent in Haiti. One national dish of Puerto Rico is Arroz con gandules. In the Virgin Islands, fruits are eaten like sugar apple, mango, papaya, genip, sea grapes, tamarind, and soursop. 

 

  

For thousands of years, human beings have lived in the Caribbean. It is a special land with a diverse history. Once, imperialists ruled the area. Now, independent countries are found all over the region in 2021. The Caribbean represents many things to many people. One key part of the Caribbean is its creative energy. It has wide ranging food, music, and social cultures that has inspired us. Reading books on the Caribbean life made me aware of tons of truths. The truth is that black culture remains one major heartbeat of the Caribbean experience. Black people in that region of the Americas fought against slavery at every inch. Many of the greatest leaders of human liberation have been those of Caribbean descent. Kwame Ture fought for us with his advocacy of Black Power. Shirley Chisholm led a historic campaign as a black woman for us. Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey both have Afro-Caribbean heritage. Afro-Caribbean leader Antonio Maceo Grajales fought for Cuban independence from Spain. Kristen M. Clarke has been a warrior for civil rights for long years. From Hubert Harrison to Walter Rodney, Caribbean human beings have always fought for our liberation. As a black American, I certainly give a lot of love and respect to the Caribbean experience completely. 

  

 

When you think about her career and legacy, legend comes to mind. Changing the game of tennis represents her longevity indeed. Every tennis player of the 21st century have a profound influence from her stellar contributions. She was one of the most unsung athletes in human history. She has been through it all from ups and downs. She was born in the South, but she was raised in the North at Harlem, NYC. She experienced racism and sexism, but her she achieved historic, monumental accomplishments. She is the late Sister Althea Gibson. From being a tennis player, golf player, and civil rights activist, Althea Gibson was always outspoken to believe in the goal of racial justice for our people. She loved her husband, and she existed long before Arthur Ashe, the Serena Williams, and other Brothers and Sisters who played tennis. For us, Althea Gibson was a heroic pioneer who laid a foundation where players of every color would excel in their respective careers. I thought about writing about many historic figures, and her name came up. The reason is that even to this day, Althea Gibson hasn't been given her due proper respect. Therefore, it's time to do it. It's time to celebrate a black woman's life who wanted justice and true respect for her contributions to athletics in general. Therefore, Althea Gibson represents the absolute best in human courage and Black Excellence. 

 

 

 

By Timothy

 

 

Study Indicates the Capitol Riots were Motivated by Racism and White Resentment, not 'Election Theft'

 https://blackagendareport.com/study-indicates-capitol-riots-were-motivated-racism-and-white-resentment-not-election-theft

Blacks and the US: a History of Resistance

 https://blackagendareport.com/blacks-and-us-history-resistance

 

https://blackagendareport.com/bar-book-forum-alaina-e-roberts-ive-been-here-all-while

 

The Black Working Class Must Defend Itself, Not the Black Misleadership Class

 https://blackagendareport.com/black-working-class-must-defend-itself-not-black-misleadership-class

Freedom Rider: Gun Violence Starts at the Top

 https://blackagendareport.com/freedom-rider-gun-violence-starts-top

Capitalism is the Crisis.

 https://www.asadismi.info/capitalism-is-the-crisis/

 

http://www.radio4all.net/files/kschwartz.toronto@gmail.com/3141-1-CIC_1_-_Capitalism_is_War_-_128_kbps.mp3

 

http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/program/69012

 

 https://blackagendareport.com/content/capitalism-crisis-part-1-4-capitalism-war

News in Late April of 2021.

  

 

There is a record amount of anti-protest bills in many states of the Union. These laws not only violate free speech rights as found in the First Amendment. It is representative of the old anti-democratic agenda that has been in America for long centuries (used against black people). These proposals are in 34 states currently. Many of these bills have obscene proposals like immunity for divers who hit protesters in public streets, blocking convicted protesters from student loan eligibility (or even unemployment and housing assistance), and turning misdemeanors into felony crimes. These are real police-state like measures. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed his anti-protest law. Such plans seek to silence dissent and scare activists. Yet, we are not scared. We are still here. We suffered the worst form of global slavery in human history, but we are still here fighting for justice. These GOP hypocrites lecture us on rights (many of whom complain about pandemic related lockdowns), but they endorse policies that violate fundamental human civil liberties.  In the final analysis, the right of assembly, the right to protest, the right of free speech, and the right to justice are all rights that our ancestors and us during this generation will always respect.

 

Majorie Greene Taylor called BLM the greatest domestic terrorist organization in America which is a slanderous lie. This came after the Chauvin verdict. Rep. Greene won't be criticized by Congressional Republican leaders. Greene said these words, because the Republican Party is in league with a racist like Trump, so a racist and extremist like Greene is saying her nonsense. Real terrorist organizations in America are neo-Nazis, The Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and others groups who actually stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. These groups threatened to lynch Mike Pence and said racist slurs to black U.S. Capitol police officers. Greene has no real policies to help Americans. So, we believe in unity in infrastructure, stimulus, voting rights legislation, etc. The American people deserve much better than Greene's lies. The U.S. Attorney General had directed the DOJ to investigate the Minneapolis police force. This comes after the verdict. The federal government has the right to investigate, promote recommendations, and issue fines to police agencies if they refuse to comply with recommendations after a trial. 

 

This is my first time talking about the Maxine Waters situation. For decades, Maxine Waters has been a progressive activist in favor of justice for us. Now, many of the far right disingenuously criticize her for her recent statements. These same Republican hypocrites never criticized Trump who called many Mexican immigrants "rapists and drug dealers." They never criticized Trump's many statements overtly calling for violence. They never criticized Trump provoking terrorists to try to stop the legal certification of the 2020 election. Maxine Waters only said to have a bigger confrontation against injustice. This same call came from Malcolm X, Dr. King, and other civil rights leaders. Her words never called for unjust violence against innocent people or innocent property unjustly. Yet, the same Trump lovers, who are silent on record gun violence and on police brutality, want to use Waters as a scapegoat. This targeting of a black woman by evil people is not only evil and wrong. It is typical of folks who want to pacify legitimate black anger against oppression. We have every right to be upset and angry at our Brothers and our Sisters being murdered for no legitimate reason period. I could care less what Rep. McCarthy has to say when that male bowed down to Trump like a coward. Therefore, I will stay on code, and I have no problems with Waters' statements at all.

On Earth Day, President Joe Biden proposes to cut greenhouses gas emissions by half by 2030. Biden has brought America back into the Paris Climate Accords. He wants extra job creation using green energy jobs. Commonsense dictates that jobs, infrastructure, and investment will grow the economy. When you build something, jobs comes about. When you have customers and consumers buying resources that enriches businesses and retail. When you have health care, educational services, libraries, hospitals, and other forms of infrastructure developed, then life expectancy grows, jobs become better, and Americans' lives are further improved upon. We want broadband internet services to poorer communities and rural locations too. Not only that means that we need to address structural racism and other inequalities that still plague American society. Sociological studies document institutional racism conclusively along with tons of stories of our Brothers and our Sisters telling  their stories of oppression, marginalization, discrimination, isolation, and dehumanization by evil people. There should be an infrastructure bill passed by Congress, because it's the right thing to do, and it will improve human beings in multifaceted ways.

 

What recently blew my mind is seeing more university level studies about my ancestors. It described information about Sussana Turner, Arthur "Boss" Claud, and Sarah Claud. It described about the Nottoway Native Americans too, who lived in large numbers in Southampton County, Virginia. That is why there is a river named the Nottoway River. I am a descendant of Susanna Turner, who is my 3rd great grandmother. Her parents were Millie Woodson‐Turner and Morefield Hurst. It is said that Millie Woodson-Turner's parents were  Parsons Turner and Mary Woodson. Susanna Turner married Rev. James Thompson Claud, and their child was Arthur "Boss" Claud, who is my 2nd great grandfather. It is part of our family tradition to know our genealogy. One secret in life is that you're be surprised about who you're related to.

 

By Timothy

 

“There’s An Orange Jumpsuit Waiting for Him” - BET & Run Tell This Prese...

Distant Relatives

 https://www.engramfuneralhome.com/obituary/4649080

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142607949/virgie-lee-ricks

 

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/luther-allen-obituary?pid=160536011

 

 https://www.pilotonline.com/news/article_6747cd17-7be1-5e66-b22c-a34b8918d306.html

 

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pilotonline/obituary.aspx?n=antoinette-d-bridgeford&pid=157671733

 

 

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11397474/antoinette-colander

A Just Court Decision and George Floyd.

  

The overall war is not won, but one victory has existed legitimately. This victory was that Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all 3 charges. Witnesses have spoken up, and even some officers have said that Derek Chauvin is wrong in his reckless, evil behavior. People have shown great emotions of relief. This verdict of guilty is for George Floyd's family. I knew that since the jury deliberated so quickly that Chauvin would be found guilty. This movement for black lives is about revolutionary change. We have to work in our local and state communities. Not to mention that federal legislation must be passed to hold police officers accountable if they violate human rights. People now have celebrated in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., NYC, and in cities nationwide. The evidence shows that Chauvin callously murdered an innocent man. We have a long way to go, and we are not naive about this. We know that structural change is needed, that policies to eradicate racial inequalities must exist, and tons of other black families deserve justice too. Likewise, that is never a justification to give up. We will never give up, as our ancestors never did as well. So, we have to continue in the work to make democracy and justice real for all. At the core of this case is the family of George Floyd. Floyd's family deserves that respect and dignity. Now, we will travel along and stand up for real freedom continuously.

 

After the Derek Chauvin trial verdict, we witness this event as the most important criminal trial of the 21st century. It is a total test on the validity of the American justice system. It is a test on how a man had his neck being crushed by a corrupt cop for over 9 minutes, and still Derek tries to justify his evil actions. When someone as far right as Pat Robertson said that some cops are going too far and that Floyd doesn't deserve death, then we realize that the epidemic of police brutality is ever present in America (including other places of the world). The jurors had a huge responsibility. The prosecution and the defense gave their final statements along with the prosecution giving a rebuttal to the defense's distortion of the facts. National Guard troops are being mobilized in many cities of America including in Minneapolis. The facts of the case are very much transparent. Doctors, witnesses, and other experts have conclusively proved that Derek killed Floyd in a brutal fashion while other cops did nothing to stop the assault. Judge Cahill have given jurors instructions before the jurors deliberate in deciding the final decision on the verdict of Derek Chauvin. Many mothers who lost their sons to police kilings are united in their grief and determination to fight for real justice for our community. 

 

The America First Caucus document of promoting "Anglo-Saxon tradition" and opposing immigration from "foreign people" is not coded language. It is the same racist and xenophobic rhetoric from nativists and pro-eugenics from many decades ago. In fact, the Immigration Act of 1924 was created to restrict non-white European populations from immigrating into America. The racist Chinese Exclusion Act of the late 19th century was created to stop Chinese people from going into America too. That is why LBJ signed the 1965 Immigration Act to promote tolerance for immigrants regardless of nationality. Immigrants exist of every color including black people. The truth is that the Golden Rule still remains. America is made up of people of many backgrounds from people from Africa to other immigrants. Our diversity represents our strength, as true American values is about showing compassion to the sojourner and loving our neighbor is a great commandment from the Most High God. So, we have to resist the document of the America First Caucus. Majorie Taylor Greene is wrong in her views. During the end, truth will always prevail.

 

Days ago was the Birthday of Candace Parker, and she is 35 years old. She was born in St. Louis Missouri. As being known as one of the greatest women basketball players in history, she made tons of accomplishments in athletics. She has done it all. She won a WNBA Championship in 2016. She was the WNBA Finals MVP in 2016. She is a 5 time WNBA All-Star. She was the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2008. She won the Russian National League championship 5 times. She was the 2008 Naismith College Player of the Year. She was a 2 time WNBA MVP. She won 2 Gold Medals for the USA Women's Basketball team in 2008 at Beijing and in 2012 at London. Candace Parker had dunked the basketball too. She was a legendary player at the collegiate level at Tennessee. She has played for the LA Sparks and now plays for the Chicago Sky. She has been an analyst for NBA games on TNT and NBA TV. She was raised in Naperville, Illinois. She led her high school basketball team (of Naperville Central High School) to win Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004. On March 29, 2004, Candace Paker won the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game. She was the first woman to win the event beating Josh Smith and J.R. Smith. She graduated college with a 3.35 GPA. She loves her child unconditionally, and she is always a hard worker. She will continue contribute more in her legendary legacy. 

 

Yesterday was the Birthday of the late Luther Vandross. Not to many people know that he was born in New York City. He has his career for a long time since the 1970's. His voice was powerful, and he was one of the greatest vocalists in human history. He toured the world, knew music, and was a friend to many. Our community loved his music, because it was real, it was potent, and it was honest. Luther Vandross' music was an event, and it showed the soul of black musical excellence. Luther Vandross remains a great icon. 

RIP to the legendary musician.

 

By Timothy

 

Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on all charges.

 https://www.yahoo.com/huffpost/jury-derek-chauvin-verdict-193553908.html

 

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/derek-chauvin-trial-04-20-21/index.html

 

https://news.yahoo.com/chauvin-verdict-renews-attention-iowa-235316641.html

Information on Susanna Turner (My Ancestor, who is my 3rd Great Grandmother)

 https://www.thetidewaternews.com/2020/09/24/nottoway-land-added-to-virginia-landmarks-register/

 

https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/087-5675_MPD_Figures_Historic_Maps.pdf

 

https://www.coursehero.com/file/p1bntrf/Photo-of-one-room-Nottoway-Indian-School-attended-by-the-grandchildren-of/

 

 

https://www.wmjohnsonandsons.com/obituary/2896020

Different Subjects.

   

2017 was a year where R&B music was in transition. New school sounds and imagery were abundant. You have Starboy being popular done by The Weeknd featuring Draft Punk. Rae Sremmurd made Black Beatles featuring Gucci Mane. Bruno Mars had That's What I Like. I'm the One was released by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne.  One song that was very popular was Wild Thoughts done by DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller. Khalid made music too. This was the year when Khalid increased his popular in the R&B world. Jacob Banks made a song called Unknown (To You). He also made a powerful song called Chainsmoking which is about life and people's diverse experiences. Cyphi The Prynce made the song of No Dope on Sundays ft. Pusha T. This year saw a continuation of R&B/hip hop hybrid songs like Dawin'sBreek done by Ty Dolla $ign ft. Jeremih. Knox Fortune made the song of Lil Thing. Toro y Moi released the song of Girl Like You. Sampha made the song of No One Knows Me like the Piano. His song was a tribute to her mother, who lost her life to cancer. It is a very emotional record. Provider is a song made by Frank Ocean.  Godlink released the song called Crew featuring Shy Glizzy and Brent Faiyaz. The Weekend is a song made by SZA. Blessed is music from Daniel Caesar. The Canadian group of Majid Jordan made the record of Gave Your Love Away. The albums of 2017 involving R&B were diverse like SZA's Ctrl, Khalid's American Teen, Kehlani's SweetSexySavage, Daniel Caesar's Fruedian, Sampha's Process, Miguel's War and Leisure, Thundercat's Drunk, Kelela's Take Me Apart, Syd Tha Kid's Fin, Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman, Jhene Aiko's Trip, Bryson Tiller's True to Self, Majid Jordan's The Space Between, Sharon Jones' Soul of a Woman, Curtis Harding's Face Your Fear, and K. Michelle's Kimberly: The People I Used to Know.

 

 

By 2018, there were songs like Rockstar and Finesse. Drake had the R&B and hip hop fusion song of God's Plan. Ella Mai had the son of Trip including Boo. The artist of Childish Gambino had the song called This is America.  This is America is about the epidemic of anti-black violence, murder, and injustice in general. The irony of Childish Gambino is that he acts like he's pro-black, but he is known to made anti-black jokes in his comedy routines years ago without apologizing for it. Ella Mai Howell stood out in 2018 too involving R&B culture. She is a Afro-British singer and songwriter.  Her singing career began at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in London in 2014, during which time she auditioned as part of a trio on the 11th season of The X Factor. In 2015, she uploaded a four-track solo EP of originals to SoundCloud titled Troubled, and was discovered on social media by American record producer Mustard and signed with his record label, 10 Summers Records. From 2016 to 2018, she released three EPs on the label, including Time, Change, and Ready. Her self-titled debut studio album was released in October 2018. She was born on November 3, 1994 at London, England. Her mother is Jamaican and her father is Irish. In 2019, "Boo'd Up" was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Song of the Year and Best R&B Song, winning for the latter, as well as Mai herself being nominated for British Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards.  At the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, she won three awards, including the award for Top R&B Artist. She is a fan of Arsenal F.C. By 2020, she released Not Another Love Song. She is inspired by Lauryn Hill, Chris Brown, Brandy, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keyes, and Mariah Carey. Ella Mai is also inspired by 90's R&B music too. 2018 had tons of complex, history making R&B albums. One such album in 2018 was Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer. It showed music videos showing her songs as well. It featured subjects that deals with love, romance, computers, sexuality, feminism, and empowering women. Dirty Computer uses pop, funk, hip hop, &B, and neo-soul. It has space rock, trap, futurepop, new wave, electropop, and other genres. Her four singles out of many include Make Me Feel, Django Jane, Pynk, and I Like That. The album had a 46 minute narrative film project of the same name. Many people have praised the album. Prince inspired her to make more music. Janelle Monae said that Dirty Computer is a homage to women and the spectrum of sexual identities. No one can deny Janelle Monae's talent. In 2018, Teyana Tyalor released the album of K.T.S.E., The Weeknd had the album of My Dear Melancholy, Mariah Carey released Caution, The Carters released Everything is Love, 6LACK released East Atlanta Love Letter, Dev Hynes released Negro Swan, Islation was released by Kali Uchis, Jorja Smith released Lost and Found, and The Internet released Hive Mind. Toni Braxton made the huge comeback album of Sex and Cigarettes too in 2018. Toni Braxton's album was about love and disappointments at fraudulent partners. The song Sorry shows some of her best vocals and lyrics on the album. Ariana Grande released Sweetener. 

 

 

By early 2019, songs like Trip by Ella Mai, Sicko Mode by Travis Scott, and Please Me were high on the charts. Khalid made Better and Talk that expanded his power in music. Khalid Donnel Robinson was born on February 11, 1998. He is part of the new generation of R&B singers with something to say. He was born at Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Khalid released the number one pop songs, “Love Lies” with Normani and “Eastside” with Benny Blanco and Halsey, both of which tied the record for longest charting songs on the Mainstream Top 40 chart and reached the top-10 on the Billboard Hot 100. In September 2018, Khalid released the number one rhythmic song, “Better”, as the lead single from his top-10 EP, Suncity. In April 2019, he released his second studio album, Free Spirit, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart. The lead single “Talk”, peaked at number 3 in the US, and earned him a Grammy Award for Record of the Year nomination. Khalid has received multiple accolades including six Grammy Award nominations, six Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards and a MTV Video Music Award. In 2019, Khalid was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Khalid cites his mother as his leading musical inspiration and has cited Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Grizzly Bear, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, India.Arie, and James Blake as other influences.  In 2019, some of R&B greatest music came from Bryson Tiller, Ari Lennox, and Jacquees. In 2019, Summer Walker made the song of Fun Girl, Marco McKinnis made the song of Give It Up, Ann Marie's My Body, Hope Tala's Lovestained, Rotimi's Love Riddin', Girl Utra's Discrecion, Ride by YK Osiris and Kehlani, Ari Lennox's BMO, DJ Snake's Smile ft. Bryson Tiller, and other music. In 2019, Solange released the album of When I Get Home. It is her 4th studio album. Knowles produced the album alongside a variety of collaborators, including John Key, John Carrol Kirby, Standing on the Corner, Chassol, Jamire Williams and Pharrell Williams. The album also features contributions from several high-profile musicians, including Sampha, Playboi Carti, Gucci Mane, Panda Bear, Tyler, the Creator, Metro Boomin, The-Dream, Abra, Dev Hynes, Steve Lacy, Earl Sweatshirt and Scarface. The work has jazz, hip hop, and R&B elements. It celebrates the Houston hip hop culture in the Third Ward. It celebrates African American women from Houston too. She made a viusal film in relating to the album too. Songs like Things I Imagined, Down with the Clique, Way to the Show, Stay Flo, Dreams, My Skin is my Logo, I'm a Witness, etc. represent how she feels about her life. Summer Walker released the album of Over It, Jamila Woods released Legacy! Legacy!, Anderson Paak shown the album of Ventura, and Sir released Chasing Summer. Ari Lennox released Shea Butter Baby on May 7, 2019. This album was produced by Elite. The album has R&B, soul, neo soul, and jazz. The title track being the second single "Shea Butter Baby" with J. Cole, was released on February 26, 2019, which first appeared on the Creed II soundtrack on November 16, 2018. The song was accompanied by a music video on February 20, 2019 and surpassed three million views via YouTube within the first week. On April 30, Ari Lennox announced the release date and tracklist of the album, and released the single "Up Late", and the music video for the song was released on May 14. This album is about Ari Lennox showing herself to the world in merging neo-soul with R&B music. Her passions, her love, and her intentions are all displayed in Shea Butter Baby. Lizzo released Cuz I Love You in 2019, Kehlani had While We Wait, Toro Y Moi had Outer Peace, Tinashe had Songs for You, and Raphael Saadiq had Jimmy Lee. Snoh Aalegra had Ugh, Those Feels Again. Beyonce released The Lion King: The Gift in 2019 that celebrates African culture and heritage. The album was also produced by Beyoncé and features African artists such as Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel, as well as appearances from Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter, Childish Gambino, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Tierra Whack, 070 Shake, and Jessie Reyez, among others. At the 2019 Soul Train Music Awards, "Spirit" was nominated for Best Video of the Year and Best Dance Performance, while "Brown Skin Girl" was nominated for Best Collaboration and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award, winning the latter. The album was praised by African musicians too, and it caused a new era of Beyonce's legendary career. Mahalia released Love and Compromise. Jacquees released the album of The King of R&B, Lucky Daye released Painted, and H.E.R. released I Use to Know Her. 2019 R&B music saw tons of new artists and a new chapter being written constantly. 

 

  

 

Caribbean culture is all about diversity. The art, music, literature, culinary, politics, and social elements of the Caribbean is global also not just confined to a region. So many of the legends that we celebrate today in our generation and during the past are from the Caribbean. Caribbean culture had spread into America, Canada, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and all over the world in other locations too. Caribbean culture has been developed by history, geography, and human development. Multicultural heritages of Africa, Native Americans, Europeans (Spanish came first, then the French, and then the English), Latino people, Indian people, Chinese people, and other groups of people make the Caribbean culture as expansive as it is. Back in 1492, Spain conquered much of the Caribbean, then British conquests reached into a higher level by 1759, and then French and Dutch people came into the region. Although officially a quarter of the Caribbean population is English-speaking, the largest linguistic group comprises Spanish speakers (due to the inclusion of mainland Caribbean states), some 22% speak French while only 1% speak Dutch. Though the Caribbean today features 59 living languages  these are not spoken in the "insular Caribbean", but on what is referred to as the "continental Caribbean." Many Caribbean people speak French too. There is a strong Chinese element of culture in Trinidad and other places. A strong Indian element of culture is found in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, and other lands of the Caribbean. We know of the black African cultural influences in the Caribbean spanning long centuries. From leaders like Touissant to modern day heroes, black people in the Caribbean have made huge contributions in the world atmosphere. Symbols of the Caribbean are the parrot, palm, and the shell.  Women artists of the Caribbean: El vendedor de andullo (Tobacco Vendor), 1938, by modernist Celeste Woss y Gil of the Dominican Republic, and an oil painting entitled Marpacífico (Hibiscus-Marpacífico is the name used in Cuba for the hibiscus flower), 1943, by Cuban modernist Amelia Peláez are prominent. There have even been a rare selection of prints by Haitian artists such as Castera Bazile, Wilson Bigaud, Dieudonné Cedor, Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue and Gabriel Lévêque, that have not been exhibited since they were part of a traveling exhibition in 1948.

 

Caribbean literature has been written in English, French, Spanish, and a creole language. Caribbean authors have won numerous awards. Mark McWatt won Best First Book Award (2006) and Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Suspended Sentences: Fictions of Atonement. Sir V. S. Naipaul won the Man Booker Prize (1971), the Trinity Cross of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Nobel Prize in Literature (2001). Derek Walcott also won the Nobel Prize (1992). One of the biggest parts of Caribbean culture is the Carnival. It is annual celebration of life, music, dance, and togetherness among human beings. People wear costumes, be creative, dance, and have fun.  Traditionally, most Caribbean islands celebrate carnival on Ash Wednesday or the days leading up to Lent. Barbados celebrates the delivery of the last Sugar Canes called 'Crop Over' better known as the 'Sweetest Summer Festival' which is held in August. Carnival has been celebrated in New York City, Toronto, London, and other places of the world. Caribbean music can be raggae, the Indo-Caribbean musical form of Chutney, and other genres. Film, television, and theater have been elaborately displayed in the Caribbean region as well. Basketball, soccer, track, boxing, racing, cycling, golf, hiking, horse racing, wrestling, tennis, triathlon, and other sports are common in the Caribbean including baseball. The Caribbean Awards Sports Icons (CASI) are based on accomplishments made over the last 60 years (1948–2008), for those who have made their mark in the various fields of sports. Great achievements in Caribbean sport are recognized by Caribbean's Sports Hall of Fame, while trophies are awarded annually to top athletes by a panel of journalists. From food to other aspects of culture, Caribbean human beings have always been a blessing to the overall human family. 

 

 

 

Lana Del Rey's Chemtrails Over the Country Club not only has multiple meanings. It outlines how mainstream society readily promotes a false image that ignores the brutal reality of what time it is in the world. The music video of the song have chemtrails being sprayed in the sky, while wealthy women turn into witches at night. Lana Del Rey have had a career making songs about relationships, sometimes being even toxic. Her real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant. She used to go by Lizzie Grant. Then, she developed into Lana Del Rey with a new style, a new aesthetic, and a new philosophy about life. In the cover of Lovecat Magazine in 2012, she is in a picture with her using a diamond to hide one eye. The industry certainly have an influence on her. Lana was once pictured with the perverted and rapist Harvey Weinstein. Lana mimicked the image of Marilyn Monroe, and as we know Monroe was a victim of massive abuse, and she is a rumored Beta Kitten slave. In the song Body Electric, Lana Del Ray sings that, "Elvis is my daddy, Marilyn is my mother." In National Anthem, LDR recreates Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday Mr. President” moment which was dedicated to JFK. In 2020, she spoke in support of third wave feminism. She said that she is interested in witchcraft and wants her fans to engage in rituals with her. So, she is part of the elite's agenda, as the elite are in love with alternative forms of spirituality that goes against the Judeo-Christian ethic. 

 

The title of LDR’s 2021 album (and lead single) Chemtrails Over the Country Club has multi-leveled symbolism. Chemtrails is about the theory that the government or other entities are in a secret program to add toxic chemicals to the atmosphere via aircraft. It looks like visible plumes in the sky similar to contrails. People, who believe in it, readily claim that the chemtrails can cause sterilization, reduction of life expectancy, mind control, or weather control. The music video have chemtrails sprayed over the country club. The video shows the stereotypical image of mostly white Americans during the 1950's. The album cover shows a lack of diverse people, because back in the day about 80 percent of Americans were white. People have criticized her for the cover being a lack of people of color. Lana responds that some of her best friends are rappers and her boyfriends are rappers. It's like saying that she has black friends, so she can't be racist. That's a silly argument, because many racists have dated and slept with black people before. The symbolism of the video is all about 1950's American society. The video has her driving a red Mercedes representing wealth and affluence. There is the country club with privileged women and children.

 

Lana has the mesh maks on. The video has a child looking at the sky while the chemtrails are sprayed above people. Later, Lana watches a movie with a girl that looks like her. The video alludes to the girl being her at a younger age. There are mirrors and reflections which are found in MK symbolism. The girl looks in the mirror, and Lana looks at her reflection in the car's side view mirror. Later, the sunny skies witness a tornado. This looks similar to the tornado in the movie of The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy is took to the land of OZ. It is no secret that the author of the Wizard of Oz have links to Theosophy and the occult. L. Frank Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz was a member of the Theosophical Society. Lana's car is sweep up in the tornado. The mirror is shattered. Later, Lana and her friends seemed to be possessed by walking around with red eyes. Vampire teeth and reptilian eyes exist. The red Mercedes is on fire, and Lana connects with a wolf kissing it. Lana becomes the wolf losing her inhibitions. Later, women are drawn to blood. Dissociate to the elite's secret, controversial side is part of the video. The video ends with the women going to bed and getting ready to act “normal” the next day. The video show women relaxing and turning into vampries doing sex and blood rituals. The symbolism shows these people as puppets of the elites. It is not a secret that the occult inspired elite do occultist rituals. One example is the Cremation of Care ritual in the Bohemian Grove. Another example is the Rothschild party back in the 1970's that inspired the Eyes Wide Shut Film. Another example is how musicians and celebrities tell stories all of the time of secret industry parties where sex rituals take place. So, nothing is new under the sun. We reject brainwashing people and the goals of the evil people in the establishment. 

 

  

As we approach the Summer of 2021, we witness extraordinary developments from a new President to debates about infrastructure. Subsequently, we face a lot of challenges. Just last year, we witnessed the largest multiracial, pro-working class protest movement for racial justice in world history. Today, we still reckon with the epidemics of global police brutality, economic inequality, xenophobia, racial oppression, sexism, and other evils. To put this time into perspective, we are near the quarter century mark of the 21st century. The events of 9/11 saw the viciousness of evil along with the expansion of the war economy. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq transformed our society. The unjust Iraq War especially exposed imperialism as a detriment to peace and true tranquility. Speaking of America, America always have the dual reality of both righteous people who reject unjust antagonism in seeking justice for all along with extremists who desire to destroy the foundation of democracy (as exemplified by the failed January 6, 2021 coup attempt). Liberation is meant for all people. That means that the poor, the working class, and all oppressed people deserve dignity, respect, and freedom to establish their own destinies as human beings. The young people today are the first generation to witness 9/11, the first black President of the United States of America, and the first black Vice President of the United States of America. It has been 30 years after the end of the Cold War. Among that time, we have witnessed the injurious policies of capitalist exploitation, the growth of political polarization, and a new generation of progressive activists seeking social change. Also, statistics have documented the record economic inequality (resulting in social stratification, massive poverty, and disparities of health) so vast that it's necessary to advocate for a radical redistribution of economic and political power. Likewise, many of the older generation have adopted the progressive value of social change as well. Now, folks are dealing with the pandemic by getting vaccines, wearing masks, and doing other activities.

  

By Timothy

 

Extra Friday Updates.

 

Today, it has been 100 days since the January 6 terrorist, treasonous insurrection against the U.S. Capitol. It changed America. It was a time when Trump followers tried to overthrow a legal election. Racists, neo-Nazis, far right people, Qanon cultists, and other groups of evil people were there assaulting people, killing the police, using racial slurs, cursing at people, destroying property, and folks waving the Confederate flag. Even today, 2,000 National Guard troops are still in the Capitol area. Hockey sticks, poles, and other objects were used by terrorists to harm the Capitol police. That event ended the Reagan Revolution completely after 40 years of it. Reaganomics started by hate, and bigotry and it ended by hate and bigotry. All of us saw the disturbing images. Hundreds of people were arrested and charged. 10 suspects are at large for assaulting police officers. Many people are still at large too. There is evidence of coordination between the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, which are 2 terrorist organizations. Ron Johnson is a disgrace for minimizing these terrorists as just normal Americans. These folks aren't normal, but terrorists. 

 

Like usual, far right people are lying about Clarke who wants to the the new DOJ's Civil Rights Division leader. Kristen Clarke promotes voting rights for people, and she loves to promote civil rights in general. Clarke has one of the greatest forms of experience in legal affairs in American history. She has all of the qualifications. Kristen Clarke has been lied by many conservative extremists as anti-Semitic, etc. This propaganda from FOX News and other engines shows how scared extremists are of Clarke. Kristen Clarke is certainly a person who has a lifelong goal to make voting rights and human rights meant for all people. We have seen the evils of police brutality, voter suppression laws, and overt bigotry in the world. These vicious, nefarious things make us extinguish any form of naivete. Kristen Clarke is certainly will make a great future head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division.

The defense has rested its case on the Derek Chauvin trial recently. This means that the defense's case is over. Now, both the prosecution and the defense will present their closing arguments on Monday. After that, it is will be up to the jurors to decide the trial. Chauvin is having many counts. Chauvin was charged with many counts and charges, because we know how America is. In the American judicial system, the police in many cases have so much immunity that it is very difficult to convict a crooked officer, even if tape proves his or her's guilt. That is why multiple charges are placed on Chauvin. What is telling is that the murderer Derek Chauvin refused to testify on his behalf by citing the 5th Amendment. The 5th Amendment allows people to not have self incrimination. An innocent person would be glad to testify under oath to prove his or her's innocence. We know that Derek Chauvin is guilty of murder, and that is why Derek took the 5th. We want justice to exist. Derek and the other officers should be convicted.

 

President Biden has announced that U.S. forces will draw down in Afghanistan until total American withdrawal of Afghanistan until September 11, 2021. Biden talked with George W. Bush and Barack Obama about his decision. Right now, thousands of Russian troops are in Eastern Europe. You have China having ships near Taiwan. You have the Iranian nuclear deal negotiations continuing after an attack on an Iranian nuclear site. No one is naive about the complex, serious foreign policy issues. Biden's Afghanistan decision is risky, but American troops have been over there for almost 20 years now. Foreign policy is part of a balancing act of diplomacy and firm resolve.

 

 

A lot of new information about my genealogy are coming about. My 5th cousin Chantia Carlina Williams Carter is my 5th cousin, because we share the same ancestor of Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Her father is Edward Carlton Williams (aka Jake. He was born in 1951). Edward Carlton Williams or my 4th cousin's parents are Otis Grant Williams (1921-2007) and Annie Elizabeth Sharp (b. 1927). Otis Grant Williams' parents are Ezra Grant Williams (1898-1975) and Ella Wyche (b. 1897). There is an interesting story about Ella Wyche. Ella Wyche is not related to me, but she has an interesting story. Ella Wyche lived during the early 20th century. Her parents are Grant Wyche and Pinkie Wyche. Pinkie Wyche according to Chantia Carter was a descendant of the Cheroenhaka Native American people (of the Iroquioan speaking peoples). The Williams family originated from Southampton County, Virginia, and many of them migrated into North Carolina like Edward Carlton Williams. Ezra Grant Williams's parents are James Edward Williams (1879-1950) and Miranda Williams (1880-1964). My 1st cousin James Edward Williams's parents were John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adeline Hill (1862-1930). My 3rd great grand aunt Adaline Hill's parents are Tom Hill (1838-1915) and my 4th great grandmother Sarah Claud (1842-1892). Sarah Claud was a former slave. Sarah Claud's mother was my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud. Zilphy Claud was also a former slave. Now, more people know the truth. 

 

By Timothy

 

 

JFK vs. Allen Dulles

 https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510744790/jfk-vs-allen-dulles/

The History of R&B Part 5: The 1990's (Another Golden Age of R&B Music)

 https://www.scribd.com/document/500014072/The-History-of-R-B-Part-5-The-1990-s-Another-Golden-Age-of-R-B-music

Resistance Against Police Brutality and Other News.

  

It is clear to see that the death of Duante Wright is unjustified. We know the murderous officer who did it claimed that it was an "accident." Her comment is not only insensitive to the dignity of Wright's life. It is part of an old lie that black life must be perfect to live. Perfection is a humanly impossible, so our imperfections don't merit automatic death. The system of policing is in chaos. Back then, the police acted as occupying forces of oppression in many communities. That continues in many places now. Even the Kerner Commission report of 1967 admitted that police misconduct, economic oppression, and racial discrimination contributed to the rebellions of the 1960's. We have to confront ourselves, and society must eliminate racial oppression. We have to build institutions that promote liberation and endorse progressive federal laws that ban police brutality (and promote racial justice). Being honest, the far right and some moderates even oppose the George Floyd Act. There is no compromise with people who believe in the lie that only white people are deserving of respect in American society. There is no compromise with racism, xenophobia, and any form of oppression. One thing about me is that you know exactly what I believe in. There is no ambiguity with my beliefs. That same logic applies in politics. Federal legislation is a necessity along with self determination to stand up for our God given human rights as black people.

  

This year is the 160 year anniversary of the evil attack on Fort Sumter. After 160 years, we still don't see total freedom for all Americans. We now witness the largest amount of tensions in American history since 1968 and during the American Civil War. The attack on Fort Sumter was an unjust Confederate attack on sovereign Union territory that caused the U.S. Civil War in 1861. Now, Kristen Clarke is picked as a possible leader of the Civil Rights Division. Kristen Clarke has all of the progressive insights and experience in the world. Clarke is an expert on civil rights from A to Z. So, if she is confirmed, she will be an excellent choice in the Biden/Harris team. Fort Sumter was attacked by a South Carolina militia on April 12, 1861. The Civil War lasted for 4 years. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Virginia is my state. Virginia is unfortunately the capitol location of the Confederate. Likewise, Virginia is having tons of problems and new progressive laws in the New South at the same time. About 750,000 Americans died in the American Civil War. The same oligarchy who wanted the wealthy to centralize wealth back in the day still exist now in trying to continue in the evil of oligarchical aims.

 

John Boehner is an ironic person. Years ago, he has joined the Tea Party, supported the government shutdown, and loved George W. Bush. Boehner said that the ACA is the greatest threat of freedom in 2009. We know that the ACA is not the greatest threat of freedom. Some Tea Party members (many of that group believed in the racist Birther lie about Obama) spit at John Lewis and said the n word at him years ago. I remember that time. Now, John Beohner is a fierce critic of Ted Cruz so much that he called him Lucifer on multiple instances. For the record, Ted Cruz is a notorious extremist and Trump follower. Boehner is promoting his book where he criticized Trump, GOP extremism, and the January 6, 2021 insurrection. The paradox is that he promoted the Tea Party types to gain control of the House, but he was forced out of Congress when those types viewed him as not conservative enough. The GOP is a party in crisis to put it honestly and bluntly. John Boehner hypocritically criticized Trump now, but he voted for Trump in 2020. Nikki Haley hypocritically criticized Trump, but wants to vote for Trump is he runs again in 2024. These people are way many people aren't Republicans. The sickness of many Republicans is all about hypocrisy, historical revisionism, and archaic views. Even some GOP members said that the Georgia Voter suppression law is just about voter ID. That is a lie. That is a lie. The truth is that voter suppression Georgia voter law restrict the number of drop boxes, restrict how absentee ballots are cast, and even restricts giving water and food to voters in line. This is cruelty personified and similar to the old school Jim Crow laws of America decades ago. This law came about after Trump lost the 2020 election. 

 

 

 

There are so many news today. The Derek Chauvin trial continues. The use of force expert and law professor Seth Stoughton said that it wasn't necessary to place George Floyd in a prone position once he was taken out of the back of the police car by the officers. Stoughton said that Floyd didn't present a threat or harm. His testimony confirms multiple forms of testimonies from other doctors and experts. Soon, the defense will present their witnesses. Like usual, the defense will scapegoat Floyd and bystanders in a cruel fashion. George Floyd's brother testified and said that he was just a big mama's boy. His brother is Philonise Floyd. The cardiologist said that Floyd died due to restraint not a heart attack or drug overdose. Floyd's death was totally preventable. The dehumanization of black life is the total philosophy of crooked officers. Justice must be served, and that means that all officers involved in Floyd's death must be tried and convicted of their crimes.

 

Recently, in Windsor, Virginia, there was another incident of an unjust treatment of a black person existed. The black person is a Army Lieutenant. Windsor is next to Southampton County and Suffolk. The black man was pulled over by 2 officers. The man didn't resist arrest, was no threat to both officers, and just asked the officer why is he being pulled over. Immediately, the officers were aggressive towards the man, disrespected the man's dignity, and sprayed pepper spray in the dog's face. The cops threatened to ruin the man's military career too. All of these acts have no justification. The lieutenant was treated very terribly, and and his dog was choking on pepper spray. Crooked cops focus on intimidation and lies. We should never be intimidated by anyone. The Army soldier's rights were so violated, that the soldier is suing the police department at Windsor for $1 million. This is certainly an outrage, and such evil actions by the 2 officers merit no coddling. Those officers should be investigated, charged, and held accountable for their abhorrent actions.

 

 

By Timothy

 

THE PANDEMIC PROMPTED MARILYN MOSBY TO STOP PROSECUTING LOW-LEVEL CRIMES. WILL OTHER D.A.S FOLLOW?

 https://theappeal.org/the-pandemic-prompted-marilyn-mosby-to-stop-prosecuting-low-level-crimes-will-other-d-a-s-follow/

Cultural Information in Early April of 2021.

  

 

Coming 2 America is the 2021 American comedy film that is the equal to the 1988 film of Coming to America movie. It starred Eddie Murphy. Eddie fulfilled his dream to create a sequel. For decades, Eddie Murphy has been one of the greatest comedians of all time. Now, he has been in numerous films. Coming 2 America was directed by Craig Brewer from a screenplay by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein, and David Sheffield. Eddie Murphy imagined many of the characters himself. It had many new actors and actresses plus some of the same actors including actresses from the original movie like Arsenio Hall, Eddie Murphy, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Jones, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, Teyana Taylor, Wesley Snipes, and James Earl Jones. The film was released by Paramount Pictures. It was released digitally via Prime Video from Amazon on March 4, 2021. The story starts at the 30th year anniversary of Prince Akeem of Zamunda's wedding with Lisa McDowell. His father King Jaffe Joffer is dying. Akeem realizes from his shaman Babaa and Jaffe that he has a secret son in Queens, New York City. So, he had to go to NYC to find out who his son is as Zamundian tradition demands that only a male successor can inherit his throne (as Akeem only has daughters). Akeem also deals with the militaristic dictator General Izzi (the brother of Akeem's original arranged bride-to-be), has been pushing Akeem's eldest daughter Meeka into marrying his foppish son, Idi). Izzi wants to take over Zaumanda. King Jaffe had a funeral. So, Akeem and Semmi goes to met his secret song in Queens, NYC. Lavelle Junson is his son. Mary is Lavelle's mother.  After an awkward reunion with his mother Mary, Akeem takes them back to Zamunda, much to his family's displeasure. When General Izzi learns of this, he drops by to introduce his daughter Bopoto to Lavelle as a last shot at laying claim to the throne of Zamunda, but in order to qualify as a royal prince, Lavelle first has to pass a series of traditional - and hazardous - tests. 

 

Lavelle has a hard time at first to adjust to life at Zumunda. He allies with the royal groomer Mirembe. Mirembe tells Lavell of Akeem's quest to find his queen and encourages him to follow his own path. He then invites his uncle Reem (played by Tracy Morgan), Mary's streetwise brother, to Zamunda who coaches Lavelle on how to blend his urban upbringing with his new royal status. Lavelle gradually develops an understanding with Akeem's family and, using his wits and some forced courage, he passes and is made Prince of Zamunda. However, at his accession party, Lavelle overhears a conversation between Akeem and Izzi which makes him believe that Akeem is just exploiting him, and he, Mirembe, Mary and Reem go back to New York. Upset at losing Mary, whom she has befriended, Lisa locks Akeem out of their bedroom. After talking with Cleo, who reminds him of late Queen Aoleon's progressive mind, Akeem flies back to the States, while Semmi is left to stall Izzi, who intends to return the next day to either see Bopoto marry Lavelle or declare war.

 

 

Akeem finds Lavelle and Mirembe about to be married at Queens. Akeem gives his son his blessing and released Lavelle from his marriage to Bopoto. During this time, Semmi and the princesses fight off and subdue General Izzi, forcing him to try a more diplomatic approach. Upon his return home, Akeem changes the royal succession by allowing his daughter Meeka to ascend to the throne upon his death, while Lavelle is made an ambassador to the United States and General Izzi has opened Nexdoria for a peaceful political and trading relationship. The film concluded with a grand party at the royal palace, including Akeem's barbershop friends from Queens as special guests and a performance of the song "We Are Family" from Sexual Chocolate. Eddie Murphy plays many characters from singer, barber shop people, and Arsenio Hall plays the Reverend Brown (or pastor of the church). Teyana Taylor plays Bopoto Izzi. Bella Murphy plays Princess Omma Joffer. Kiki Layne plays Prince Meeka Joffer. Shari Headley plays Queen Lisa Joffer. James Earl Jones plays King Jaffe. Salt-N-Pepa, Gladys Knight, Dikembe Mutombo, Garcelle Beauvais, Michael Blackson, Rick Ross, John Legend, En Vogue, and other people are in the movie. The filming of the movie started on August 17, 2019 at Atlanta, Georgia. The original motion picture soundtrack was released through Def Jam Recordings on March 5, 2021. In February 2021, Bobby Sessions and Megan Thee Stallion released I'm a King as its lead single. Coming 2 America, being released in 2021, dealt with a new world of Metoo, BLM, and other political plus social realities. So, much of the film is PG-13. Eddie Murphy wanted to appeal to a younger generation. Some of the sequel quotes exactly word for word from the original. The movie tried to play it safe to not offend anyone. Also, the actress Leslie Jones used a lot of creative comedy in the film. The irony is that Eddie Murphy's critics complain about his controversial jokes during the 1980's, and many of these same critics complain about his film being too politically correct now. You can't please everyone. By and large, the film is from a 21st century perspective. The film gets better as time goes on. Also, women empowerment and leadership is shown in the film by the new ruler of Zamunda being a woman. I don't agree with one character braking like a dog, because to me that is inappropriate and has nothing to do with the plot of the film. The jokes about Akeem's manhood of not having a son harkens backs to old stereotypes that should be rejected. The movie didn't want to reinvent the wheel. It wanted to show old school imagery mixed with new school sensibilities. If the film became more revolutionary, then it could have been better, but it was not a totally terrible film, though not better than the original movie. It was a movie reflecting the times of the 2020s.

  

 

R&B Culture is diverse. It deals with music a lot. From the pianos, trumpets, base, and electronic devices, R&B Music has existed in the modern world since the 1940's. Also, the culture of R&B deals with soul. Soul is not something that is artificial. It is not something that is fake or generated via deception. Soul is a tangible part of the human soul that endorses creativity, originality, and the love of the audience. African American culture relates to R&B culture too, as black people invented R&B music, rock music, hip hop, and other genres. Today, the culture of modern day R&B is international. Singers of R&B are people of many nationalities and colors including ages. It has helped to shed a light on problems, to evaluate love in complex terms, and expand fashion profoundly. In terms of fashion, from shades, suits, dresses, shoes, and other clothes, R&B music had dealt with clothing for generations. Pentatonic scales and bass guitars are regularly utilized in R&B music. One example is how SZA used a guitar when Toni Braxton sang her classic song of "Gotta Move On." Snares, drums, and other beats are found in R&B like the song of Experience done by Victoria Monet, Khalid, and SG Lewis. R&B music is worldwide. Like other genres, the paradox of R&B is that there is a problem with many lyrics being anti-women, while an increase of women R&B singers have carried the genre forward. Tons of women R&B artists have great talent in the 2020s like: Victoria Monet, Chloe x Halle, Chloe x Halle, Ari Lennox, Jade Novah, Ruth B., Jhene Aiko, India Shawn, Normani, Teyana Taylor, Rochelle Jordan, Sza, Brandy, Monica, H.E.R., Keke Palmer, Justine Skye, Jessie Reyez, Kiana Lede, Sevyn Streeter, Summer Walker, Ella Mai, Mahalia, Ryan Destiny, Kehlani, Sudan Archives, Jenevieve, Jorja Smith, TeaMarrr & Tinashe. Yes, I listen to much of their music. Even though I am almost 40 years old, I know how the younger generation acts. Black culture is R&B music. We invented it, and it is a music at the same time meant for all people to listen to and express themselves in it. Music is never limited based on background. It's meant for everyone. Music changes over time, but greatness in music always remains potent forevermore. 

 

Hip Hop culture is very powerful internationally. From DJs showing records to graffiti being part of art, hip hop has always been a powerful culture. The culture of hip hop is about rising from oppression to make a statement. Original hip hop was not about super materialism. It was about honestly showing the struggle of oppressed communities. Using the turntable in creative ways is common in the DJ culture. DJs are found in America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and in other places of the world. Some DJs use 2 or more phonograph turntables. The DJ mixer is plugged into a PA system. The founder of hip hop Kool Herc was a DJ. Grandmaster Flowers, Grandmaster Flash, Grand Wizzard Theodore, and Grandmaster Caz set a foundation of scratching and other methods in giving future DJs opportunities to express their views. Traditionally, a DJ will use two turntables simultaneously and mix between the two. These are connected to a DJ mixer, an amplifier, speakers, and various electronic music equipment such as a microphone and effects units. The DJ mixes the two albums currently in rotation and/or does "scratching" by moving one of the record platters while manipulating the crossfader on the mixer. The result of mixing two records is a unique sound created by the seemingly combined sound of two separate songs into one song. The culture of MCing has existed for a long time. Grafitti pioneers include people like Lady Pink, Seen, Blade, Fargo, Cholly Rock, Fuzz One, Phase 2, and Coco 144. Some deny that graffiti is related to hip hop, but others disagree. Many hip hop artists use tagging via logos. Break-dancing has been around among many cultures. It has elements of James Brown, Michael Jackson, etc. Production, beat-making, and language are all part of hip hop culture. Slang in hip hop has expanded greatly. Even mainstream culture knows about common hip hop slang words like diss, -izzie at the end of words, milli, guap, joint, Benzo, word up, etc. 

 

 

Movies and Hip Hop go hand and hand. Hip hop expanded by the 1970's. Modern day hip hop movies existed in the 1980's. Wild Style from 1982 documented Djs, artists, and the culture in general. Wild Style was the first major hip hop movie. It has the Cold Crush Brothers, and other people trying to survive in the urban centers of America. Later, more films came about like Beat Street, Breakin, Krush Groove, Disorderlies, Colors, Do the Right Thing, and Tougher than Leather. The 1980's saw hip hop being shown as a refutation of its critics who viewed it as just a fad. The 1980's saw the start of hip hop's Golden Age where dancing, lyricism, parties, and other forms of fun were commonplace. The 1990's saw another golden age of African American movies and TV shows. So, hip hop movies reflected that time like House Party 1, 2, and 3, Belly, Juice, CB4, Boyz N the Hood, The Show, Menace II Society, Above the Rim, Friday, New Jack City, etc. By the 2000's, hip hop became the most dominant musical genre in the world. So, you had movies about love, rapping, and the streets. The Beef documentary series, produced by the Quincy Jones's family, outlined the long, complex history of rivalries in hip hop music. Brown Sugar shown 2 black lovers outlined their love for each other and hip hop. Bones was horror film featuring Snoop and Pam Grier. Other hip hop films of that time was Cradle 2 the Grave, ATL, Baby Boy, 8 Mile, Tupac: Resurrection, State Property 1 and 2, Honey, Paid in Full, Hood 2 Hood: The Blockumentary, Hustle and Flow, and Notorious. Hip hop movies of the 2010's dealt with biographies, love, and the music industry in general. The most famous film of that time was Straight Outta Compton from 2015 that detailed the lives of NWA. The 2016 TV series of the Breaks was about 1980's hip hop history. Dope form 2015 was about high school kids, bullies, music, and life. The Step Up movie series continued to celebrate b-boy and b-girl culture in the 2010's. Top Five was about debates on who is the greatest. In the 2020s, digital TV shows and movies are common. Hip hop related films in 2020 were also Bad Boys for Life, The Beastie Boys Story, Black is King, Da 5 Bloods, and Uncut Gems. 2021 will continue to have films and into the future too. 

  

  

  

R&B Music is still here in 2020 and beyond. Boundaries with sounds were broken. One of the great songs in 2020 in dealing with R&B was Do It with the sister team of Chloe X Halle. SZA made a song with Hit Different ft. Ty Dolla $ign. New artists like Arizona Zervas, Kehlani, Roddy Ricch, Lizzo, Doja Cat,  and other people released music. Ella Mai released Not Another Love Song. Giveon had Stuck on You. Summer Walker ft. Partynextdoor released My Affection. Also, Usher released Bad Habits. That song alluded to his real life drama. Inhale was a song released by Bryson Tiller. Summer  2020 was a song released by Jhene Aiko. Teyana Taylor ft. Davido released Killa. dvsn ft. Snoh Aalegra had Between Us. Snowchild was a song released by The Weeknd. Justin Beiber, JoJo, and other people have outlined their songs too. Kelly Rowland in 2020 released the song Coffeee to celebrate the beauty of black women. H.E.R., Khalid, Disclousre, and other people have outlined their music about love, romance, etc. Lianne La Havas is a very talented artist with songs like Bittersweet, etc. 3 am in London is a song by Ebenezer. Ari Lennox, Kiana Lede, Brent Faiyaz, Gashi, and other people of the new generation certainly have made R&B evolve further. By 2021, R&B had hits like Blinding Lights from The Weeknd. R&B music by now is heavily a hybrid with slow jams, quiet storm, electronic influences, and hip hop influences. Peaches is a song of Justin Bieber, Daniel Casesar, and Giveon. Leave the Door Open is a 2021 song by Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars in a duo called Silk Sonic. Hit Different is a song by SZA, The Neptunes with Pharrell Williams, and TY Dolla $ign. Girl Like Me is a song by Jazmine Sullian featuring H.E.R.. Caution is a song made by Kaytranada. Still Yours is found by Bryson Tiller and Big Sean. H.E.R. released Fight for You as part of the Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired album. Eden was released Brent Faiyaz. Mahalia ft. Rico Nasty made the song Jealous. 80/20 is a song released by Chloe X Halle. Justine Syke and Timbaland have the 2021 song of Intruded. Syd made the song of Missing Out. SZA released Good Days. Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, dvsn, Miguel, and other people have released music in 2021 too. 

 

 

For almost 80 years now, R&B music has been in existence. From the Supremes and Stevie Wonder to SZA and H.E.R., R&B music has been through tons of changes over the decades. We have been through a lot. Even the recent event of a black man almost killed by the police in Windsor, Virginia shows us that we have a long way to go. Yet, excellence in music remains strong. We know that music is still here. Music inspires creativity. It can build up the souls of people in transcendent ways, and it can promote our minds to stand up against injustice. Back then when R&B was born, a lot of jazz and blues influences were found in R&B. Early artists like Dinah Washington tried to show their gifts to the world. The Motown era of R&B had legends like Tammi Terrell and Otis Redding during the 1960's. Disco of the 1970's and funk showed the world that R&B can expand into new heights. The 1980's was highly experimental songs with funk, the quiet storm, and ballads from the legendary Whitney Houston. The 1990's saw a huge golden Age of R&B music with people like Brandy, Aaliyah, Monica, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox, and others. The 2000's saw both the start of new school singers and old school legends like Ashanti, Rihanna, Beyonce, Fantasia, and Melanie Fionna. The 2010's saw the growth of the new school almost neo-quiet storm types of artists like Bryson Tiller, H.E.R., Carolyn Malachi, SZA, and other artists. During the 2020's, we see the torch being passed to other artists like Chloe X Halle, Victoria Monet, Khalid, Justine Syke, Ari Lennox, Lucky Daye, and other human beings. The soul of R&B is still here albeit in a new time in the 2020s. Soon, it will be 2030, and the future will continue to exist along with the glorious legacy of R&B music. 

 

 

Ghana has been shown everywhere recently. In the past years, many Ghana was the first Southern-Saharan African country to launch a cellular mobile network (1992). It was one of the first countries in Africa to be connected to the internet and to introduce ADSL broadband services. African Americans have moved into Ghana as Ghana is a country on the movie. Its motto is Freedom and Justice. Its national anthem is God Bless Our Homeland Ghana. Ghana has its capital city of Accra. Ivory Coast is the west of Ghana, Burkina Faso is in the north, Togo is in the east, and the Gulf of Guinea including the Atlantic Ocean is found on the south. Ghana has been home of the Kingdom of Dagbon and the Ashanti Empire. It is a nation that is mostly Christian, it has Muslims, and those who follow traditional religions too. The Akan people make up the majority of the people in Ghana along with other human beings. It has over 31 million people. 

 

 

 

The mass media is a reality. We live in a different time than even in 2001. The paradox is that the corporate media is very powerful, while independent media voices struggle to allow their voices to be heard greatly. It is a historical fact that the corporate media is controlled by select mega-corporations. Much of the mainstream media has been infiltrated by CIA interests as proven by the CIA's Operation Mockingbird program. The CIA's MK-Ultra program used drugs in experiments in trying to promote mind control experiments among many Americans decades ago. That is why corporate media networks overtly promoted not only the Iraq War initially. Today, they endorse Western imperialism worldwide, omit the Yemen crisis, and refuse to talk about more controversial topics (like Secret Societies, Hollywood propaganda, torture, the real events of imperialism, and Gulf on Tonkin deception that led to more American military involvement in the Vietnam War).Edward Louis Bernays was an Austrian-American pioneer in the field of public relations and propaganda, referred to in his obituary as "the father of public relations."  He made forms of tactics in order to get people to buy products. His methods are still used today in getting people to follow agendas. The common lie among numerous skeptics is that no conspiracy ever existed in history. History teaches us that conspiracies do exist like the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Operation Paperclip, and the Tuskegee Experiment. The deal is that not everything is a conspiracy though, and we make that distinction clear. The oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and other industries fund large media institutions constantly for decades. The mass media culture should be placed into context. That means that when a media figure lies, that person should be called out with evidence. If a media person is telling the truth, then that is fine. The Capitol insurrection by racist, far right terrorist on January 6, 2021 document once again that white racist nationalists are the biggest terrorist threat in America now. The overall point is that we have long way in having justice for all, so we have to do all that we can to promote free speech, independent thought, inquiry, and imagination in order to see true liberation. 

 

By Timothy