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MUSIC MONDAY: “In The Heat of the Night” – A Celebration of Black Film Music (LISTEN)

MUSIC MONDAY: “In The Heat of the Night” – A Celebration of Black Film Music (LISTEN)

By goodblacknews on November 2, 2020

by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)

Hello, again! Here’s a collection of Black composers of film music. There are a few iconic songs from films included here, but the playlist is mainly devoted to scores.

As usual, this is a varied group of artists. They come from Jazz (Herbie Hancock and Duke Ellington), popular music (James Brown, RZA and Pharrell Williams), Rock (Barry Adamson), and of course, Classical ( Michael Abels and Kathryn Bostic).

[spotifyplaybutton play=”spotify:playlist:3AZVx1ZXDEAHsdu5QJo95p”/]

This collection spans decades of work from the 1930s to very recent releases. Hope you enjoy the wide-ranging collection of film music.

“See” ya next week. And was want is always my wont, please stay safe sane, and kind And VOTE!

Marlon West (photo courtesy Marlon West)
Russell Wilson and Ciara Donate $1.75 Million to Washington School via Why Not You Foundation

Russell Wilson and Ciara Donate $1.75 Million to Washington School via Why Not You Foundation

By goodblacknews on October 30, 2020

According to the Associated Press, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Ciara, the Grammy-winning performer, through their Why Not You Foundation, are contributing about $1.75 million to rebrand an existing charter program known as Cascade Midway Academy, just south of Seattle.

The Cascade high school program was set to debut this year before the pandemic forced founders  to delay opening. The superstar couple’s generosity will be honored with the school’s name change to Why Not You Academy.

Wilson and Ciara said to the Associated Press they jumped at the opportunity to help launch the school. It focuses on academics, personalized student plans and internships and mentorships for underserved Black and brown students. The couple said they hope this will be the first of many Why Not You Academy sites across the country.

“I’m really confident…about the team that we have here and how we’re building things out,” Ciara said. “We’re passionate about everything. We’re all in on this.”

The Why Not You Academy is expected to open in fall 2021.

To read more: https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-school-choice-seattle-charter-schools-celebrity-04ab591940910dfb9109150eafb39fc0

Virginia Military Institute Votes to Remove Confederate General Stonewall Jackson Statue from Campus

Virginia Military Institute Votes to Remove Confederate General Stonewall Jackson Statue from Campus

By goodblacknews on October 29, 2020

According to the Washington Post, Virginia Military Institute’s Board of Visitors voted Thursday to remove the prominent statue of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson from the state-supported military school grounds in efforts to address continuous incidents and allegations of racism there.

 To quote the Washington Post article:

After reading descriptions by Black cadets of what they endure at VMI, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) ordered an independent investigation into the school’s culture. VMI’s superintendent, retired General J.H. Binford Peay III, resigned Monday in the wake of the controversy.

It is unclear where the statue of Jackson — an enslaver of six people who taught at the school before helping to lead the Confederate Army — will go.

To read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/vmi-stonewall-jackson-statue-racism/2020/10/29/fc3b9490-1a05-11eb-aeec-b93bcc29a01b_story.html

MUSIC: Happy Birthday, Melba Moore! GBN Celebrates with the Ultimate Melba Moore Playlist (LISTEN)

MUSIC: Happy Birthday, Melba Moore! GBN Celebrates with the Ultimate Melba Moore Playlist (LISTEN)

By goodblacknews on October 29, 2020

by Jeff Meier (FB: Jeff.Meier.90)

Today Good Black News celebrates a milestone birthday for soul diva Melba Moore with a Spotify playlist entitled “This Is It! The Ultimate Melba Moore Playlist” that spans her 50+ year career from a rare mid-‘60s recording now popular on Britain’s Northern Soul scene to her latest song – a house music infused dance track from this past summer.

We’ve got all the necessary hits in-between as well, from Broadway showcases to her huge ‘70s disco singles to her mid ‘80s soul duets to her gospel turn in the new millennium. Here is the playlist:

[spotifyplaybutton play=”spotify:playlist:6vKi3SVAHt0DXghQw7Vm1O”/]

In fact, for Melba’s 75th, we’ve got 75 great songs. And because some sources suggest a different birth year, we’ve actually thrown in some bonus tracks just in case – any excuse to include a few added songs, because in this case, the more Melba Moore, the merrier!

Born into a family of musicians, Melba’s mother was Gertrude Melba Smith, a singer who performed under the name Bonnie Davis – and actually hit #1 on the Harlem Hit Parade chart in 1943 with the song “Don’t Stop Now.” Her father was saxophonist Teddy Hill who had his own prominent big band. And Melba’s stepfather, Clem Moorman, whose last name she later adapted for her own stage name, was a pianist who ultimately performed with her mother.

Darnella Frazier, the Young Woman Who Documented George Floyd’s Murder, to be Honored with 2020 PEN America Benenson Courage Award

Darnella Frazier, the Young Woman Who Documented George Floyd’s Murder, to be Honored with 2020 PEN America Benenson Courage Award

By goodblacknews on October 28, 2020

[Daniella Frazier; photo courtesy pen.org]

The literary and free expression organization PEN America announced today that Darnella Frazier, the quick-thinking and courageous young woman who filmed the murder of George Floyd, will receive the 2020 PEN/Benenson Courage Award. PEN America will bestow the award on the 17-year-old Frazier at its virtual gala celebration on December 8.

“With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police,” said PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel, author of Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All.

“With remarkable steadiness, Darnella carried out the expressive act of bearing witness, and allowing hundreds of millions around the world to see what she saw. Without Darnella’s presence of mind and readiness to risk her own safety and wellbeing, we may never have known the truth about George Floyd’s murder. We are proud to recognize her exceptional courage with this award.”

Frazier documented the death of the 46-year-old Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, one of whom—Derek Chauvin—pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck, well after Floyd lost consciousness. Frazier’s video quickly spread across social media and led to a wave of community outrage, a major investigation, and Chauvin’s arrest, as well as the dismissal of the three other officers.

Floyd’s killing, along with the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Dion Johnson, and others, drove a wave of activism across the country crying out for racial and economic justice.

Frazier will receive the award at the 2020 PEN America Gala, this year being held virtually on December 8 and, for the first time, combining the annual Los Angeles and New York Galas, streamed to supporters around the world. The all-virtual gala will include special guests, performances, readings, and the presentation of multiple PEN America honors.

MUSIC MONDAY: “Chicago Love” – The Roots of House Music (LISTEN)

MUSIC MONDAY: “Chicago Love” – The Roots of House Music (LISTEN)

By goodblacknews on October 26, 2020

[Frankie Knuckles; Photo Credit: Unknown]

by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)

House music was born in Chicago clubs that catered to gay, predominantly Black and Latino patrons in the early 1980s.

It fused the symphonic sweep and soul diva vocals of the 1970s, with high-tempo, electronic dance music.

House reached Europe by 1986, with tracks on Chicago labels Trax and DJ International penetrating the British pop charts.

Legendary nightclubs such as New York’s “Paradise Garage” and Chicago’s “Warehouse” set the stage for modern club culture.

[spotifyplaybutton play=”spotify:playlist:7aX8XAhCjiAc2XLa74Lv01″/]

This collection features early vanguards like Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, Ron Hardy, Jesse Saunders, Chip E., Steve “Silk” Hurley, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, Larry Heard or Mr. Fingers, Marshall Jefferson, Phuture, and many others.

Do enjoy. And as always, stay safe, sane, and kind.

And vote!!

Marlon West (photo courtesy Marlon West)
Archbishop Wilton Gregory to become 1st African American Cardinal in Roman Catholic Church

Archbishop Wilton Gregory to become 1st African American Cardinal in Roman Catholic Church

By goodblacknews on October 25, 2020

According to nytimes.com, Pope Francis announced that Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, would be elevated to cardinal, one of 13 new cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church.

This promotion will make Gregory the first African-American man to hold such a position.

Gregory was part of a select group of Catholic leaders that criticized Donald Trump for staging a photo op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House earlier this year, amid protests about the death of George Floyd.

To quote the New York Times:

Archbishop Gregory, who served for years in the diocese of Atlanta, is also a former president of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference and considered in line with Francis’ most pastoral and welcoming approach in the church.

The ceremony to install the new cardinals is set for Nov. 28. Nine of the 13 men named, including Archbishop Gregory, are under age 80 and therefore eligible to participate in the next conclave to elect Francis’ successor. The new cardinals chosen by Francis reflect his priorities, making it more likely that the college will elect someone like him.

To read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/25/us/pope-francis-cardinal-gregory.html

Robert F. Smith to Donate $50 Million to Support STEM Students at HBCUs Via the Student Freedom Initiative

Robert F. Smith to Donate $50 Million to Support STEM Students at HBCUs Via the Student Freedom Initiative

By goodblacknews on October 22, 2020

The Student Freedom Initiative announced today a $50 million personal gift from Robert F. Smith, philanthropist and Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. This gift matches the initial funding of $50 Million provided by the Fund II Foundation, announced in June 2020.

Student Freedom Initiative is a public charity whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority Serving Institutions.

The Initiative will offer a student and family centric income-contingent payment alternative to the crushing burden of high cost, fixed payment debt in the context of our commitment to a program that provides holistic support to students and capacity building support for participating institutions. Equally important, the Initiative offers paid internships in a student’s area of study, tutoring/mentorships, and targeted HBCU capacity building.

“Each year, thousands of black graduates from HBCUs across America enter the workforce with a crushing debt burden that stunts future decisions and prevents opportunities and choices,” said Robert F. Smith, who is also the Board Chair of the Student Freedom Initiative.

“A college education should empower and prepare our next generation for a limitless future. The Student Freedom Initiative is a culmination of work that followed my gift to the Morehouse College Class of 2019. The $1.6 trillion student debt crisis in our country is a human rights crisis. The Initiative is purposefully built to redress historic economic and social inequities and to offer a sustainable, scalable platform to invest in the education of future Black leaders. I urge others to join this important cause so that together we can liberate the human spirit.”

With 65% of Black wealth consumed by the intolerable burden of student debt, the Initiative was initially established to create onramps to jobs of the 21st century. Following Smith’s historic gift to eliminate the student debt of all 2019 Morehouse College graduates and their parents, the team identified the systemic problems with the current student loan structure.

SolidaARiTy Movement Hosts Online Art Auction to Benefit Social Justice and Health Non-Profits Through 10/24

SolidaARiTy Movement Hosts Online Art Auction to Benefit Social Justice and Health Non-Profits Through 10/24

By goodblacknews on October 22, 2020

[Artists Isis Dua and Candyce Fabre: Photos via funddeed.com/solidarity]

The SolidARiTy movement includes over 20 artists who are creating thought-provoking pieces as a fundraiser and art auction that will benefit Claris Health and the Social Justice Learning Institute, both Los Angeles-based 501c3 nonprofits serving the most vulnerable and at-risk people in the area.

The fundraiser is online now at https://funddeed.com/solidarity and the art auction is live now thru October 24th at https://supportsolidarity.com.

The pieces will be available for viewing all that week at Resin Gallery in Hermosa Beach via scheduled appointment for safe social distance measures. Contact Resin Gallery at 831.601.8137 or email info@southbayartistcollective.org.

SolidARiTy was organized by South Bay residents Janne Kouri and Chad Drew, with support from South Bay Artist Collective member Wendy Stillman and founder Rafael McMaster.

There are more than 25 unique pieces being created and auctioned, from artists including world renowned photographers Bo Bridges and Brent Broza, encaustic artist Sabrina Armitage, and popular contemporary artists including, Drica Lobo, Wendy Stillman, Daniel Maltzman, JaniceSchultz, Candyce Fabre, Vienna Pitts, Rafael McMaste, Isis Dua, Ms. Yellow, MCHS Student Charlie Kwon, and more.

Virginia Lawmakers Vote Unanimously to make Juneteenth a State Holiday

Virginia Lawmakers Vote Unanimously to make Juneteenth a State Holiday

By goodblacknews on October 20, 2020

According to the Associated Press, Juneteenth has officially become a state holiday in Virginia after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly special session.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolition of slavery reached Texas via a Union Army general Gordon Granger, setting off celebrations among the newly freed.

Governor Ralph Northam proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday in June during a press conference that included musician and Virginia native Pharrell Williams, and issued an executive order that gave executive branch employees and state colleges the day off. Northam signed the statewide legislation on Oct. 13.

https://twitter.com/WTOP/status/1318492155321536512