December 2007 Archives

Kids from communities of color are going to play integral roles in the direction of these United States, we know that. They're going to be setting the course for policy, and projects. But to be successful they need to develop those core academic skills: literacy, critical thinking, research, communication, organization and supporting of arguments. Without these skills, their futures, and by extension, our collective futures are going to be dispelled as fallacy.

It's very hard to believe that Earth, Wind and Fire was considered something of a minor band, with just a cult following. Apparently, there were people that couldn't really get into Maurice White and Philip Bailey and their particular brand of funky R&B. Nonetheless, it was true.

Sometimes, you just have to laugh. Since this time of year can be a bit of a challenge, I figured I'd do my part to bring some comedy to your life. So enjoy these (somewhat tasteless) interpretations of some childhood favorites.

Almost daily, we have "a tragic reminder that something is wrong today, and that things are not how they used to be."

Today's Flashback is another song to get you movin' in your seat, and bring a smile to the end of your week

There was no tap-dancing, or obfuscation in the condemnation of Barry Bonds. And we'd better not see any fast talking or dippin' and dabbin' as we crown the next bogeyman in baseball.

I'm sure the red folks will tell you that we liberals, progressives, libertarians, and moderates are all misguided. We don't understand the "real world," and we're soft on crime, terror, etc. But let me ask you this: given their track record, considering their abysmal handling of a post-9/11 world, would you listen to them?

For a group that sings an equality rap, it sounds mighty throw-backish to dog Oprah for endorsing Barack Obama. Or maybe throw-blackish? Especially because the assumption is that he's her man only because they share elevated levels of melanin.

But the press' morbid assumption of "death-by-previous-action" should leave none with any sense of surprise. Of course, there was a typical rush to judgment with regard to Taylor's death, and it should be neither unexpected, nor a surprise. America has this weird dichotomous relationship with black male athletes.

Today's focus is the jazzy, almost spritual title track, "Love to the World." Take a moment to listen to the lyrics: it's basically L.T.D.'s wish for peace and God's intervention in a world gone nuts. "Heaven help us," goes the refrain, building throughout 'til the end, when almost accapella, the band begins the chorus "Love...Love to the world...Love!" That's a powerful message, combined with some damn good musicianship.

The Old Gold and Black was a democratizing force in college life, civil rights, and politics before, and now it stands ready to be that force again, going deeper into the Second Century of service. Our collective resume proves it. Now, let's add more qualification to that impressive community c.v.