Wake Up Everybody

Have you noticed that Race in America is prevalent in our daily discourse?

Like back pain that is temporarily masked by therapy or medication, the topic of race is always just beneath the surface, lurking.

A sudden movement, twist or turn can act as a catalyst thrusting it forward.

While I am fully aware of the recent remarks by Laura Schlessinger, I chose to not ‘weigh in’ because I felt that I had nothing ‘new’ to add to the conversation.

Inappropriate behavior is simply that, inappropriate.

It is neither a ‘pass’ for the offender or a justification for the offended to wear the badge of victim.

I attended a client meeting at an ‘old world’ resort in the Virginia Mountains not too long ago. By old world, I mean it first opened its doors a decade before the American Revolution.

Another guest, an elderly White gentleman, made the assumption that I was at the front desk, not to check in, but to assist with his luggage.
His assumption was based on what? Certainly not the clothing that I wore because the standard uniform for employees was topped off with a split pea green vest with a small gold-like name tag.

I’ve always found green a difficult color to pull off.

When the news of a horrific crime is reported, I hold my breath and wait for the description of the suspect.

My mind automatically shifts into ‘auto drive’ and think, “thank God it wasn’t someone Black” or “I hope it wasn’t someone Black.”

These circumstantial examples, along with a handful of other current events, caused Bob Herbert’s Op-Ed column in last Saturday’s New York Times, Too Long Ignored, to touch a nerve. He said,

Terrible injustices have been visited on black people in the United States, but there is never a good reason to collaborate in one’s own destruction. Blacks in America have a long and proud history of overcoming hardship and injustice. It’s time to do it again.

We are in need of an intervention and for all of the reasons outlined in Too Long Ignored, Black America is at a crucial point where the fix must come sooner rather than later.

This fix is one that we have to take responsibility for and implement. Our survival is dependent upon it.

I encourage you to read the full piece and join me in fueling the conversation.
This sentiment is not new, but one that requires igniting…again.

Like the lyrics from the Gamble-Huff song, Wake Up Everybody say:

The world won't get no better if we just let it be
The world won't get no better we gotta change it yeah, just you and me.



For the full Herbert column full text click here

Reading is Fundamental

Work-related travel finds me spending inordinate amounts of time on trains, planes and in hotels.

Reading has become the exercise I use to fill the time and occupy my brain while I wait for the next train or simply find myself stranded because of a cancelled or delayed flight.

I tend to travel with several books because one never knows what mood will strike and variety provides not only options, but also, control.

I am currently reading three books -

When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead - Useful Stories From A Persuasive Man

Jerry Weintraub is an authentic self-made American icon.

The book shares stories and anecdotes from his life and career which has intersected with - to name a few - Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker, Sinatra, US Presidents, George Clooney and Hollywood.

From producing Led Zeppelin concerts to films - The Karate Kid (1984 & 2010) to Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen, Weintraub shares insights and points-of-view that are enlightening and entertaining.

"...you need more than material things. I mean, yes, the material can be nice. I like having what I have, but I know none of it is mine, that we are renters on earth...life will never satisfy if it is experienced only as the rise and fall of commerce. You need to see yourself as part of something larger that never dies."

Vintage Hughes (A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories by Langston Hughes)

Langston Hughes a renaissance man is another American icon.

An activist, poet, novelist, playwright who came to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance period, Vintage Hughes includes some of Hughes' most poignant work.

His work captures the rhythm of African-American community - a rhythm that is prevalent and optimistic driving us all forward.

Advice by Langston Hughes

Folks, I'm telling you,
birthing is hard
and dying is mean -
so get yourself
a little loving
in between

Bitch is The New Black

I heard the author, Helena Andrews, being interviewed on the radio recently.

I grimaced, laughed out loud and pondered much of what was being said.

Admittedly, I just got this book, so can only share initial thoughts and impressions from the interview.

Bitch is The New Black is an autobiographical sketch of her life, experiences, both personally and professionally.

I have to say that I was so engrossed in this book that I almost missed my (delayed) flight as I sat reading it at the gate area.

"This scathingly witty author examines a wide variety of topics that, beneath the jokes and sarcasm, address weighty issues (depression, aging, abortion) with wry astuteness...An irreverent, savvy and sharp memoir."

-Kirkus Reviews

Goin Up Yonder

I grew up in a household where music was not only foundational, but like electricity, food and water, it was ever-present and essential.

The musical palette that I developed is a result of the eclectic genres I was exposed to in my youth.

The sounds that I grew up listening to broadened my horizons allowing for new and unexpected delights.

For example, it took me many years to appreciate the raw emotion and vulnerability of Billie Holiday or to understand what a 16 year old Billy Strayhorn was saying in his haunting ballad "Lush Life."

Like many of my contemporaries, I "got" Stevie right away and became devoted to him and his female disciples of songs, notably Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams and Syreeta.

But somehow the music of Walter Hawkins was different.

Walter Hawkins changed the way I heard gospel music.

Despite the fact that gospel was a staple in my childhood, I don't think I really listened, paid attention or truly comprehended it until I heard the word from Walter Hawkins and the Hawkins family.

I did not realize until very recently that Hawkins was a prolific songwriter and composer. He authored the songs that have left an indelible impression on me -– “Changed,” “I Won’t Be Satisfied, "He's That Kind of Friend" and "I'm Not the Same."

To the uninitiated these are merely song titles, but in actuality they are much more than that.

Throughout his career, Hawkins recorded hundreds of songs that charted on Billboard and received numerous accolades, including Grammy, Stellar and Dove Awards.

Walter Hawkins crafted songs that combined simple chord structure, rich gospel gravy and contemporary verve -- all infused with love, joy, deep spirituality and optimism.

He did not rely on studio gimmickry. In fact, his most vital and compelling work was recorded live, using vocals, piano, bass, organ, drums, and guitar.

I did not learn that Walter Hawkins had passed away until a week ago. A friend, Bishop Dawn Brown, told me.

Although we never discussed it before, Bishop Brown and I discovered that we shared an appreciation and admiration for Walter Hawkins’ music.

What has since struck me is that while from different backgrounds, upbringings and religious affiliations, many of my friends, peers and colleagues share the same love and respect for the man and his music.

To this day when I hear the infectious opening chords of “Goin Up Yonder,” I get goose bumps. I can’t help but tap my foot, sway me head and sing along with Tramaine.

“Goin Up Yonder” is a nine minute master class in praise and fellowship. It is one of nine songs from arguably one of his best works, “Love Alive,” circa 1975.

The recording captures the essence of Hawkins’ gifts and devotion.

The music sounds as fresh and vital today as it did when it was initially released over thirty years ago.

In his opening remarks for the "Love Alive" recording, Walter Hawkins said,

"I think we should be able to tell everybody, like Paul said, follow me as I follow Christ...that is the kind of life we want to live."

I took this to mean that we should live a life that is filled with love - love of our fellow man, love of ourselves, love and appreciation of all that we have and should be grateful for.

What a blessing Walter Hawkins was. His gift of song and those he touched will be a lasting testament to love and devotion.

New York Times Obituary, click here