Guest Post: Open Letter from Bob Law - There is Indeed a Message In the Music

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!!

I'm sharing this letter with you from one of our venerable sages, Bob Law, of WBAI.FM and The Black Talk Radio Network.  Bob has always been involved in and concerned about the Black community - and now moreso than ever.  And I agree with his concerns - and have for quite some time. 

 

I think it's high time we reign in the rampant disparaging lyrics and imagery purveyed on a regular basis by what is euphemistically called the music industry.  I have recently stated that any resemblance between music and what is being played over the radio, TV, streaming or performing live is purely coincidental. 

If you wonder why our children are increasingly disrespectful; are more prone to use profanity than to speak civilly and intelligently to adults, or their peers; or why they feel it's appropriate to shoot each other - for no apparent intelligent reason, look to the ersatz music that is being played and pushed all over the media. 

As one who supports the National Congress of Black Women's principles, I wrote an article in reference to the NAACP and the Essence Awards catering to the blatant denigration of Black women, Black men and Black people by their intended awardees.

I think it's wonderful that Brother Bob Law is speaking out about this.  I hope parents, educators, civic leaders, elected officials - and above all, our youth, are listening and taking action to stop the madness. We don't have to have others hate us or put us down, or demean us - we're doing an excellent job of doing it for them.  As Brother Bob Law says in the letter below:  STOP IT! - GDW

Letter from Bob Law:

August 1, 2021
National Black Leadership Alliance Open Letter
nblanow@gmail.com
There Is Indeed A Message In The Music

Earlier this year, the Grammys and the NAACP image awards were given to songs that called for the killing of Black people and the abuse and degradation of Black women. These kinds of songs also remain in heavy rotation on radio stations that target Black audiences like Chicago's WGCI and WPWX as well as New York’s Hot 97 and Power 105.
 

Consider this lyric “ Coupe! Got the missing roof, your boo came up missing too. Poof! I just stole your boo, now ooh she gon’ eat the whole crew.” Or this one “Headshot a nigga ass to see what his mind do. Catch him at a red light or a F***in drive through.”

To understand our concern, it is helpful to understand the emotional, as well as the political significance and influence of music. It was Confucius, the ancient paragon of Chinese sages who said “If one should desire to know if a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.”
 

Music touches us in ways that other art forms cannot, it is not only in the lyrics as noted musician David Byrne and others have explained, it is also the combination of sounds, rhythms, and vocal textures that communicate in ways that bypass the reasoning centers of the brain and go straight to our emotions. Poet Larry Neal (Lincoln Alumnus), one of the architects of the Black Arts movement of the 1960’s said “It is indeed the music that can affirm our highest possibilities.” That may be precisely why the best of our music is being removed.

It is also important to understand that in in this society, music conveys social status. Consider the higher level of sophistication associated with opera or classical music, or the level of cool and hip sophistication associated with the music of Coltrane, Monk and Miles.

While we do indeed like the music we also tend to like the company it puts us in. In this sense the music creates its own community including a lifestyle that is validated by the acceptance of the music. It is the music that validates the “Gangsta.”

When the Chicago based Clear The Airwaves Project appealed to the FCC, the commission's response was that they trusted the white owners of the radio stations to determine what was in the best interest of the Black audience.
 

When the National Congress Of Black Women appealed to Harvey Mason Jr. thinking that a Black man, as head of the Grammy committee, would make a difference; that he would at least be sensitive to the concerns of Black women, he ignored them.

We doubt that this music would even be considered for a grammy or a NAACP image award if these songs referred instead to any other marginalized group. What if we substitute the negative word “nigga” and inserted a word like “faggot” or “Jew.” Just insert that one word so that the song now says, “My daughter a G, she saw me kill a Jew in front of her before the age of two, and I’ll kill another jew too fore I let another Jew do something to you” or remove the word nigga from this lyric and say instead “I don’t like faggots, I don’t like bit***s, I don’t like nobody (nobody, nobody)”

We seriously doubt that Harvey Mason Jr. or the NAACP Image award committee would condone any such lyrics; nor would the Black program directors like Johnnie D. Glover and Jay Alan at Black music radio stations condone and accept such music.  It appears that this music is worthy of airplay, recognition and awards if it clearly only targets Black people.

It seems that it is up to the Black community to take the necessary steps to demand respect. If you are opposed to music that calls for the death of Black people and the ongoing degradation of Black women, TURN IT OFF. If it is being played on any given radio station, TURN OFF THE RADIO. Turn off any source of music that is playing lyrics that calls for the killing of Black People.

TURN IT OFF!!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

GDW EVENT ALERT: AMOS WILSON'S 20th Century Psychology in 2021 - July 24

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!!

By now you know this is one of my favorite BLACK organizations.  They have maintained and been in the forefront of Black activism and education for more than three decades; and continue to do so.  In case you were wondering, the acronym CEMOTAP means Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People!!

You should memorize this  because they have been on point and on the front lines come hell or high water when it comes to Black people, issues, education, rights, innovation.  

 

 

News From CEMOTAP- NYC!

1' FLASH! Flash! FLASH! EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT -

YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND ACTION ARE NEEDED RIGHT NOW!

Everyone who has donated to WBAI this years should examine their email for a referendum ballot so they can vote against a corporate takeover. If you like the Mind Field, if you like Basir Mchawi's Education at the Cross roads, if you like Milton Allimadi or Gloria Browne Marshalls Show. If you like Imhotep Gary Byrd it is imperative that you search your emails for this ballot for the referendum and vote no to corporate takeover. 

1. Amos Wilson was a 20th Century Psychologist.

As we have entered the third decade of the 21st Century there are numerous practitioners and schoars who say the Amos Wilson's teachings are still relevant and useful. 

Hear them make the case.

About our speakers:

Henry (Hank) Williams teaches in the African and African American Studies and English Departments at Lehman College of the City University of New York. He also teaches summer workshops for the SEEK Program at City College of New York where he also creates the curriculum for intensive reading, writing, and research workshops for incoming first year SEEK students. A list of current and past courses he teaches (with curricular links) is on the teaching page.

Research interests include the Black Arts and Black Power Movements, African American popular music (particularly jazz and hip hop and the literary and cultural connections) and film, and Black and Latin@ students in Higher Ed and the CUNY system.

He is currently a PhD candidate (ABD) in English at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY: pronounced “kew-nee”) and has graduate certificates in Africana Studies and American Studies. His dissertation research is a profile of the early years of The Last Poets, a performance poetry/activist collective as a case study of how artists engaged as political activists during the Black Arts Movement of the late 1960s – early 1970s in New York City. It places their work in the context of the Black Arts Movement, Harlem, and Black – Puerto Rican political and cultural connections.  He was also a Diversity Fellow for the 2011-2012 academic year at SUNY Purchase.

Professional affiliations include the Association for Scholars of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC), College Language Association, Diopian Institute for Scholarly Advancement, Jazz Journalists Association, and the National Council for Black Studies

Dr. Tyrene Wright, Ph.D.  is the author of the book "Booker T. Washington and Africa:The Making Of A Pan Africanist." She is a scholar, human rights activist, publisher and local TV/radio producer. Dr. Wright is the founder of African Women for Africa, a health literacy organization and Global Africa Press. Currently, Dr. Wright is a host for Community Action Roundtable, a New York Tri-State Area Community Affairs Program on MNN. Dr. Wright teaches African and African American History for the Center for Ethnic Studies at the City University of New York. 

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Dr Oya Adowa Ma'at  is a scholar and internet broadcaster. More info will be shared in future emails about the event. 

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Dr. Leonard Jeffries, a political scientist, historian, educator, and Pan-Africanist, is a founding director and a former Vice-President and President of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC). Jeffries, known for his African-Centred scholarship, achieved national prominence in the early 1990s for his historical statements about Jews and European people. In a 1991 speech he stated that Jews financed the slave trade, used the movie industry to hurt Black people, and that whytes are “ice people” while Africans are “sun people”. Jeffries was discharged from his position as chairman of the black studies department at CUNY, leading to a lengthy legal battle, before he was reinstated. Jeffries remains a leading voice and theoretician in African-centered education.

Leonard Jeffries was born January 19th, 1937 in Newark, New Jersey. As a teenager, Dr. Jeffries sensed he was on a mission. He said, “I grew up with the idea of becoming a lawyer to save the race in the civil-rights movement and to be mayor of Newark.” Like other Black youngsters coming of age in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Jeffries faced racism from his whyte schoolmates as well as from some of his teachers, but he buried his rage and strove to excel. His formal education came from the Newark Public School system were he became President of his graduation class at Sussex Avenue School, January 1951. His later schooling was at McKinley Jr. High School and Barringer High School where he graduated with honors.

Jeffries took his first trip to Africa with the Crossroads program. His leadership abilities and proficiency in French made him an asset to the program. By the summer of 1962, he became the group leader of a trip to Senegal. By 1964, he had traveled to Africa a dozen times. To date (though he has stopped counting) he has traveled to Africa more than 100 times—usually leading groups of young people whose lives might be touched as his was.

Dr. Jeffries is a founding director of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) and is a former president of the African Heritage Association (AHSA). His scholastic exploits have taken him to Ghana, Brazil, Switzerland and throughout the Caribbean.

Dr. Obari Adéye Cartman is a father, son, brother, uncle, thinker, writer, therapist, photographer, and drummer. He is a Chicago native, where his cultural and educational foundations were firmly planted by several African-centered institutions and communities. He received his undergraduate degree from Hampton University and a Ph.D in clinical & community psychology from Georgia State University. He has worked as a therapist is a variety of settings ranging from a family center to a women’s prison. He has worked as a professor of psychology at Georgia State University and the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern University. Currently Dr. Cartman works as a restorative justice coach with H.E.LP., LLC (Healing Empowering and Learning Professions) in Chicago Public Schools. He also conducts trainings for adults and workshops with youth about maintaining good mental health, critical analysis of hip-hop and media, racial and cultural identity, developing authentic manhood, and healthy relationships.

Dr.Cartman’s new book is called Lady’s Man: Conversations for Young Black Men about Relationships and Manhood. It is a critical thinking guide that addresses historical trauma, hip hop, emotional intelligence, intimacy, communication, power, purpose and a variety of other topics. It has been received with great critical acclaim: “.Cornel West referred to him as ..one of the wise and visionary writers of his generation.” The book is called “…penetrating, poignant and personal...” by Na’im Akbar, and an “instant classic” by Jessica Care Mooore. Jawanza Kunjufu says is does a “brilliant job in empowering Black males to reach their full potential.” The book is a tool for families, teachers, mentors, and coaches to help young men think critically, and build character, discover their purpose, love themselves and each other, communicate with clarity and intention, understand the need for proper education, relate to women with integrity, express their emotions, understand their place in history, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn how to build a world where all people are truly free.

Brother Sababu Plata, edited most of Amos Wilsons Books. He has continued the business African World Infosystems. He insured the publication of Blue Print for Black Power after Amos Death. There is no one who knows more about Amos Wilson, his plans, his day to day routine, his study habits and his organizing than Brother Plata

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Brother Raymond Dugue is the 2nd Assistant President General of the UNIA. 

More info will be shared in future emails about the event. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++2. FREE ACOLI FREE EM ALL

New York City Jericho Movement View this email in your browser M4BL Family,   Today we are writing in support of the fight to release former Black Panther and elder Sundiata Acoli. This year, on January 14th, Sundiata spent his 84th birthday in a prison cell and his health is deteriorating in his late stage of life. The Bring Sundiata Acoli Home Alliance (BSAHA), has regrouped and is committed to utilizing this moment to bring Sundiata home this year after 48 years of tortured incarceration. Sundiata is an educator, mathematician, poet, profound visual artist, mentor, and grandfather. Sundiata suffers from advanced dementia, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, emphysema, post COVID 19 symptoms and glaucoma. He also still suffers from lingering COVID-19 symptoms. His life and health are in jeopardy as he continues to battle harmful prison conditions. Sundiata Acoli was convicted in the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerester in 1973 and sentenced to life in prison. A life sentence in New Jersey means that he was eligible, by law, for parole after serving twenty-five years. Sundiata has repeatedly expressed his heart-felt remorse for decades. In his 2016 appearance before the full parole board he said; "I offer my deepest remorse and sincerest apology to Trooper Foerster's family for my crime and I hope it will be accepted in the spirit offered and provide them with a measure of solace and peace.” The BSAHA is calling for NJ Governor Phil Murphy to release Sundiata Acoli immediately! We are calling on allied organizations and institutions to support Sundiata by signing and sharing this petition. We welcome collaborations and partnerships to help secure Sundiata’s release. Sundiata’s life depends on us. We must #BringSundiataHome now! Toward justice, The Movement for Black Lives Our mailing address is: New York City Jericho Movement P.O. Box 670927 Bronx, NY 10467   Donate to Help Free Our Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War! Send Money by PayPal to National Jericho: Go to https://thejerichomovement.com/donate Click on the donate button   Free All Political Prisoners! nycjericho@gmail.com • www.jerichony.org   In the Spirit of Nelson Mandela https://spiritofmandela.org/ Donate at: paypal.me/spiritofmandela   Endorse the Campaign

3. PROGRAMS AT REFAL IN NJ

4.

D 12 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

GDW EVENT ALERT: VANTAGE POINT presents Black Women in the Suffrage Movement and the Founding of a Black Political Party

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

The virtual Democratic National Convention is now behind us, and the clown show of the Repuglycons is ramping up.

There are those among us who do not understand the seriousness of our actions over the next 70 days and counting - We have to consolidate our efforts and make sure we do not go through another 4 years of lunacy.

There are many ancestors who came before us and fought valiantly for our right to vote.  There were some places where Black people had the right to vote - off and on - such as Philadelphia.   But for the most part, the national posture was to deny us the right to vote, the right to an education, the right to financial equity in a country that we worked our butts off to build.

The Voting Rights Act was signed by President Lyndon Baines Johnson (aka LBJ) in the 60s.  For the first time Black people voted nationally.  However,  most people are totally unaware of all it took to bring that day about.  Black people have been involved in the fight for the right to vote since the 19th Century.  In fact, we actually had the right to vote after the Emancipation.  Apparently we were winning too much, and bringing in too many people who were getting the job done - so the racist caucasoids rescinded the right to vote, and replaced it with Jim Crow and KKK.

Undaunted, a stalwart group of  young Black women marched in the first parade by the Suffragettes in 1913 - they were the Sorors of the newly founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., from Howard University.  They are also accompanied by the great Ida B Wells Barnett, who had become a member.  From that auspicious date through the first signing in 1965, through today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has been committed to making sure all not only had their right to vote, but also exercised their responsibilities to vote as well. 
The bill that allowed white women to vote was passed a century ago.  Our right to vote is 55 years old - and it's under assault.  Our ancestors are watching over us to see what we do and how we do it.  

For those who are not aware of the significance of Black women in this movement, are in luck:

Ron Daniels will be focusing on the role of Black Women in the much storied Suffrage Movement. 

You can listen live by clicking on www.wbai.org - today, August 24,  at 3:00PM  

It's going to be lively, informative, and constructive.  

Black Women in the Suffrage Movement and the Founding of a Black Political Party 

— August 24th Vantage Point

Institute of the Black World 21st Century: Black Women in the Suffrage Movement and the Founding of a Black Political Party — August 24th Vantage Point

August 24th Edition of Vantage Point Listen Live 3PM – 4PM Monday’s Topics The Untold Story of Black Women in the Suffrage Movement Reflections on the Founding of a Black Political Party w/ Guests Dr. E. Faye Williams National President/CEO, National Congress of Black Women, Washington, D.C. Gwendolyn Z. Simmons, Ph.D. Prof. Emerita, African American Religions & Islamic Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL The Professor on the Soap Box w/ Host Dr. Ron Daniels aka “The Professor” East Elmhurst, NY Visit ibw21.org/vp-radio anytime to listen to previous editions of Vantage Point Radio with host Dr. Ron Daniels AKA “The Professor”. Have you read “Still On this Journey, The Vision and Mission of Dr. Ron Daniels”? Still On this Journey The Vision and Mission of Dr. Ron Daniels By Dr. Ron Daniels Get it now! Visit ibw21.org and purchase your copy today! A percentage of the proceeds will go to support the work of the Institute of the Institute of Black World 21st Century. We need your support Dr. Ron Daniels and the Board of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century need your support to make IBW’s critical projects, programs and initiatives self- sufficient, and to enhance IBW’s vital role as a Resource Center promoting collaboration for Black Empowerment in the U.S. and the Pan African world. Check out our website at ibw21.org

Dr. E. Faye Williams, MPA, DPA, D.Min, D.Th,  Esq. President/CEO, National Congress of Black Women, Inc.  1250 4th Street, SW, Suite WG-1, Washington, DC 20024  202/678-6788; E-mail: drefayewilliams@gmail.com www.nationalcongressbw.org Join me on WPFW/Pacifica Radio, 89.3fm;  wpfwfm.org; @WPFWDC Every Wednesday, 10 am Eastern Time--"Wake Up and Stay Woke" "It is through our struggles that we gain our victories." Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. "Do you think the Indians celebrate Columbus Day on Indian Reservations?" Dick Gregory "When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, the last stream poisoned, you will realize you can’t eat money."  Native American Proverb "It is my duty to protect those I love."  Black Panther Until the lions tell their own story, tales of hunting will always glorify the hunter.  -- African Proverb       Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @NCBW, and be sure to mention us using #NCBW! Don't forget to vote in every election!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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GDW EVENT ALERT EXTRA Live Broadcast From the Street with BOB LAW - June 1, 2019

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

 Come out and be part of the live audience with Bob Law as he discusses 
THE REAL HARLEM!  WBAI 99.5 FM


SATURDAY JUNE 1, 11AM ~ 12NOON

NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Join The Live Audience
AT IMAGE NATION
2031 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Harlem,NewYork
Or
Listen on the air at WBAI 99.5 FM Or on line at WBAI.org 

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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