Soul Fixin'

'Lions, Tigers & Bears', Oh My!

Great song. Horrible video. I love Jazmine Sullivan just as much as you do but her 'Lions, Tigers & Bears' video is far from fantastic. Jazzy and the folks responsible for the making of this video went a bit overboard. The overuse of digital and visual effects take away from the beauty of the song. It's safe to say this video won't be a mainstay on '106 & Park.' In the midst of it all, Jazmine looks stunning throughout the video. Hit play and watch at your own risk.

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

Run The '100 Yard Dash' With Raphael Saadiq

The wait is finally over, Raphael Saadiq has revealed his latest visual treat. The video for '100 Yard Dash' is reminiscent of a bygone era, the black and white clip is clearly a salute to 1960's. The video is far from dissappointing, much like The Way I See It. Saadiq & crew keep it simple yet very satisfying. Hit play and enjoy this slice of vintage soul.

Soul Fixin'

Chrisette Michelle's 'Epiphany'
Def Jam's premier songstress, Chrisette Michele, has completed work on her as-yet-untitled sophomore project. The album's first single, 'Epiphany', will hit the airwaves on February 10. The track, produced by Ne-Yo, finds Chrisette dealing with the harsh realities of a failed relationship and can be heard on Chrisette's MySpace page. Chrisette reveals on her MySpace blog that she decided to collaborate with a couple of songwriters for the new album, "you know that I wrote my last album save the chorus on 2 songs and i was VERY afraid of giving some one else the pen and pad...but when i did, magic happened." The new album drops March 31.

Random Sh*t

Words Of Wisdom Courtesy of Chris Rock
"Excellent black people have always been compensated for excellence. Always. The real equality is when we can have a black president as dumb as George Bush. That's when we're really equal. That's when the dream has come true." - Chris Rock

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

Get Ready For Stevie Live!!!

Here's some good news. Actually, it's very good news. The good folks at Industry Soul have let the word out. Stevie Wonder, one of music's few geniuses, will release his first official concert DVD. The concert was filmed at London's o2 Arena, a stop on Stevie's 2008 European tour 'Wonder Summer Nights.' Stevie, backed by a 14 piece band, covers classics such as 'Cherie Amour,' 'Higher Ground,' 'You Are The Sunshine of My Life,' 'Living For The City,' and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours.' The DVD hits stores March 10. Check out the 23 second promotional preview below.

Random Sh*t

From President To Chia Pet
Obama-mania has clearly gone too far. In an attempt to gain a piece of the 'Obama pie' Chia Pet has released a special edition Obama Chia Pet.

Soul Fixin'

Chrisette Michelle Sings For Patti 

Chrisette Michelle. The objection of my affection. The Long Island native had the distinct pleasure to sing for Patti LaBelle last year. Chrisette serenaded the audience at UNCF's tribute to Patti LaBelle with a moving rendition of Ms. Patti's  tender 'You Are My Friend.' The lovely songstress failed to disappoint the crowd, her rendition was flawless and her distinctive voice was in fine form. It's quite obvious that Chrisette, a product of the church, has been deeply influenced by The Clark Sisters, Karen Clark-Sheard in particular. Hit play and enjoy!

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

True 'Love' Doesn't Hurt

Ethiopian-born, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Wayna has released a video for 'My Love' from the album Higher Ground. Directed by Antar Hanif, the thought provoking video addresses the difficult topic of domestic abuse. Wayna, an admirer of greats Minnie Riperton, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway, is able to find a great balance between simplicity and melodramatic. Needless to say, the video is a clear example of artistic creativity and excellence. Enjoy!

Fashion Forward

Kanye Kicks
Hip hop meets high end fashion. The self proclaimed 'Louis Vuitton Don' has designed a line of five LV kicks. The Kanye-LV kicks will be available at Louis Vuitton stores in June.

Artful Thinking

More Obama Art
Here is another piece of Obama-inspired artwork. I don't know who the artist is, if you know please let me know. Enjoy!

Fashion Forward

Black College Fashion
For years it has been difficult to find decent apparel representing HBCU's. In an attempt to bring Black college apparel to the forefront of urban fashion, New Era Cap Co.has teamed up with Atlanta based apparel based design company, Tradition, to launch New Era presents Tradition. The line, representing 30 HBCU's including Morehouse, Howard, Grambling and North Carolina A&T, includes fitted caps, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hoodies, letterman jackets, and button down shirts. The spring collection hits various chains and independent retailers next month. A portion of all "New Era presents Tradition" sales will be used towards scholarships or other worthy investments on campus. The merchandise is worth buying, so buy a few items and give back. Check out the website.

Soul Fixin'

It's Time To 'Get It Together'
I know very little about Maya Azucena but I know I'm feeling the BK natives call-to-change anthem 'Get It Together' and the accompanying music video. The video mirrors the inspirational track, it's possesses a heartwarming, feel-good vibe. Maya picked the ideal time to drop the video, in the midst of Obama's rise to President. Now, it's time for us to get it together!

Fashion Forward

Obama Rejects Sean John Designs
The publicity surrounding Michelle Obama's dresses, Malia and Sasha's J. Crew inauguration outfits and Aretha's regal hat is astounding. Designers have become overnight celebrities. Interest in the outfits of First Daughters Malia and Sasha led to the crash of the J. Crew website. Aretha's hat is the buzz of the blogosphere, the man responsible for making the hat has received hundreds of calls from people who want to buy the 'Aretha hat.' Needless to say, the worldwide publicity can launch a company to the next level. It's no surprise that Diddy's label Sean John presented Mr. Obama two Sean John tuxedo sketches in hopes that Obama would wear one for the inaugural celebrations. President Obama stuck with a more Presidential look courtesy of his designer of choice, Chicago based Hart Schaffner Marx. 

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

Groovin' On A Sunday Afternoon
I'm sure you would never expect to hear 'When Doves Cry' playing in a Baptist church. Church ain't what it used to be. The congregation, young and old, at Atlanta's The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church celebrated 132 years of ministry with the help of Sam Cooke, The Temptations, Prince and T.I. A combination of warmth and humor. Sam Cooke's 'You Send Me' set the mood for the 'Builders', folk born before 1946. They grooved like it was 1957.  The Temptations signature tune 'My Girl' served as the soundtrack for those born between 1947 and 1965, also known as 'Boomers'. The following generation, 'Busters' ('65-'83), relived their college days with Prince's 'When Doves Cry.' T.I's anthem 'Swagga Like Us' was played for the 25 and under crowd. A great balance between spirituality and nature. The way church should be.

Soul Fixin'

A Different Keyshia In New Video

Keyshia Cole. Some love her and some hate her. While many relate to Keyshia's around-the-way-girl persona and tales of heartache and heartbreak, others dismiss her as a Mary J. Blige clone. I would be lying if I said Keyshia doesn't remind me of a young MJB but Keyshia is her own woman. A woman in transition. Her latest album, the aptly titled A Different Me, is reflective of Keyshia's change. Her latest video, 'You Complete Me' is a far cry from past videos. Keyshia is genuinely happy and it shows. I'm no fan of the song but the video is worth watching. Check it out.

Artful Thinking

Obama Art
I, like so many others, have grown tired of the constant Obama news coverage but I can't get enough of the Obama artwork, this piece was created by artist David Choe.

Video Soul

"can we wait just a minute
turn that TV off for a minute
now, politics and talking shit aint really none of my business"

Soul Tracks

I was digging through the crates looking for a song that captures my feelings of pride and joy in the aftermath of Barack Obama's historic moment. In the process I stumbled upon Stevie Wonder's 1972 release Music Of Mind. The album was a clear expression of Stevie Wonder, he broke away from the standard Motown formula and displayed his musical ambitions. Music of My Mind marked the beginning of Stevie's classic period ending with 1976's Songs In The Key Of Life. The delightful 'Happier Than The Morning Sun' sums up my post inauguration feelings. Barack Obama is my President and I'm happier than the morning sun. The song, an escape from Stevie's trademark funky sound, slips into Stevie's other musical personality. Simple yet eloquent, the song transcends time and space, taking the listener on an euphoric journey through the mind.
Stevie Wonder 'Happier Than The Morning Sun'

Soul Fixin'

Dwele + Boredom = New Song & New Video

When boredom sets in, the average person may watch television, make a phone call or surf the net but Dwele decided to write a song and record a video. Dwele's spontaneous creativity is definitely worth watching. The video, shot on MLK Day, is simply yet effective. The song, 'How I Deal (Waitin On Obama)' is soulful and addictive. Check it out.

Politics As Usual

Just My .02January 20, 2009. A day I will never forget. As I watched the inauguration, there was jubilation in my soul. A black man ascended to the highest office in the land. It felt like the ancestors were celebrating within me. Dr. King & Coretta were jumping for joy within me. Medgar Evers shed tears of happiness within me. Emmett Till stood in awe within me. Curtis Mayfield sang 'People Get Ready' within me. A Black President. A Black First Lady. A Black First Family. Genuine black love on display for the entire world to behold. A world that for so long doubted our love was authentic or relevant. Black love is black wealth.
I'm well aware that this moment transcends race and color. As Barack Obama once said, "I've always been clear that I'm rooted in the African-American community but not limited to it." Barack, a unifying force of gigantic proportions, reached out to all Americans in ways his opponents and predecessors failed to do. He changed the dynamics of politics and made Americans, young and old, black and white, Hispanic and Asian, rich and poor, feel apart of the process. We viewed Obama not as a politician but as a man who understood the plight and aspirations of average Americans during these troublesome times. For once, it genuinely feels like we've got a friend in The White House.

Fashion Foward

The $945 Dior Kicks
Dior has just released a new pair of black high top sneakers. The Eyelet High-Top Sneaker is far from cheap. The $945 price tag is what I pay in rent for a two bedroom apartment in NYC. Needless to say, I will not own a pair. I'm satisfied with a pair of Nike kicks. The Italian made shoe is made with smooth grained leather and includes soft calfskin lining and padded insole, logo-embossed accents, rubber sole and rounded toe. 

Soul Fixin'

Watch John Legend's Latest Video

John Legend has practically fallen off my radar. The new sound displayed on his recent release, Evolver, isn't my cup of tea. I'm longing for the soul of his brilliant debut, Get Lifted. Needless to say, J. Legend has dropped a video for his second single, 'Everybody Knows.' New York City serves as the backdrop and various couples from all walks of life make cameos throughout the video. Legend leaves a lot to be desired. Check it out and judge for yourself.

Soul Fixin'

Pioneers of R&B Need Our Help
One of the founding principles of The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of R&B, is to provide financial and medical assistance to older artists in the world of R&B. According to the Rhythm & Blues Foundation website, the organization has "helped pay for everything from eyeglasses and instruments to hospital stays and home care. Our grants have put food in empty cupboards, kept the heat on and made sure that the lights weren’t turned off. Sadly, families also turn to the Foundation to help bury artists who were once celebrated in life, but who have been forgotten in death." Without a doubt the R&B musicians and singers of the past have made immeasurable contributions to the world of music. In the words of rapper T.I "there would be no rap, hip-hop or whatever you want to call it, without R&B. I give props to the great artists from the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's...we got to take care of our own!" Many of the pioneering artist of R&B who were often underpaid and too often unrecognized are in need of financial assistance.They gave so much, now it's time we give a little in return. Donations can be made at the Rhythm & Blues Foundation website.

Random Sh*t

This Picture Is Priceless 

Countless photos of the inaugural ceremony and celebration are floating around the net. One photo stands out above the rest.

Video Soul

"ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
I'm gonna find you, and take it slowly..."

Soul Fixin'

Call It A Comeback
Long lost but not forgotten soul man D'Angelo is steadily working towards a comeback. Rumors surrounding a comeback have been floating around for years. Now, it seems like D'Angelo is following in the footsteps of Maxwell. This comeback is real, so I think. Let's keep our fingers crossed. According to Billboard D'Angelo plans on collaborating with Prince for his long awaited new album, reportedly titled James River. The album is expected to drop this summer via J Records. Collaborations with Raphael Saadiq, Mark Ronson, and Roy Hargrove are complete. D'Angelo plans on touring this summer, starting in Europe before hitting the road in the States. Cities and dates have yet to be announced.

Fashion Forward

Aretha & That Hat
Scanning the crowd at Obama's inauguration, I came across a slew of individuals rocking berets, fur trapper caps, fedoras and various other hats. The Hat of the Day Award goes to Aretha Franklin, a woman known for rocking gorgeous crowns. The Queen of Soul, a product of the Baptist church, wrapped her head in an over-the-top gray hat with an oversized bow and beading, a sign of nobility and prestige deeply rooted in the black church. Regal. Noble. Elegant. The makings of a Queen.

Soul Fixin'

Take A Ride With Q-Tip & Amanda Diva

Q-Tip's 'Manwomanboogie' has finally received the video treatment. The fourth video from The Renaissance was released last week. Somehow, it managed to slip under my radar. A train ride, with a host of characters including Native Americans, serves as the backdrop as the video explores the compelling relationship between man and woman. Check out the video directed by Rick Cordero and let us know what you think.

Fashion Forward

Michelle Obama, Simple & Classy
Weeks prior to the inauguration, every fashionista speculated on what Michelle Obama should and would wear. The day has finally come. The First Lady wore a bright yellow retro dress and matching jacket by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo. Mrs. Obama chose a pair of Jimmy Choo Glacier pumps and J. Crew gloves to keep her hands warm. Simple and sophisticated.

Politics As Usual

Good Bye Mr. Bush!!!

Video Soul

"like a moth to a flame
burned by the fire
my love is blind
can't you see my desire?..."

Soul Tracks

Yes, the album cover is repulsive. A 40 year old Bobby Womack decked out in a hot red leather outfit surrounded by hanging purple fabric. Blame it on the creativity of the 80's. Bobby Womack's 16th studio album, The Poet II, a follow up to 1981's brilliant The Poet, was released in 1984. Patti LaBelle joined the gritty soul singer, a protege of Sam Cooke, on a trio of songs, including the emotional 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye.' The chemistry between the two singers is dramatic and satisfying. In a career that has seen scattered moments of greatness, 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye' finds Bobby Womack at his finest as a singer, songwriter, and producer. In honor of Dr. King, included in this post is Womack's ode to MLK, 'American Dream', which features snippets of King's 'I Have A Dream' speech.

Bobby Womack feat. Patti LaBelle 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye'
Bobby Womack 'American Dream'

Politics As Usual

Is Obama Just More Of The Same?
Barack Obama's historic campaign centered around a single word, CHANGE. As it turns out, Barack Obama isn't quite different from past Presidents. In a recent New York Daily News article, author Ian Strock highlights the similarities between Obama and previous Presidents. Strock concludes that Obama is more typical than John McCain. Let's take a look at some of these similarities based on characteristics:

Age of Presidents on Inauguration Day
Barack Obama: 47 years, 169 days old
Average Age of Previous Presidents: 55 years, 117 days old
John McCain, if elected: 72 years, 114 days old
Children
Barack Obama: 2 daughters
Previous Presidents: 3.7 children
John McCain: 7 children
President/First Lady Age Difference
The Obamas: 2 years, 166 days
Previous Presidents: 5 years, 16 days
The McCains: 17 years
College/Career
The most popular college for future Presidents is Harvard. Obama becomes the eighth Harvard alumnus in the White House. Half of Obama's predeccessors were lawyers, as he is.
Family Tree
23 of the 42 Presidents have been related to each other.
Obama is related to at least 6 former Presidents, James Madison, Harry Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald Ford, George H.W Bush and George W. Bush.
McCain is not related to any former Presidents.[NYDN]

Soul Fixin'

Aretha, Aretha, Aretha!!!
As I read and watch the coverage of the upcoming inauguration, I'm reminded of Aretha Franklin. Aretha will lend her voice to Barack's big day. A woman who has sang for Dr. King, kings and queens, and former Presidents, will be on hand as Barack Obama enters the history books. It's no suprise the Obama family enjoys Aretha's music. My love affair with Aretha began about a decade ago thanks to I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You. There have been a few bumps in the road; down right horrible recordings, a silly feud with Beyonce and Tina Turner, and questionable wardrobe choices but the love is still strong. On the eve of Aretha's historic performance, here are a trio of overlooked Aretha tunes from her days at Atlantic Records. Aretha and then husband/manager wrote the tell-it-like-it-is 'Good To Me As I Am To You' for 1968's Lady Soul. Aretha transformed Gamble & Huff's 'A Brand New Me' into a jazzy declaration of new beginnings. Aretha's voice soars to unheard heights on the Curtis Mayfield produced 'I Get High' from 1976's Sparkle.
Aretha Franklin 'Good To Me As I Am To You'
Aretha Franklin 'A Brand New Me'
Aretha Franklin 'I Get High'

Random Sh*t

Through The Eyes Of A Child

The New York Daily News asked kids from the NYC area to send in letters to President-elect Barack Obama. More than 1,000 kids responded - here are my two favorites.
Mustafa Sener, age 6, Brooklyn.

Maurice Williams, age 4, Brooklyn.

Soul Fixin'

Mary Sings At Lincoln Memorial

I was delighted to learn that our girl, MJB, would lend her voice to The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. The event was broadcast live on HBO, that channel is a luxury around these parts. Needless to say, I came across Mary's performance on YouTube. I expected to see this Obama supporter saaanging. Full of soul and emotion, wearing her heart on her sleeve. Cheesy song aside, Mary was Mary. The Obama family seemed to enjoy every bit of MJB. There is one problem, song selection. MJB played it safe, very safe, with Bill Wither's 'Lean On Me.' Why not 'People Get Ready' or 'Someday We'll All Be Free' or 'This Is My Country'?

Artful Thinking

A Childhood Dream Come TrueKansas born artist Tom Otterness created a paradise for children.

{Photo Courtesy of Tom Otterness}

Soul Fixin'

Rah's Remix Is 'Bulletproof'
Raheem DeVaughn channels his inner Curtis Mayfield on the socially conscious 'Bulletproof.' The remixed track features rapper turned actor Ludacris. The song can stand on it's own without Luda's guest verse but overall the remix is solid. Raheem delivers the goods and the vibe is tight on the vintage soul inspired track. Hit play and enjoy.
Raheem DeVaughn feat. Ludacris 'Bulletproof (Remix)'

A Conscious Mind

Happy Belated Birthday Dr. King

Dr. King would have turned 80 this year. Since his death, forty one years ago, we have seen great periods of progress and unfortunate setbacks and downfalls. As Barack Obama ascends to The White House, it is impossible not to think of Dr. King. Obama is without a doubt the fruit of Dr. King's labor. The life and work of Dr. King and other freedom fighters is simply amazing. These individuals, who put their lives on the line, fought an entire battle and never fired one shot. I'll end this post with one of my favorite King quotes, "Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. "

Video Soul

Random Sh*t

Barack's Wax Figure
Nope, that isn't the real Obama. Five days prior to Barack's historic inauguration, Madame Tussauds Museum has unveiled a wax figure of him. I still can't believe a black family will reside at The White House. Wow.

Video Soul

"Mr. Telephone Man
there something wrong with my line
when I dial my baby's number
I get a click every time..."

Soul Fixin'

Raheem's '4 Letter Word'

Raheem DeVaughn has blessed up with a new video from 2008's Love Behind The Melody. The visual for 'Four Letter Word' is available for your viewing pleasure. Raheem has been a breath of fresh air since bursting unto the soul music scene, his latest video is no different. Innovative. Fresh. Cool. All words that can be used to describe his latest video. The video opens up with various four letter words appearing on the screen and it ends on a good note; Rah starts singing a cappella. As it turns out the video, directed by Rah's friend and fellow artist W. Ellington Felton, serves as the beginning of a trilogy of videos.I'll be on the lookout for the remaining videos.

A Conscious Mind

Officer  Arrested In Grant Murder

Days after urging you to join ColorOfChange in demanding justice for Oscar Grant III, I am pleased to announce that Ex-BART officer Johannes Mehserle has been arrested on homicide charges in the death of 22 year old Oscar Grant III. The death of Grant III has outraged the nation. Mehserle allegedly (I use that word very lightly) shot and killed an unarmed Grant at a Bay Area transit station. Graphic videos of Grant's death have been posted all over the net, it is quite clear that Grant was unarmed, and on the ground. Within a matter of seconds, an officer draws his gun and shots Grant in the back.  The suspect was arrested in Nevada and will be transported to Oakland today. Alameda County Dist. Atty. Tom Orloff has not determined if Mehserle will be charged with first or second degree murder but he did say this at a press conference, "At this point, what I feel the evidence indicates that is an unlawful killing done by an intentional act and as for the evidence, we have nothing that would mitigate that to something lower than a murder," Orloff said at the news conference in Oakland. "That doesn't mean that evidence could not develop in the future." So far so good, let's see how this plays out. I'll keep you posted.

Soul Fixin'

A Couple of Words From Ms. Badu
The often misunderstood and ridiculously talented Erykah Badu dropped message on her Myspace page today. It seems like Ms. Badu has abandoned the task of completing New Amerykah Pt. 2 to prepare for the birth of a child. Understandable. Right? Check out the message.

... any day now my new project arrives .
nope - not new amerykah pt 2 but new baby !! (shout out to mothers to be )
i can hardly move my hips are sooo stiff ...( i look like a duck w/ long legs)
meanwhile im still working away on pt 2 .
( mind blowin)
later than i anticipated , however , but frsh all the same .

these days i live in headphones while poppin b vitamins and rubbing my belly down with shae butter ( plump and ripe) .
im a damned perfectionist and my method is kinda weird
s0 the lable just throws their hands up at me and banks on somethin else
lol. ( peace to sylvia rhone ).

so any way , im back in the badudio , ill pause for my home birth which is just in the next room so i promise it wont take too long . lol.
(valerian and chamomile are my best friends )
been spending my days on twitter throwing out random thoughts as FATBELLYBELLA. plenty of twitty milk to go round ...

i give thanks today for your love , energy , respect and feedback .

on behalf of my entire family from Edith funker , nedda stella ( band), soul quarians ,jay tronic, controlfreaq records , canabinoids, b.l.i.n.d.
, THE scientists ,and of course NAYROCK
"HAPPY NEW YOU .
"
IF YOU BELIEVE IT IT'S YOURS . TRUST .

all my love ,
ebi breezy
aka fat belly bella aka loretta brown aka analogue girl aka annie
aka manuela mexico aka baduizm pka e. badu.....

love and light !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s.
im gone still do 2 mo videos for pt 1
which 2 should they be ?
i was thinkin the healer and souldier...eh.

Video Soul

"don't blame me if I get suspicious, baby
when you're not at home
you just had to look so good
any man would want to make you his own..."

Soul Fixin'

Motown Turns 50

Yesterday, the celebration for Motown's 50th birthday kicked off in Detroit. Fifty years ago, Berry Gordy secured a $800 loan to form the label that would change the face of music. A small house, known as Hitsville, on Detroit's near west side served as the launching pad for the careers of soul icons such as Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and others.

Public Soul Announcement celebrates the lasting legacy of Motown and it's everlasting effect on the world with vintage images of Motown legends and a classic Soul Train performance from Smokey Robinson.

Fashion Forward

The Low End Theory Meets MJ
Air Jordan is set to release a pair of kicks inspired by A Tribe Called Quest. The special edition kicks, Air Jordan 1 Hi Strap, will be released next month. The kicks are hideous but the matching t-shirts are fly.

A Conscious Mind

Demand Justice For Oscar Grant
It's been 12 days since the shocking murder of Oscar Grant. The young black male was was shot execution-style by a transit police officer in Oakland, California. He was shot in the back while face-down on a subway platform, unarmed and posing no threat. The officer who fired the deadly shot has yet to be arrested, charged, or questioned. In the past 17 years BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) police have killed 3 unarmed black males.

In 1992, 19-year-old Jerrold Hall was shot in the back by a BART officer as he tried to leave a station parkign lot. The officer was responding to reports of an armed robbery and said he suspected that Hall and a friend were involved. The officer tried to detain the two, Hall ran and then the officer shot him in the back and killed him. Hall was unarmed, but the officer said he thought Hall was on his way to get a gun and return for a showdown.

In 2001, a mentally ill man named Bruce Seward was the next victim of the rogue force. Seward, 42, was naked and had been sleeping on a bench outside the BART station when an officer approached him. Seward did grab the officer's nightstick at one point, but there were several options for subduing him. Instead, the officer shot and killed him.
Join ColorOfChange, an orgainization dedicated to making government for responsive to the concerns of black America, in demanding justice for Oscar Grant.

Soul Fixin'

The Black Woodstock
Back in the summer of '69 artists from the worlds of gospel, jazz, blues, and soul made a pilgrimage to Harlem, the mecca of black culture, to perform at the six day Harlem Cultural Festival. 100,000 black folk crowded the northern end of Central Park in the blistering heat.Emceed by Jesse Jackson, the festival, what some now call "The Black Woodstock" or "Harlem 69", included performances by Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Staple Singers, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Nina Simone, and others.

Fortunately, the concert was filmed by television producer/director Hal Tulchin. Tulchin intended to package the footage for a television network back in '69 but was told "time and time again...there's no interest in putting on a black special." Tulchin has teamed up with filmmakers Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon to edit 50 hours of footage into a feature-length film featuring performance footage and interviews with surviving participants. Unfortunately, the group has been struggling for the past 18 months to gain funding for the film.

Neville describes the concert as "tension between soul and funk, civil disobedience versus Black Power, the tension of Harlem itself at the time." At the time Harlem was likened to the vigilante Old West. Two former aides of Malcolm X had recently been shot-one fatally. The NYPD declined to provide security for the 6 day event. Security came from the Black Panthers, 21 of whom had been indicted for plotting to bomb Bloomingdale's, Macy's and other stores in Manhattan to mark the assassination of MLK.

Sporting an afro and dashiki, soul brother #1 Jesse Jackson spoke at the festival:
"As I look out at us rejoice today, I was hoping it would be in preparation for the major fight we as a people have on our hands here in this nation. Some of you are laughing because you don't know any better, and others laughing because you are too mean to cry. But you need to know some mean stuff is going down. A lot of you cant read...but you have the mental capacity to read the signs of the times."

"The Soul of Nina Simone," a CD/DVD compilation contains footage from the event. The compilation includes four songs Simone performed during the festival.