(ThyBlackMan.com) First Lady Michelle Obama has planned an evening of poetry tonight, and many people are up in arms about one of her invitees, poet and rapper Common. His attendance and him performing are considered inappropriate to critics, including The Daily Caller and Fox News, who’s headline reads: “Michelle Obama Hosting Vile Rapper at White House?”
The controversial piece, A Letter to the Law, is said to include threats to 
shoot police and calling for the burning of the then President, George W. Bush.
The reality is, Common’s piece describes the harsh reality of police brutality, racial profiling and unjust treatment that occurs in our community against our people. Common has been known for his conscious lyrics that promote justice, reality, and progression within black communities. The sad piece expresses the frustrations of overlooked youth who are supposed to be protected by the laws of the land, that were created by the powers that be, and intended for all citizens of this country.
The other reality is, this is a ploy to discredit the White House and Michelle Obama. It has nothing to do with Common’s artistic expression and Fox News has actually agreed in the past. Fox credited Common for his positive lyrics a year ago when their reporter, Jason Robinson interviewed him saying “your music is very positive. And you’re known as the conscious rapper. How important is that to you, and how important do you think that is to our kids?”
The hypocrisy is obvious and unfair to Common and Michelle Obama. The criticism is poorly crafted and the reality is, if their concern had anything to do with the validity of his claims, it would show a glimmer of hope that at the very least, our communities are being heard, people are listening.
Staff Writer; Dr. Boyce Watkins
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. For more information, please visit http://BoyceWatkins.com.