(ThyBlackMan.com) I don’t know what people in other countries think about the “Make America Great Again” slogan. What I am certain, however, is that the dealmaker in chief has made it look anything but great. In fact, he has made the US look irresponsible, look untrustworthy, impotent and feckless. He ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) David was the greatest of Israelite kings, a man after God’s own heart. Despite his shortcomings, he was the most impressive king and came to be used years later by the Israelites as the standard measure for good leadership. One wonders how he came to be this way. In 2Samuel ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When I think about the roots of blues music—the raw honesty, the pain wrapped in poetry, the joy carved out of hardship—I think of Ma Rainey. Her voice was more than a sound; it was a declaration. Long before it was fashionable or even safe, Ma Rainey was singing ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Life presents complexities from birth for all individuals, irrespective of their race, gender, ethnicity, social status, or economic background. It is uncommon for individuals to fully acknowledge the exceptional development that male children experience as they navigate the various rigorous challenges associated with their transition from boys to men. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) It took no time for it to go viral. The “it” was a street shot video that catches a handful of Latino anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles purportedly shouting the N word and other border line racist slurs at a Black LAPD officer at one demonstration. Within a matter ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s something about Etta James that goes beyond voice. It’s spirit. It’s soul. It’s truth wrapped in melody. While most folks immediately think of “At Last” when her name comes up, real music lovers know that Etta’s catalog runs deep—deeper than many ever take the time to explore. This ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Dyana Williams, Kenny Gamble and Ed Wright founded Black Music Month in June 1979. Also known as African American music Appreciation Month, it was first officially celebrated by President Jimmy Carter with a White House reception. Carter created a platform to recognize and celebrate music, and many Black music ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) “Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored” (Proverbs 13:18) It is incredibly sad and very amazing at the same time to find out that throughout the ages some of the brightest and most evil people have coexisted in a world where no ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Phyllis Hyman remains one of the most underappreciated yet undeniably powerful voices in the history of soul, R&B, and jazz-influenced music. Known for her unmistakable alto, emotional transparency, and commanding stage presence, Hyman carved a niche that defied industry trends. While commercial superstardom largely eluded her, her artistry has ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) However hard we try there is always a pestilential, nagging doubt that somehow we are missing the mark. It is not so much that we are second guessing ourselves about anything and everything we do or that we are not confident in our own skin. No, it seems to ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) This is the fourth time I’ve written about Sam Cooke—and fans still keep asking for more. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Sam Cooke is one of those rare artists whose catalog runs so deep, even longtime listeners find themselves uncovering hidden treasures. His music isn’t just timeless—it’s alive. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) President Donald Trump and many of his allies in Congress are making grand claims about the economic growth they say will result from the recently proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Trump has accused critics of not understanding the budget proposal, “especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming.” A closer ...