Sunday, September 15, 2024

A00082 - After 50 Years Why Haven't We Made More Progress?: The Absence of Curtis Mayfield

 



During the Olympics, some of my fellow Black Alumni and I engaged in a discussion concerning The Rise of Hip Hop Culture and how the lyrics and images produced by Hip Hop artists reflected negatively on Black folks and actually was a major factor in why after 50 years we haven't made more progress.  In contrast to the negative messages contained in so much of the hip hop songs and the images so frequently associated with hip hop acts, the songs and acts from before 50 years ago seemed to be more positive and race affirming.  One of the Black Alumni sent a playlist of songs that reflected the spirit from the 1960s that was the motivation for so many young Black folks at the time.
His playlist is set forth below for those who may be interested in a reflection on the past.  However, for me the playlist was important for reminding me of one of the more seminal artists of the day, Curtis Mayfield. Curtis Mayfield was one of the Impressions who had the 1960s classic "People Get Ready" which is on the submitted playlist.  However, I remember Curtis Mayfield for some of the songs that most influenced me:  The sweet and loving "I'm So Proud"  

 I'm so proud- Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions - YouTube


The inspirational "We're a Winner"

The Impressions - We're a Winner - YouTube


and the thought provoking "If You Had a Choice of Colors"

Minus 196 Factory Tour’s Private Time (youtube.com)


Sadly, Curtis left us at the end of the last century on December 26, 1999.  


I miss him greatly.

Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Fairfield, California
August 31, 2024


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