Reading is Fundamental

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Bitch Is the New Black: A MemoirVintage HughesWhen I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man

Work-related travel finds me spending inordinate amounts of time on trains, planes and in hotels.

Reading has become the exercise I use to fill the time and occupy my brain while I wait for the next train or simply find myself stranded because of a cancelled or delayed flight.

I tend to travel with several books because one never knows what mood will strike and variety provides not only options, but also, control.

I am currently reading three books –

When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead – Useful Stories From A Persuasive Man

Jerry Weintraub is an authentic self-made American icon.

The book shares stories and anecdotes from his life and career which has intersected with – to name a few – Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker, Sinatra, US Presidents, George Clooney and Hollywood.

From producing Led Zeppelin concerts to films – The Karate Kid (1984 & 2010) to Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen, Weintraub shares insights and points-of-view that are enlightening and entertaining.

“…you need more than material things. I mean, yes, the material can be nice. I like having what I have, but I know none of it is mine, that we are renters on earth…life will never satisfy if it is experienced only as the rise and fall of commerce. You need to see yourself as part of something larger that never dies.”

Vintage Hughes (A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories by Langston Hughes)

Langston Hughes a renaissance man is another American icon.

An activist, poet, novelist, playwright who came to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance period, Vintage Hughes includes some of Hughes’ most poignant work.

His work captures the rhythm of African-American community – a rhythm that is prevalent and optimistic driving us all forward.

Advice by Langston Hughes

Folks, I’m telling you,
birthing is hard
and dying is mean –
so get yourself
a little loving
in between

Bitch is The New Black

I heard the author, Helena Andrews, being interviewed on the radio recently.

I grimaced, laughed out loud and pondered much of what was being said.

Admittedly, I just got this book, so can only share initial thoughts and impressions from the interview.

Bitch is The New Black is an autobiographical sketch of her life, experiences, both personally and professionally.

I have to say that I was so engrossed in this book that I almost missed my (delayed) flight as I sat reading it at the gate area.

“This scathingly witty author examines a wide variety of topics that, beneath the jokes and sarcasm, address weighty issues (depression, aging, abortion) with wry astuteness…An irreverent, savvy and sharp memoir.“

-Kirkus Reviews

Goin Up Yonder

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I grew up in a household where music was not only foundational, but like electricity, food and water, it was ever-present and essential.

The musical palette that I developed is a result of the eclectic genres I was exposed to in my youth.

The sounds that I grew up listening to broadened my horizons allowing for new and unexpected delights.

For example, it took me many years to appreciate the raw emotion and vulnerability of Billie Holiday or to understand what a 16 year old Billy Strayhorn was saying in his haunting ballad “Lush Life.”

Like many of my contemporaries, I “got” Stevie right away and became devoted to him and his female disciples of songs, notably Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams and Syreeta.

But somehow the music of Walter Hawkins was different.

Walter Hawkins changed the way I heard gospel music.

Despite the fact that gospel was a staple in my childhood, I don’t think I really listened, paid attention or truly comprehended it until I heard the word from Walter Hawkins and the Hawkins family.

I did not realize until very recently that Hawkins was a prolific songwriter and composer. He authored the songs that have left an indelible impression on me -– “Changed,” “I Won’t Be Satisfied, “He’s That Kind of Friend” and “I’m Not the Same.”

To the uninitiated these are merely song titles, but in actuality they are much more than that.

Throughout his career, Hawkins recorded hundreds of songs that charted on Billboard and received numerous accolades, including Grammy, Stellar and Dove Awards.

Walter Hawkins crafted songs that combined simple chord structure, rich gospel gravy and contemporary verve — all infused with love, joy, deep spirituality and optimism.

He did not rely on studio gimmickry. In fact, his most vital and compelling work was recorded live, using vocals, piano, bass, organ, drums, and guitar.

I did not learn that Walter Hawkins had passed away until a week ago. A friend, Bishop Dawn Brown, told me.

Although we never discussed it before, Bishop Brown and I discovered that we shared an appreciation and admiration for Walter Hawkins’ music.

What has since struck me is that while from different backgrounds, upbringings and religious affiliations, many of my friends, peers and colleagues share the same love and respect for the man and his music.

To this day when I hear the infectious opening chords of “Goin Up Yonder,” I get goose bumps. I can’t help but tap my foot, sway me head and sing along with Tramaine.

“Goin Up Yonder” is a nine minute master class in praise and fellowship. It is one of nine songs from arguably one of his best works, “Love Alive,” circa 1975.

The recording captures the essence of Hawkins’ gifts and devotion.

The music sounds as fresh and vital today as it did when it was initially released over thirty years ago.

In his opening remarks for the “Love Alive” recording, Walter Hawkins said,

“I think we should be able to tell everybody, like Paul said, follow me as I follow Christ…that is the kind of life we want to live.”

I took this to mean that we should live a life that is filled with love – love of our fellow man, love of ourselves, love and appreciation of all that we have and should be grateful for.

What a blessing Walter Hawkins was. His gift of song and those he touched will be a lasting testament to love and devotion.

New York Times Obituary, click here

The Evolution of Black Women

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My co-workers and I are in the throes of what we call “planning.”

To the uninitiated, this “annual ritual” is when we “plan” a marketing calendar on behalf of a specific client for the upcoming year.

In anticipation of this, I typically read as much as I can get my hands on relating to the African-American Consumer.

There was an article in The New York Times today, “Black Women See Fewer Black Men at the Altar,” that caught my attention.

While intrigued and fascinated by the content of this article, I couldn’t help but feel that it didn’t tell the whole story.

The Evolution of Black Women in America shows a shift and “re-org” of her priorities…her needs, desires and ultimately, what is motivating to her.

Fact – Younger Black women are delaying and/or forgoing childbearing.

Only 13% age 18 – 24 are living with related children compared to 37.9%,
age 25-34

…and this makes sense, because delayed childbearing has, in my opinion, a direct correlation to increased levels of college enrollment and graduation rates.

One could go further and say that this translates to higher paying jobs and the ability to pursue and commit to career growth and development.

Fact – 40% of Black adults, 18 years of age and older are married compared to 57% of all adults.
Conversely, 42% of Black adults have never married versus 26% of all adults.

There is a Bill Cosby quote that may be the best articulation of the evolution of Black women in America:

“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

Perhaps it is “harder for Black women to find a husband.”
But could it be that it is not at the top of her new priority list?

Click here -to read the full article from the Times.

A Different Kind of Father’s Day Gift

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I recently experienced chest pains and freaked out…

Freaked out because I don’t get sick.

Really.

The last cold I had was 2 years ago and I was “on the mend” within in 48 hours of the onset.

More important than that, I am afraid of the doctor.

There, I said it.

The even more shocking news is that I am not alone.

For all of our bravado and machismo, the majority of men would prefer to suffer in silence and/or simply ignore a medical ailment than face it and make the trek to the doctor’s office.

Fact. African-American men among all racial groups are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at an advanced stage – moreover they are more likely to die from prostate cancer.

Fact. Diabetes is 60% more common in African-American men that in White men, and, get this, limb amputation is higher in African-Americans men than any other group.

Fact. African-American Men have higher cancer death rates than Whites.

Diabetes. Sickle Cell Anemia. HIV. Alzheimer’s Disease. High Blood Pressure. Stroke and Depression. While these diseases are color blind and affect everyone, there is a higher incidence among African-American men.

My dad survived prostate cancer and cardiac disease.

His prognosis for both was dramatically positive.

This was, in part, due to early intervention and a willingness to seek the appropriate medical attention.

Father’s Day is just around the corner.

Whether you are a mother, grandmother, father, grandfather, uncle, aunt, wife, daughter, son or simply a caring friend, encourage all of the men in your life to make the trip to the doctor’s office for a physical exam. If he is reticent or unwilling, threaten him. That is the course of action that got me to the seek treatment.

If “he” is 45+ years old, a PSA Blood test is strongly suggested too.

Much more than a tie, bottle of wine or a subscription to Netflix, the gift of love is one that can only be measured through actions that demonstrate what is most important.

From the mouths of babes…

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I saw a promotional teaser for this and made a mental note that I should check it out.

As is the case with so many things, it “slipped through the cracks” and I forgot about it.

Fortunately, a co-worker forwarded this link… — click here–

I could wax eloquently about the CNN piece, but I am not sure that I could add more to the discussion and topic beyond what has already been said.