Uptown Notes

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … Kwanzaa! No, I’m serious! I’ve come to cherish Kwanzaa as an occasion to […]

At the close of each Black History Month I often feel a profound sense of loss. This feeling is not […]

Every Black History Month there are a slew of pieces on why the month is irrelevant, unnecessary, etc. This is […]

“All the real OGs, I’m a solider cause you told me study Malcolm, Garvey, Huey/ Study Malcolm, Garvey, Huey, their life […]

My reflection on the second principle of the Nguzo Saba of Kwanzaa is Kujichagulia – Self-Determination “To define ourselves, name […]

A tribute to Atlanta artist Charles Huntley Nelson

Mos is back on the radar. Dropping a project and reuniting with Talib Kweli this week. I’m there.

Slavery did not end, it’s just been updated in the form of human trafficking! Beneath you will find a video that I was recently emailed that features a song by Peter Buffet andAkon. The song is entitled, “Blood into Gold (Remix)” and was commissioned to heighten awareness of modern day slavery in the form of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a major problem throughout the globe, but flourishes in many places throughout the African Diaspora. Please spread the word and also visit www.istheresomethingicando.com to find out how to move from awareness to action!

What would our communities look like if we concentrated on contributing positively to each other lives, rather than concentrating on accruing financial capital? Basically, the desire to make money often takes precedent over our ability to contribute to each others well being. “Support Black Business” this was my approach to the principle of Ujamaa for years, but I realized that supporting a business by someone who looks like me will likely get our people no closer to liberation. Need an example, just turn on BET.

“To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.” Naming: What’s in a name. If you’ve been […]