

What's Going On...The Role of Art in Revolutionary Politics
In 1971, Motown Records released "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. Gaye's voice provided a melodic soundtrack to the plight of black urban life during a time of turmoil and social unrest. The album would go on to receive critical acclaim and is still revered as one of the most perennial sources of protest music. As I listen to "What's Going On" this morning, I can't help but appreciate they way Gaye channeled his emotion through his artistry, which reverberated the pain, an


When Life Imitates Art...
I find myself sitting in a daze as I listen to Talib Kweli with my head bouncing as if I'm riding the beat. Today is much like any other day. The nation is rattled with the news of the loss of more black lives, sparking more protest, more violence, more destruction, more pain, more frustration, more heartache, more despair.... Like most people, I wonder when will it end. We have pushed society to its brink. We have ravaged the earth. We are pushing the boundaries of all