Southern Eccentrik
Cultural/Social
Book Jewel: The Challenge of Blackness by Lerone Bennett, Jr.
Lerone Bennett, Jr. was born in Clarksdale, MS shortly before the Great Depression. He is regarded as a forthright Black scholar and historian, having penned several works regarding Black history and culture for about three decades or so. Well noted for his position as Executive Editor of the premiere Black magazine, Ebony, Bennett’s historical writings … Continue reading
Abbey’s Good Night, Protest Music, and Other Musings
I’ve collected myself long enough to write something in honor of the late Abbey Lincoln. While I’m aware that Abbey was elderly, it still saddens me when someone of such caliber leaves this earth without a designated torch bearer. Upon her ascension though, we can gather her accomplishments in order to justify her legacy, and … Continue reading
The Danger of a Single Story
While wasting time on Facebook, which is something that I find myself doing more often than not, I came across this insightful and inspiring TED.com video. If you haven’t spent time on TED.com, do yourself a favor and do so. You will be a better person for it, trust me. I discovered TED about a … Continue reading
Reading for Black Music Month
Somebody ain’t getting their learnin’…. Today’s music industry is evidence of that. As 2010′s Black Music Month rolls along, I deem it imperative to drop off a list of reads on the subject of Black music. After all, I believe one of the hardest things to do in this distracting society of ours is to … Continue reading
About the movie ‘Just Wright’: I Can Wait
You know, it seems to me that Hollywood is 20 years behind when it comes to Black films. Last night, while hanging out with my movie buddy, we opted to see The Prince of Persia over Queen Latifah and Common’s Just Wright. I don’t have any plans to watch the film until it’s released on … Continue reading
‘Memphis Beat’ Doesn’t Look So Sweet
In August, I will commemorate 19 years of living in Memphis. Originally born and raised in Mississippi, I moved to the Bluff City at a young age to attend college. After graduation, for reasons I cannot recall at this moment, I stayed; often asking myself ‘Why?’ over the years. Don’t get me wrong. Memphis is a … Continue reading
Cloud of Witnesses: Maggie Lena Walker
In the first installment of the Cloud of Witnesses series, I wanted to, in many instances, introduce some of us to Black women that may have been cast aside on the historical trail. If they garner any mention, it’s not sufficient as most of these women accomplished feats in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. … Continue reading
Spinning a New Web for Black History Month
Initially, Black History Month was only a week. Founded in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, it was dubbed Negro History Week before expanding into a month long observance. Why was it necessary? Well, for obvious reasons. African Americans were not regarded as an intricate component of society and Woodson deemed it as imperative that Black … Continue reading
Classic Moments in Black Films, Take One
Film: THE WOOD Starring: Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, and Richard T. Jones Released in 1999, The Wood is the first addition to the Southern Eccentrik’s club of Black movie classics. Set in Inglewood, CA, it’s the story of three men who have been friends since junior high school. Taye Diggs plays the charming but self-styled … Continue reading
‘Precious’ Ain’t Precious At All
I was going to try to give my offering on the film, ‘Precious’ but I haven’t been able to pull the words together. Yes, I’m just that bothered by it; rarely am I rendered speechless, but Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have successfully achieved this feat. Now I know it’s possible to be so appalled … Continue reading
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