Young student-athlete, 'baller' - Trayvon Martin saved his father's life when he was nine years old. His school teacher said he chalked-up A's and B's with ease. Trayvon's mother and father said he dreamed of working in aviation - either flying or fixing airplanes. He wanted to attend college and 'ball-up' with one of Florida's green and orange powerhouse squads.
Dude had swagg, smarts, common sense, respect for the law -- a tight and promising package. And more than anything, he wanted to live!
Trayvon Martin's family, unfortunately, won't be able to see their son fulfill his "American" dream(s). Instead, his mother and father, family, friends, classmates, community, the United States and the world will have to wait for justice for the murder of this innocent kid full of promise. Yep, that's right. In the United States of America, a country which polices the world and claims to be fair and just, the most powerful nation on earth which asks it's young people to fight foreign wars, where republicans fight for 'right to life' -- actually has laws which allow [race] haters to hunt down and kill someone; this is what happened on February 26, 2012.
The hater, George Zimmerman, as of this date, is still alive, at large somewhere on the planet and protected. Politicians and authorities in Florida are more concerned with "policies" and "procedures" (covering up and saving face) than they are with detaining or arresting Martin's killer and holding local officers accountable.
Living in the so-called greatest nation on earth may be great for some, but for most, if not all young black males, growing up in America is a risky business.
For parents of young black males on the road to success, living "stereotyped" in the United States, the fear of a son or nephew being killed by a police officer, a total stranger, or a neighborhood hater is unending. And not surprisingly, for most young black males, their perception of America is that she does not care about "us", but only to exploit us for our gifts and talents (scoring points and spittin' rhymes).
In the eyes of most young black males, "justice is
swift for some but not for us." It's no wonder so many young black males have an adverse view of America, rather than the positive one that vibes with her claims of freedom, fairness and justice for all. The American history of killings of black males seems to be more than just historical -- it is also contemporary.
In a nation of so many religious followers, namely Christians who profess belief in God, it seems odd that laws exist which protect armed hateful criminals and those in authority. What or which [type of] god(s) does America really serve and trust in? And for the sake of his mother and father, who instead of grieving for their son, must first fight for justice in his name. Shame on you Florida!
The one in uniform failed his duties to perform and temporarily resigned during an investigation by federal authorities -- wow! But even worse, the 'uncle tom' standing behind him with the suit on, who has the sole power to fire the idiot in uniform right now, would rather wait until he "receives all the facts" before he'll do the right thing...or not[?]
Love, respect and peace to the family of Trayon Martin and may God deliver swift justice to those who hate, envy and seek to destroy his children.
R.I.P. - Trayvon Martin
February 5, 1995 - February 26, 2012
(Shot and Killed by George Zimmerman)
Rockin' a hoodie is not the issue, being young, black, gifted and hated is!
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Special Report
Hate Crimes Reported in NIBRS, 1997-99
September 2001, NCJ 186765
By Kevin J. Strom
BJS Statistician
"Racially motivated hate crimes most frequently
targeted blacks. Six in ten racially biased incidents
creator and conductor of hit show - 'Soul Train' ___________________________
For millions of, primarily, African American consumers, and hundreds if not thousands of performers, musicians and celebrities who have enjoyed viewing and dancing to weekday afternoon ("Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV on August 17, 1970, as a live show airing weekday afternoons") and Saturday morning 'get-downs', from 1970 to present date, on the Soul Train, the news of the shows legendary creator, writer, executive producer, and host - Don Cornelius' tragic death, allegedly by suicide according to police detectives, came as a shocking and sad pronouncement.
Although preliminary reports suggest that cause of death leans toward [the] likelihood that Cornelius died due to self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Los Angeles Police Department, along with the L.A. County coroner's office, will conduct and complete a thorough investigation.
So what happened, DC? If you did take yourself out the game, why, bro? If your life was taken against your will, however, then who did it?
These are obvious big "if" questions that no one but Mr. Cornelius can truthfully answer, but unfortunately he can't communicate an answer to us -- fans, admirers, friends, associates and loved ones. Once the official police investigation and coroner's cause of death is determined and made public, rumors surrounding foul play or suicide can and should be put to rest - hopefully.
Aside from wondering "why", "how" and "when" - fans and celebrities have continued to voice their fond memories and well wishes to the iconic legacy of Don Cornelius, and his family.
As mentioned earlier, noted for his historic hit show - 'Soul Train',
the production holds the record for years on television, and "will continue to hold the honor of the longest, continuously running
first-run syndicated program in television history until at least 2016".
Long before talent and showcase entertainment programs like MTV, America's Got Talent, The X Factor, American Idol and others captured the imagination of pop culture -- 'Don C' envisioned what would years later become this televised genre's original blue-print! "In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared." Of the multitude of guest entertainers who have performed on America's original 'band stand' -- it was incredible talents like Marvin Gaye, and many others, who benefited from Cornelius' hit show.
So in celebration of the life, times, and going-forward of former back-up disc jockey (DJ), news reader, sports reporter, touring (MC) emcee, promoter, producer, show host, writer, and television executive with O.G. swagg status - Don Cornelius; here's to you and the train of souls who, in your memory, continue to claim the boogie, want the funk, show the love...and pass the peace!
World Famous
'Soul Train'
Line_________________________________
and the
"He quit his day job to take a three-month broadcasting course in 1966 despite being married with two sons and only $400 in his bank account."
Check DC's 'funky-fly' wardrobe: tight sun-shaped afro, pinky rings (yes, two of them), fat silk tie, and crush velvet jacket -- big swagg 'Soul Train' conductor gettin' it in!
'The Don' even showed love to local youngsters who possessed new, innovative and unusual talents, like 'locking', rapping, and similar artistic forms of expression, which paved the way for future generations.
And without the vision, daring hustle, and business acumen of Don Cornelius, we would not be enjoying annual televised showcased talent, on the'Soul Train Music Awards',
which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in Black music and entertainment.
"Past hosts for the show include such R&B luminaries as Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith, Vanessa Williams, Cedric The Entertainer, Gladys Knight" and countless others. The show gives out many awards to worthy recipients, but none have overshadowed the accomplishments, and more importantly, contributions of the award show's pioneering architect. Among many well deserved acknowledgements, 'The Don' has been nominated and honored by the industry he served with velvet flava.
In 1974, Cornelius was nominated for the 'Daytime Emmy' award, for best writing for a talk, service or variety program. Trumping his nomination in 1974, he won the 'Pop Culture' award for his hit show - 'Soul Train' in 2005. And to top it off, in 1997, O.G. - 'Don C' received, for the category of television, a star on the 'Walk of Fame' in Hollywood, California, located at 7060 Hollywood Blvd.
No question, the king of hustle has made his legendary mark on American pop culture, music and entertainment. Thanks for the ride, 'DC'!
Rest in Peace (RIP):
Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius
(September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012)
"Bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!" ~Don Cornelius
Fans and celebrities react to death of Don Cornelius - TV's 'Black King of Hustle':
"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first
African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his
own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson
"God bless him for the solid good and wholesome foundation he provided
for young adults worldwide, and the unity and brotherhood he
single handedly brought about with his most memorable creation of 'Soul
Train.'" — Aretha Franklin
"We all have a great debt. His work in the 60s and 70s helped us to see,
again, that human beings, we're more alike than we were unalike and the
music and the people he showed allowed us to see. Showed us how the
music, the gifts of the African American, to this country and to the
world were great gifts and belonged to everybody all the time." — Maya
Angelou
"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend,
colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary
pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,'
that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to
television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My
heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones." — Quincy Jones
"The Soul Train legacy will show you how great this man was. And Soul
Train became such a great icon, not only did black people want to be on
Soul Train, but you had Elton John, you had The Bee Gees, you had ever
white artists wanting to be on. Soul Train became the thing to do. Don
Cornelius didn't do pop artists the way that a lot of the shows did
black artists; he included everybody on his show." — songwriter Kenny
Gamble
"I have known him since I was19-years-old and James Brown had me speak
on 'Soul Train.' He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way
that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a
global level." — The Rev. Al Sharpton
"So sad! A great guy & happy memories from Solid Gold & StarSearch: (hash)RIP" — Robin Leach
"Sad to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame.
Grateful to him that he turned me on to so much great music."
— musician
Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins
"Sad to hear of passing of Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train. He was a
super nice man. Had many nice talks w/ him at the golf range. RIP"
—
comedian Jon Lovitz
"RIP don cornelius. A legend, a pioneer, a genius. In your immortal
words "love peace & soul" make God boogie & Jesus do the Robot."
— Marlon Wayans
"RIP Don Cornelius. LOVE PEACE AND SOOOOUUULLLL 4eva"
— Snoop Dogg
"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first
African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his
own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Of all the negative connotations associated with 'gangsta' rap, very few artists in the game get the recognition they truly deserve, beyond the 'hood', like one of the West Coast's tightest MC's - WC (or Dubb-C).
Not only can Dubb spit game metaphorically with real rawness in explicit fashion, he paints visuals through verse and rhyme that depict and reflect reality for many living in the ghetto and among the streets of not only South Central Los Angeles, but even far beyond U.S. borders.
Among the many songs the "King of the Streets" has and continues to lay down for fans the world over, this particular video, in our opinion, represents Dubb's true-to-heart conviction, not only as an artist in the rap game, but as a man still givin'-it-up and showin' 'maad' love to those, particularly young black males, still struggling in search of better days.
In this video,
Dubb and Jon B show love and respect to those who are often maligned,
exploited, character assassinated, misguided, poorly educated,
misunderstood, and wrongly and unjustly stereo-typed.
While the game tends
to produce a host of rappers who thankfully get exposed as "studio"
gangsters - 'The Shadiest One', who reigns from Imperial and Western
Avenue in South
Central, definitely ain't one!And as far as we know, no one has dared to test Dubb's "realness"...for good reason, no doubt. Released in 1998 for Island Def Jam Music Group,'Better Days' featuring recording artist, Jon-B, Dubb expresses his message of hope and dedication to uplifting and inspiring the lil' homies. Regardless of how long this 'smooov' cut has been on the market, it's a street classic that no-doubt stands the test of time. He reminds those who are blessed with fortune and fame to never forget from whence and where they came, and those left behind.
Don't let the movies and constant barrage of negative press fool you about the "reality" of living in the 'hood'. For some, the situation is as dire as often depicted. But for most, life in the so-called ghetto, or South Central to be specific, is one of much more peace and good times, than daily dramatic episodes - 'real-talk'.
For his commitment to his art and community,WC gets our double-'s' [SS] StreetSwagg big shout-out!Good look for keepin' it "real", "raw" and to-the-point, Dubb!
