Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Times They Are A Changin'-Happy Birthday Dr. King--the Fight Continues On A Higher Level...


Photo Source
Senators Barack Obama(Ill.),Hillary Clinton(NY) and former

Senator John Edwards(S.C)- Las Vegas,Nevada Debates,Tuesday,Jan.15,2008



In light of what may now be viewed by many as a mounting, and at the very least, dead heat battle between Democratic presidential candidates Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois in a contest for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination,( more...) and this is Dr. King's birthday,I thought I'd share some reflections.

Of course, there are other candidates including former Senator John Edwards of South Carolina,also running in the Democratic race. On the Republican side we have several ,including but not limited to, Senators John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney of Michigan and Mike Huckabee,past governor of Arkansas.

I thought I'd lift this blog which I wrote last year on www.heavieroctaves.com in celebration of the King holiday(scroll down). Why not celebrate with reflections on the dream this entire week leading up to the official federal celebration on Monday,January 21,2008?

I believe its safe to say that Dr. King would be proud concerning advances we have made in the struggle for human rights and racial equality, while on the other hand dismayed by some of the setbacks we have experienced. Poverty still exists and wars rage on.Even in light of these harsh realities and despite the customary fray and political jockeying for front-runner status which besets presidential races, across the party lines,this year's campaign has the promise to be one of the most exciting in the history of this country.

Yes.An African American man and a woman are both running in the same race at the same time in history as viable candidates.A dream come true for many African Americans, and also, for women who have never before had a real concrete shot at putting one of their own in the White House.

Amid the heated debates,the sometimes biting remarks, mud-slinging and the very subtle or blatant efforts at racial polarization from various factions of Republican, Democratic and independent voters or non-voting members of the general population,there is hope and we must keep it alive.Let's "keep hope alive", as Rev.Jesse Jackson does or have the "Audacity of Hope"like Senator Obama.

Let's also pray for peace while remembering Dr.King's dream constructively,as it appears in the process of materializing into sound reality, whether the next President of the United States is an African American male or a white female. Either result would be a first for this country. And, a move in a progressive direction for this country.I think based on the impressive level of skill and qualification each candidate brings to the table,that would be progress no matter your spin.

If Obama wins the nomination and goes on to victory in the national elections,Dr. King's dream that a person be judged not by the color of their skin,but by the content of their character will have become a reality in the presidential election process.And,he would be proud that many who would have without question been hosed down,lynched or jailed decades ago for exercising that right, now are having the opportunity to register, making their vote count, while in the process affirming the potency of the Voting Rights Act. The fact that an African American man is electable and that those previously disenfranchised may now be casting a deciding ballots has got to be motivating.One thing for sure,it is a measure of this country's greatness.

Harnessing the tremendous enthusiasm generated by Obama's candidacy and grass roots organizing wizardry may be the key to future political progress and bipartisan problem solving in this country. It certainly has the clout and momentum to set the tone of this year's race and the direction of Presidential races yet to come.It's wide open.

That is very exciting indeed.Keep the dream alive.

Happy Birthday,

Cynthia
________________________

First Published-January 15,2007

This blog post is in honor of today's holiday and committed to the memory of one of the greatest moral leaders of our time."I Have A Dream" is our Profile "speech" of the Week. March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom.jpg Happy birthday Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. May your spirit,dream and legacy continue to live on through future generations. To those tuning in,listen carefully to the words of his most famous speech, "I Have A Dream",considered to be one of the greatest speeches in history, posted below. If you were alive then,or were fortunate enough to attend the speech delivered from the Lincoln Memorial,with a crowd so enormous it spanned the National Mall reaching outwards beyond the Washington Monument,then you know that progress has been made in our society since the days of the "March On Washington". However,some current leaders legitimately question that progress.

If you were not yet born,then go to the nearest public library,or retail bookstore,read a book on the subject or google further and learn something additional about Dr.King and the struggles to make this holiday a reality. It took a very extensive effort,including a hard fought legislative battle by many to legalize it. In fact, Motown recording artist,Stevie Wonder,played a very prominent role in making the King holiday a reality.His song "Happy Birthday" was dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. and was instrumental in promoting the holiday's concept and contributed to the ultimate success of the bill being passed by Congress. To hear a sample of the song from Wonder's "Hotter Than July" CD click here. How does this writer know? In addition to the googling I did to secure the specifics to share with you,and having not been under a rock for the last twenty-five years,I actually spent a good deal of "real time" during the late 70's and early 80's attending rallies and concerts in support of the effort,and a good friend(law school buddy) was one of Stevie Wonder's principal organizers in the King Holiday legalization campaign.So,I had an inside track,so to speak.

Throughout Dr.King's struggle in the Civil Rights Movement,there were other recording artists who sang Civil Rights' songs and rallied the cause musically,including Bob Dylan,(Blowin' in the Wind","The Times They Are a Changin")Joan Baez,Peter,Paul and Mary ("If I Had A Hammer"),Nina Simone ("Mississippi Goddam") and Pete Seeger,the official listed author of "We Shall Overcome",though it was said to have been derived from a 1903 Gospel song. It became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and is listed on the 2004 Mojo Magazine Top 100 Protest Songs of all times.

Peace, Cynthia(Revcoolc)
Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007 at 10:17PM by Registered CommenterCynthia | CommentsPost a Comment | References1 Reference | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Global Day of Action Against Poverty (Revised 11.3.07)


" Purple Dream Come True" Drawing by Cynthia D. Wilson

Today is the Global Day of Action Against Poverty.In recognition of this sentiment and in an effort to heighten perspective about the ravages of poverty around the globe,which has both spiritual and material consequences,I dedicate a poem which I wrote several years ago. Entitled "Love is the Currency", here is a link to the audio podcast and written introduction which is posted on "Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks-To Go", an abbreviated or take out version of this "Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes" blog.

As you read it, reflect on money and how this wonderful concept and tool has been and continues to be misused by some. As beautiful a resource money is and can be, it is frequently misused in our world as a tool of oppression and malevolent control.How people will sometimes do any and everything for the "almighty dollar", as the classic O'Jays song "For the Love of Money" goes "... People will lie,they will cheat...People don't care who they hurt or beat" sums up nicely this negative aspect of financial exchange, or stagnation,if you will. (Incidentally, the song was performed beautifully by Alicia Keys at the "Live Earth" concert in July at Giant Stadium.See a related article here. See a video of her coverage of that song which begins a medley of soulful social observation songs on Live Earth MSN video. Alicia also honors Bono,superstar rock musician who led the charge in this mammoth effort for debt relief, as well as the effort to fight AIDS in Africa.See that article here.)

What if the paradigm was shifted and it became "For the Money of Love"... instead. Maybe that tremendous debt that weighs down the progress of several underdeveloped countries across the continent of Africa would not have accumulated in the manner in which it did. There's also a strong possibility that it would now be more readily forgiven.

While my poem is somewhat introspective,I believe it is relevant in that it speaks to the truth of personal as well as global financial woes. Changing the world and offering meaningful solutions to its problems begins at home with each individual. Perhaps acknowledgment of a greater and higher system of currency in relation to resolving the scourge of poverty is the beginning of the path to reconciliation and a step in the right direction.There might actually be some benefit derived from shifting thinking patterns on money matters to the extent that the flow of love starts counting and adding up like never before.

Yes. It is of course a lot more complicated than this. But a shift in how we think about money could very well lead us on the path of progress out of a debt and poverty hole which has trapped many.Let's just say there is a lot of overlap here. As in "Let there be debt relief on earth,in Africa,etc. and let it begin with you."

I can think of so many occasions and so many times that I have witnessed a person or community suffer not because there was a lack of money,but because there was a lack of compassion on the part of persons or institutions having it in abundance. However, access to it was denied due to either bureaucratic or other forms of red tape.

Enjoy your day of Global Action Against Poverty! And,let it begin with you.Take some positive and constructive actions which demonstrate your care and concern for the "Debt Relief" in Africa campaign being led by One.org. In addition, be mindful about other issues of financial abuses and misuses which you observe on a daily basis in your own communities.

And remember, "Love is the currency. Let it flow!"

When and ever love flows as vibrantly as the colors spiraling up the stem of the flower drawing above, my "Purple Dream"(purple in the sense of high in aspirations, lofty,ornate and regal) will have indeed come true.

Peace,

Cynthia

Related Blogs:

www.heavieroctaves.org:Global Day of Action Against Poverty

Friday, September 28, 2007

Bruce and Company

In the wee hours of yesterday morning,I headed out into the streets of Manhattan to meet up with two minister friends to share a morning of rock legend, Bruce Springsteen's, music. He was the special concert guest for the Today show.Below is a photo diary of the morning and a link to a video interview of Annie Rawlings,Social Justice Presbyter for New York City and Pastor Vickie of Ridgewood Presbyterian Church.












Friday, September 7, 2007

The Weekend Inspiration:Virginia Tech Benefit- Mountain High Reflections (Edited 9.12.07),(9.17.07)


...And Anatomy of A "Community Healing"



John Mayer performing before the estimated audience of 50,000


Me seated among the 50,000 or so students and families,making friends and witnessing their enjoyment of the show, while anticipating the next "human wave". BTW,this was also the seating area earmarked for "media"--The Red Zone. I was scanning the crowd intermittently for sightings of others sporting "media" tags to see what they were up to. More on that in a future blog. Hmmm...


Robbie McIntosh(Mayer band member),Leroi Moore (DMB) and John Mayer performing "Gravity" finale


Night view of concert and arena ambiance. The work is almost done...It was a beautiful sight.I was fortunate to have experienced it first hand.

Pre-Concert Interviews,etc...


Me outside Lane Stadium a little after 2:00p.m. waiting to interview students.Boy,was it hot out there. No shade, no water...no tent...(ouch!)



Keith Logan, a senior at Virginia Tech and one of the student volunteers arriving early--about 2:45p.m.-- to help set up concessions for the concert. He was my first interview and worth the wait... Catch his interview here(coming soon).


Another student I interviewed. He wanted to give a big "shout out" to the Dave Matthews Band with a giant thank you note.He expressed to me his excitement about meeting both John Mayer and Dave Matthews in one day. He and his friends (partially pictured) were almost too thrilled to talk.

____________

Virginia Tech is a school which sits high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains.


Aerial view of Virginia Tech campus nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Never having traveled these parts before,I had no idea the Virginia Tech campus was so highly elevated or as geographers might say,above sea level, until I was actually en route in the Smart bus. Click here and link to a Heavier Octaves podcast for more on that,the concert and my day spent there at the school.

I attended the Concert for Virginia Tech as I had hoped, in both the capacity of music fan/minister ("Chaplain of Pop") and "citizen journalist", a fancy term for blogger. It is a trend that is growing by leaps and bounds in so many areas of publication,including newscasting with some spillover of sorts into the burgeoning field of broadcast and videotaping of live concerts a la "Synchronicity Live" and MTV's "You R Here".I'm happy I saw it coming... Whether it gave me the jump is another question... More on that later,much later--one week at least.

Either way,I was happy to be there to experience a vibe and usher in an era,so to speak, of which I have been a forecaster for several years--music and love tangibly employed as healing forces of the world,and by all appearances at Thursday's event, an increasingly practical notion. A concept which can be applied in an even broader community context, expanding beyond the hospital bedside or therapist's couch.

At least my ministry is driven by that possibility. As a frequenter of Mayer concerts as well as radio station host and podcaster,I've developed/"sculpted" play lists which offer the music of the artists that have inspired me by their "gift" or what I have observed to be a special connection with the people. And, I, in turn,from a fan perspective, have been inspired to spread and celebrate their music, as well as encourage and promote in whatever constructive way possible, from a fan standpoint, benevolent activities flowing therefrom.John Mayer has been at the top of the list for over four years.


The Concert for Virginia Tech was a heartwarming experience and by all accounts a tremendous success. Truly an event which elevated consciousness in more ways than one, heightening my perspective not only physically based on Virginia Tech's location in a mountainous region,but spiritually as well. I think there were others there that admitted the same and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Some expressed the sentiment by dancing,singing,clapping their hands,shouting out "Let's Go Hokies"chants in unison and forming "human waves" throughout the stadium stands.After performing "Belief" and as a segue into his second song "No Such Thing", John Mayer said "The world should be like this all the time.I'm gonna remember this."

And, rapper Nas had earlier chimed in about the vibe with his performance of "One Mic", "...all I need is one mic", a song conveying the power and harmony of people coming together in peace and on one accord(more). I believe his ensuing controversy with Bill O'Reilly served as the inspiration for that. Despite that, unity and harmony was the spirit which predominated Thursday night with music serving as the bonding agent. It was definitely a rejuvenating and uplifting feel good party and the crowd appeared to savor every second of it. I certainly did.

While Dave Matthews and Phil Vassar are Virginians, all hailing from that domain,John Mayer,Dave Matthews Band,Nas and Phil Vassar,all gave brilliant performances. Last night you would not have been able to distinguish those native to that community from those who were not,including myself. Even though,I have to admit,the cap I was wearing was embroidered with the pure Yankee, east coast location,"Martha's Vineyard". My bad. Hokies still showed me some love.

All of the artists blended in well with the V-Tech community, becoming a big part of it as each in their own unique way enriched the upbeat and resilient "Hokie spirit" which permeated the atmosphere all during the concert and in the buzz around campus days, minutes and seconds before.

Before each performance Dave Matthews introduced every artist with simplicity and what some might describe as a shot of his unique brand of Virginian charm. All shared their compassion,love and talent through the dynamic synergy of their music and physical presence at the stadium and sightings around campus prior to that. Both John Mayer and Nas donned their versions of a "Hokies United" Virginia Tech Tee shirt during the concert.Nas' was accentuated by a little bling. John's was sported with his customary flare for the tee style.

Rumor had it that he was lodging on campus at the community's own Virginia Tech Inn during his stay in the area,hanging out and chatting it up with students.This is what I heard from a group of students outside the Lane stadium during Dave Matthews' sound check.They had recently spotted John at the Inn and outside the stadium.He was no doubt making his usual down to earth "people's musician" rounds.

Mayer ended his concert by playing his bluesy/gospel-esque "Gravity" as a prayer to the Virginia Tech community.He prefaced the song with "this is our prayer for you". It was very moving. I was deeply touched,as I'm sure was the Hokie community(more). Dave Matthews' band member and sax player,Leroi Moore joined John and his band on stage in a sultry and slick horn solo as well as accompaniment throughout "Gravity". The performance of this song with John's guitar and vocals along with his band's back up and Leroi's sax was in my opinion one of the highlights of the concert.Well,almost.John did come back on stage to join Dave Matthews and his band in the performance of #41. Two members of the Roots band also joined the stage.It was good that John and DMB finally got the chance to "jam" together in peace and musical harmony after all the rumored rivalry over the years.This was the perfect setting for their collaboration "jam".The fans loved it.

I'm still partial to "Why Georgia",which is a sentimental favorite. It's the song where it all began for me. It's also one which John admitted in the first article written about him in Performing Songwriter Magazine had a Southern Baptist flavor. The Atlanta influence,no doubt.It was well received by this crowd as well. John's sax player Bob Reynolds is no slouch either.He out did himself as well on his playing during "Vultures".

Here are links to video clips taken from the concert highlighting each artists performance. Click here for a link to highlights of John's performance.

Also, the link to an interview I conducted with Keith Logan one of the Virginia Tech students pictured above(coming soon). A video clip of Leroi Moore's performance with John Mayer on "Gravity" can be found here.

Now back to the preparation of Sunday's sermon. I do have a speaking engagement in a church no less. I'm pondering a reflection about this experience with some scriptural back up... That shouldn't be too difficult.

Peace,


Cynthia (Revcoolc)

Special thanks to Virginia Tech media staff Chris Clough and his assistant Cecelia Hovis who did everything to make the media credentialing process efficient and seamless. They were both very friendly and accommodating as well. Also,thanks to Mark Owczarski

Related Blog and "Media Pool" Articles:

Good Love Is On the Way:Some Virginia Tech Inspiration and Encouragement

"A Noteworthy Event"

"All We Need Is One Mic"

What About Nas? God's Son and "I Can"

Monday, August 27, 2007

Limited Number of Virginia Tech Concert Tickets Are Being Made Available to the Public For Purchase


(Photo Source and more...)

BLACKSBURG, Va., August 26, 2007 -- A limited number of tickets available to the general public will go on sale Tuesday, August 28 at 10 a.m. for the September 6 "A Concert for Virginia Tech" via MusicToday.com.

As you probably already know,the concert will feature performances by Dave Matthews Band,John Mayer,Nas and Phil Vassar. All musicians are waiving their fees for the concert,which will be a celebration of the strength and resiliency of the Hoakie spirit as the community recovers from the April 16 shooting tragedy which claimed the lives of 33 of its members.

I was happy to learn that a limited number of tickets are being offered to the general public.I'm sure there are a lot of music fans who will be happy to participate in this celebration and have the opportunity to see some of their favorite recording artists in concert "live" as well.

It should be a great celebration.

Peace,

Cynthia

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Move Over Trashy Marketing Ploys, "Wholesome" is "Now" the Winning Way...


(More...)

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Ask any 8-year-old what they did last weekend, and their response most likely consisted of three words: "High School Musical." The sequel to the Disney Channel's surprise made-for-TV hit smashed basic-cable.

It would appear that "wholesome" may be gaining as a trend to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry...

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Saturday, August 18, 2007

Music Medicine Cometh Installment II-A Dose of John Mayer


Having served as a volunteer for Musicians On Call as a hospital chaplain, Sotheby's benefit hostess and hospital tour guide, as well as for years preceding that as a minister and spiritual director very much aware of the uplifting and therapeutic aspects of music,I am pleased to share this take on John's music with you.Virginia Tech is in for a big treat.
That John Mayer has a rare talent as a musician,no one can deny.The five time Grammy Award winner is tremendously gifted guitar player,recently selected for a Rolling Stone magazine cover as one of three modern day "guitar gods".Mayer was dubbed,Slow-Hand Jr.,in deference to one of his guitar idols and mentors,Eric Clapton,as well as his collaborations with blues greats B.B. King, Buddy Guy,also idols and for his skilled Jomi Hendrix covers, Rolling Stone's selection for the greatest guitar player of all times. He has in addition to working with Blues greats collaborated with r&b,hip-hop,rock,country and jazz icons such as Herbie Hancock, John Scofield,Alicia Keys,Kanye West,Common,Just Blaze,etc.
There is another aspect of John's musical appeal that has gone unexpressed and unheralded. Maybe that fact is just as well.However,I'd like to shed a little light on it from the standpoint of a fan who has benefited and derived a lot of pleasure from his music for number of years.And,in light of the upcoming concert September 6,2007 at Virginia Tech to celebrate life,the resiliency of a community and "lift the spirits" of the university's students,staff and faculty so they can get the 2007-2008 school year off to a good start,there couldn't be a more appropriate time.

There is something uplifting and enormously inspiring about many of John's songs and his music in general. I and other fans have throughout the years communicated this by providing feedback to him at concerts,as well as on some of his message boards around the internet and on several other blogs.
John Mayer has had a connection with the healing aspects of music in his early days starting out as a volunteer musician for the non-profit organization,Musician's On Call,as well as the manner in which he has touched and cultivated the love and hearts of fans since the late 90's.
The following are some past internet postings which shed light on this aspect of his music,including an excerpt of a post I wrote on the MSM message board over three years ago in response to a mini concert/visit he paid some children at a hospital in St. Louis when he played there on his "Heavier Things" concert tour that year. In addition, I also include below an excerpt from a recent posting on my Creativessel Inspirations blog followed by a play list of hand picked songs that make up a soothing "Dose of John Mayer."

There is definitely healing in the music. When you have such an awesome gift like John to touch others hearts and souls with love through the medium of music, its a powerful thing. Many of the children's lives will never be the same, as a result. I venture to say that many of our lives are forever altered by music and other intangibles on a daily basis. I am happy to see an artist with John's tremendous range of talent spend time- quality time- spreading his compassion and genuine concern for others in such a way. Simply put, it is just beautiful.
But this quality about John has always been evident. If you really listen intently to his music, and notice the concern he, on general principle(we call that "on GP"), demonstrates for others, the John that showed up at the hospital today always comes through loud and clear. He just exudes that certain quality.
I was previously aware of John's participation in Musician's on Call, which I think is an invaluable health outreach program, and I communicated that to the organization's founder a while ago.
Thanks for the link and mention though. It was helpful. As one who strongly believes in the healing power of music and the value of giving back to the community...you have the goods John and you deliver. It was even more endearing that you went over without a lot of fanfare, just as regular people...".
Here is an excerpt from a blog written on my Creativessel blog a few months back,entitled "Painting the John Mayer Canvas..." ,which provides a little insight into how his music has impacted me:
"When I first listened to the Room for Squares CD at Borders,I stood there for a while with "Why Georgia" on repeat, frozen in a space and time with which I was very familiar,but one that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I was gradually coming to grips in stages with why tears of joy filled my eyes and rolled slowly and effortlessly down my cheeks. I had experienced the healing and clearing properties of music before in the church as someone sang a gospel hymn or got happy singing a solo in the choir. Often that person was me.

I've also been touched so deeply by a song that every emotion that I may have repressed in the past has been given vent by the sound of a flute,a guitar chord, a voice's vibratto or tone,etc. As I listened to him singing the refrain "I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still verdictless life. Am I livin' it right? Am I livin' it right? Am I livin it right? Why? Why? Georgia Why? In my case Georgia happened to be Detroit. I asked myself, Why? Why? Detroit Why?

Listening to him singing that song, a certainty came over me and I knew in my heart without a doubt that I had to shift my creative focus. I needed to get back on track artistically. I also knew with certainty that I would someday meet the "voice" that was resonating so with my spirit and the artist with the "fire in his eyes". When? I was not sure. But, I felt for whatever reason, it might be sooner than I expected. Two things for sure,I would be making a bee line for information on the internet about upcoming concerts he would be performing in the area and I would continue to ask myself if I needed to change the direction my life was headed,make a bold move,follow my heart and "leave the sh_t behind."



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