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Monday, December 15, 2025

THIS CHRISTMAS πŸŽ„



 This Christmas is "hands down" one of my favorite Christmas movies. I found it truly heartwarming. This trailer does a good job of previewing the holiday with the absolute joy and magic of Christmas. Chris Brown warms up our hearts, spreading love and igniting the neighborhood Christmas lights with the wave of his hands.

Below is a list of other Christmas movies that me,my friends and family have enjoyed over the years. You and your family are sure to enjoy them this holiday season as well. 

The Best Man Holiday 

 The Preacher's Wife

 Black Nativity  

 

 

Monday, December 1, 2025

Random Blog Post Mash Up-BET Awards June 2025 Flashback 2025-Kirk Franklin, Glorilla, Chris Brown

 Kirk Franklin closes out a stellar BET Awards show in June with an exhilarating song and dance performance that included a sample of the gospel standard  "Silver and Gold" with a medley of his hits including "Melodies from Heaven" and "Stomp".



Chris Brown wins Viewer's  Choice Award for his latest song "Residuals" from Deluxe album 11:11. See blog link to earlier posting regarding his win here.

 One of the more controversial Awards for that night was the bestowal of the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award on gritty rapper Glorilla for her song "Rain Down on Me".The track featured gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler MooreShe called the win a "blessing" and said, "I owe it all to God".

The win sparked discussion and controversy, with some traditionalists questioning a secular artist winning a gospel award, while others saw it as a way for the message of the song to reach a wider audience. 

Fast forward to recent holiday season notes in terms of favorite Christmas songs. Glorilla was asked on a radio program what her favorite song was and she responded Chris Brown's which is a rendition of the Donny Hathaway classic "This Christmas". Chris sings that song in the popular Christmas movie, "This Christmas".He appears in the movie with co-stars Loretta Devine, Idris Alba,Regina Hall and others.

Speaking of Christmas favorites, click here for a special Christmas Playlist of Jazz songs that was prepared as a gift to my blog audience several years ago. Enjoy!


Cynthia Wilson, Blog Owner, Founder & Editor


Saturday, November 8, 2025

Lets Give Them Something to Talk About-Kennedy Center Honors



 Bonnie Raitt is among the revered musicians who was  honored at the 47 th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Awards ceremony earlier this week in Washington, DC. 



Congratulations to Bonnie whom I had the chance to meet and chat with
years ago at a benefit concert for the Songbird Foundation. She is a long time humanitarian and activist who has contributed much of her time,energies and talent to raising both money and awareness for many important social causes over the decades including the Rhythm and Blues Foundation which was initiated to support r&b artists in need of financial and medical assistance. She celebrated her birthday recently. Check out this archived post on Facebook where she gave a rousing  introduction of friend and fellow blues musician Keb Mo.

I met her along with John Mayer her special guest at a benefit concert sponsored by Oxfam and the Guac Fund to raise awareness for fair trade with coffee farmers. Bonnie's a hero and warrior for social action using her gift of  music over the decades to raise awareness and money for social causes.

 


 






Thursday, November 6, 2025

R&B Icon Chris Brown Celebrates Twenty Years With Breezy Bowl, Grammy Win, BET Viewer's Choice Award and 11:11 Deluxe Album Release






 Chris Brown has fought back fiercely and triumphed brilliantly through the storm of negative media attention and legal battles he has experienced in the past. He still has some legal hurdles ahead. However,the pinnacle of success he has achieved today is really nothing short of miraculous. From a small town in Viginia to a global superstar. Resiliency is definitely in his DNA and must be one of his superpowers.

This year Breezy Bowl XX his concert tour received critical acclaim.

"According to Billboard Boxscore, the Breezy Bowl XX earned $295.5 million and sold 1.98 million tickets over 49 shows. Of those totals, $47.8 million and 490,000 tickets are from the tour’s European leg, and the remaining $247.8 million and 1.5 million tickets are from North American shows.[1] The tour received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Brown’s dancing, vocals, stage production, aerial stunts, audience engagement, and overall performance energy, with several describing the tour as a demonstration of Brown's continued prominence in R&B and pop music.[6]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breezy_Bowl_XX?wprov=sfla1

His deluxe album 11:11 was awarded a Grammy for Best R&b album in February. He gave thanks to god and graciously thanked his fans.

Residuals, his single from that album won the BET Viewer's Choice Award in June. Brown was not there to receive the award


Check out this video compilation of his best performances over the past 20 years:




Saturday, October 18, 2025

Thousands Attend "No Kings" Protest Marches Across the Country and Globally


 No King's Washington, DC


No King's New York City

No Kings~Atlanta



No King's Atlanta  Georgia- Interview of Senator Raphael Warnock on site of protest.



No King's Detroit, Michigan

Protesters from all over the world marched and chanted slogans in unison in expressions of  discontent with the current administration's policies and their impact on the American people. I gathered some video footage from YouTube  to give you a view of some of the cities where the protests took place.

In a coordinated effort among community organizations, the ACLU and a host of civic and social organizations, protests were held in over 1,000 cities. More information forthcoming in our newsletters and podcast.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Breezy Bowl Chris Brown's Global Tour Celebrating Twenty Years Concludes Tonight in New Orleans

 


Tonight Chris Brown takes the stage in New Orleans at Caesar's palace to a sold out venue.

Tuesday night, October 14,  Raleigh North Carolina news station WRAL reported that mega star, r&b icon Chris Brown drew an audience  of 50,000 Lenovo Center capacity crowd of enthusiastic fans who patiently streamed in through gnarled and congested traffic and waited in line hours to see Brown perform on stage in a highly anticipated concert event. He was last there ten years ago. So fans were anxiously awaiting this concert after the decades long wait.






Wednesday, October 15, 2025

D'Angelo Neo-soul Genre Pioneer Passes

      Photo Credit- Roquai Creative Commons

 Grammy award winning recording artist and Neo-soul genre pioneer D'Angelo passed away yesterday at the age of 51 after a courageous private battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family. 

We send out our prayers of comfort and supportive  condolences to his family and friends. Stay tuned for podcast.

Rest in love, peace and honor.


Cynthia Wilson and the Chaplains ministry team

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds Honored by National Action Network(NAN) with 2025 Activism in the Arts Award

 

                Photo Source- WikipediaWikipedia


13 time Grammy winner, multi-platinum recording artist, producer, singer, songwriter, composer and arranger Kenny 'Babyface" Edmonds honored at 2025 National Action Network Triumph Awards with Activist in the Arts award by Reverend Al Sharpton. The event was held in New York City. 

Babyface paid special homage to Rev. Al and encouraged the community to lift him up more and show appreciation for his continual fight for us. He shared the sentiment and I am paraphrasing...that we don't show him the kind of appreciation that he so richly deserves. He also mentioned his mother and expressed his gratitude for her instilling in him the value of always being humble. 

Babyface has written numerous songs and has maintained his iconic status spanning nearly five decades penning and arranging top 10 hits for not only himself but many other iconic artists including Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton and composed songs for the soundtrack of the blockbuster film "Waiting to Exhale". He has also collaborated with other iconic artists  including  Eric Clapton, Barbara Streisand, Madonna, Boys to Men, Ariana Grande,etc. The list goes on and on.

Congratulations Babyface! May God continue to bless you and use your musical gifts to uplift and encourage others.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Kimmel Suspension Stirs Outrage and Protests AboutFree Speech and Democracy

 


They've taken this retaliation for speaking one's mind and for good old-fashioned satire, which we all need sometimes to add a twist of humor to the ridiculous, ironic and absurd in our everyday lives, a little too far this time. Indefinitely suspending Kimmel was an outrage and using government influence to come down on an American citizen for exercising his constitutional right is unconstitutional. Freedom of speech is as American as Apple pie. Recognizing, of course, historical denials to certain people and races throughout the decades, including many of my ancestors and even some of us today. But as Obama eloquently  states and I am paraphrasing him, democracy is not self-executing, it has to be fought for.

 

 WE the people have to uphold the rights and values we hold so dear. And from all recent bellwethers, they must be defended fervently now more than ever. According to the Economic Times Disney experienced a 5 billion dollar loss in market share with a


2% decrease in stock from cancellations of Hulu and Disney subscriptions from consumers as a form of protest of Kimmel's suspension.

So, Kimmel, being canceled, suspended from his job for cracking jokes about politics and the antics of our politicians, which he has often done on his show, is a threat to the exercise of free speech. Millions worldwide Blacks, Latinos, Whites, etc., look forward to his show. His monologues are hilarious and often take the hostile edge off of some recently infuriating situations caused by this unprecedented MAGA takeover of our politics, diverse culture and 'any' media critical of the current administration. 

Many have lost jobs and livelihoods. Some didn't even have to say anything to get canceled, including thousands of women and black women were just fired, fired across the Federal government.Thirty thousand 30,000 have lost their jobs so far and counting. And now a black woman who serves and was appointed the first black woman to serve as a Federal Reserve Governor-- Lisa Cook is fighting for her job. So is a black woman district attorney in New York, Letitia James being targeted. So was a black woman journalist Karen Attiah fired from the Washington Post- because of her reporting on Charlie Kirk.


But not only have late night icons like Kimmel, Colbert and public figures like Cook and James and Washington Post journalist Karen Attiah come under attack. Everyday people are often unsuspectingly being outright blocked and censored by enforcers who may harass or shortstop their commentary and other forms of social media that they find unacceptable on the current administration. Some may even feel that they might miss out on the opportunity to make billions  if they crack the wrong joke or make an awkward remark at the wrong time.Whammo! Instant cancelation, freeze on opportunities or hunt down and targeting.



Please be informed, some Americans refuse to sell their souls or the soul of America, the embodiment of our great freedoms of speech, association and expression for "filthy lucre"(1 Peter 5:2).But as an American, you are free to make that choice.

 Of course, tact has it's place. But, there is value in saying what you have been moved to say, sometimes what has been scripted for you to say and often what needs to be said. In America we have many divergent voices--preachers, public commentators, politicians, journalists,professors, artists and comedians for starters. Sometimes it's profound, sometimes it's transformative, sometimes it's educational, sometimes it's humorous, sometimes it's offensive to some, yet what is said may be funny or consoling to others. 

Keep our country free and protected from governmental suppression of individual rights under duress of big business conglomerates or iconic billionaires. We need  our First Amendment freedoms  thriving in a democracy. Throughout history over hundreds of years, many in this country have  strived for a working  democracy. It hasn't ever been easy. But anything worth having they say is worth fighting for.

Thank God we as American citizens can take our differences to the public square, speak out, reach out to the media and/or ultimately the ballot box and make our views known without fear of reprisal.

I'm glad Kimmel's show is back! His show was reinstated by Disney and aired to much anticipation last night. The View  had a very good summary of his monologue on their show this morning.

 I'd like to see others that have been unjustly fired from their positions for political reasons also reinstated as well, or the looming and potentially autocratic dogs called off.

Please keep our leaders, our citizens, our friends,  we the people-- our diverse nation of varied and collective speech and voices, our President and our country America, lifted in prayerπŸ™πŸΏπŸ™πŸΏπŸ™πŸΏ!  We Must give our prayers feet by following up with constructive action and stepping out on the power of god's word. Staying actively engaged, helping those who need it along the way assure and assuring  that justice and righteousness prevail.

Continued prayer for the family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk as well. I did not agree with his views. But I  stand for freedom of speech and his right to express his views.

#upcomingsermonpreview
#whatdoesitprofit?thesoulofamerica?
#upcomingTee
#thesermoniswritten
#maygodrestcharliekirkssoul


(Edited 9.19.25 @ 12:12 p.m., 10.13.25 @1:52p.m.

Monday, September 15, 2025

Grace for the World at the Vatican-September 15, 2025

 The Grace for the World Concert was held September 15, 2025 was an astoundingly beautiful event, bringing people of different races and nationalities, over 250,000 from all across the globe together with music peaceably at one of the most storied religious institutions on the planet.  This all came together under the watch of the Vatican's first American Pope Leo  who extended a warm greeting to all those in attendance. 




 Link to gospel segment video short here.


Let us continue to pray for our world, for unity, prosperity, harmony among nations and an end to forever wars.  Let us send up fervent prayers for lasting peace.

Amen, Shalom and Ase.


Cynthia D. Wilson,
Blog Founder and Editor
"Chaplain of Pop"

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Blog Edit & Update to Cynthia Wilson's Profile:Special Podcast Episode

 



After serving as Administrator and Author of this and related blogs for nearly 20 years (Heavier Octaves, Creativesselministries, HO High Notes and more recently Cheering Obama On (circa 2012-2015) I am "slowing my roll" to the more passive role of Founder, Editor, Writer, fundraiser and artist. 

  I will remain in the background as a 'mentor-administrator' though. This will allow me to keep my hand in things, focus more on educating our youth about the intersection of theology, music,art and politics while  maintaining some say about the publications' funding administratively. It will also give me the opportunity to focus on the recapture and capitalization of related enterprises that have blossomed or sprouted from my blogs going forward. 

 I will remain active via newsletter, podcasts, online classes, email and phone calls. Please direct any questions or concerns to me at creativessel@gmail.com.

 You may also make donations to my Cash app, Buy Me a Coffee(above), Zelle,etc., so I can pay my bills  on time while also traveling the world(πŸ˜‰).

Hopefully, I will get the donations THIS TIME!

Use the QR Codes above for Buymeacoffee and Cash App

 My corresponding fundraising links are set forth below:

https://buymeacoffee.com/cynthiawilsonspeakswrites

https://cash.app/$cyndwilso

For donations via Zelle just dial my phone number 313-495-2888 and enter the amount in the blank provided if you have a Zelle account with your bank.

It's been some long hot summers. But I'm making it by the grace of god! Also listen to my podcast "God's Riches in Glory" here or at the link provided in the lower righthand column of the web version of this blog. Find the web version link near the bottom of this page located just above my profile.

Keep me in your prayers πŸ™πŸΏ 

Thank you,

Cynthia Wilson-Founder


Before

After



Friday, August 1, 2025

Kamala Harris-107 Days

 


 I watched former Vice President Kamala Harris on the Late Show last night as she was being interviewed by host Steven Colbert. It was good to see her apparently reassured, rested and forward thinking. Even though she did announce she was not running for governor of California. To paraphrase her response. I just think our Democracy is in a fragile condition and it's broken. She said Oh no, I'm not giving up. I'm still in the fight."

At one point in the interview he asked her about her political predictions and touched on those predictions she had made about her political challenger then and what she viewed on the horizon for our country if he was elected. How they all seemed to come true.There was one word she emphasized and which stuck with me as she responded to his question about what is going on now with the current administration and the political mood of congress. She responded--the capitulation. She just couldn't have predicted that.

Check out her new book--107 Days- in which she shares her experiences during last year's history making campaign to become the first woman  and first black woman to be elected President of the United States. 

Monday, July 28, 2025

Music Icon Stevie Wonder's Upcoming Documentary on How the Martin Luther King Holiday Came to Be

 We all love Stevie Wonder, his legendary contribution to the Motown sound and his driven,humanitarian and artistic approach to voicing concerns about social ills using his music. He is a visionary artist who has had a tremendous impact upon our culture throughout the years and has spread huge doses of peace, love  and great music along the way.

Wonder who played an instrumental role in the struggle to make Martin Luther King Jr. holiday a reality with the help of activist attorney Theresa Cropper has a development deal on track for a documentary that tells the story on the screen. His iconic hit "Happy Birthday to You" which was written and composed  to promote the King holiday has become over the decades a standard birthday song celebrating birthdays internationally  across various cultures and musical genres.

 For more information about the documentary check out Time magazine's article and take a listen to an excerpt from one of my podcast audios with brief mention of the back story below:

 

 

Cynthia,

 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Remembering Malcolm Jamal Warner

Malcolm Jamal Warner's recent and surprising death at the age of 54 was as much a shock as it was very saddening to many who grew up with the positive images of a successful professional and stable black family portrayed on the Cosby Show that was viewed by millions worldwide. Images of his endearing portrayal of the lovable adolescent son of the iconic Bill Cosby, prominent physician Dr. Cliff Huxtable and his mother Phylicia Rashad, the ever clever attorney mom Claire Huxtable was a real psychological boost for black audiences. The Cosby show was a triumph and laid the foundation for future Black family oriented sitcoms and dramas alike. Flashbacks of the show quickly came to mind as I heard the news broadcasting over the radio. One scene came to mind almost immediately. The scene where Cosby goes into Theo's room and they go back and forth about spending money and budgeting.


 

Warner was one of the cast who made the transition from a child star to a successful adult actor, landing television sitcom roles and serious dramatic roles along the way. While his role as the formative years Theo remains in the psyche and consciousness of many Blacks, he had his hand in a number of cultural activities as he grew into adulthood, including movies and being a member of a band that was involved in a music project that won a Grammy along with Laylah Hathaway for their version of Stevie Wonder's " Jesus Children of America". See Stevie's thoughtful reflection about his passing captured by  TMZ.

He was also a podcast host and involved in efforts to portray positive images of Blacks in the media. He struck gold for sure in his role as AJ in the Resident.


 

Of all the roles that I viewed him playing throughout the years, I really was impressed, almost transfixed by his intensely eccentric portrayal of  acclaimed and in demand Neuro-surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network television show that became a Netflix series, "The Resident". I binged on all the episodes in that series and particularly enjoyed  those that involved him dealing with the pressures of being a premiere class surgeon juggling his personal life with the professional one. It was a great show. I was hoping to see it being revived.

Rest in peace and power Malcolm. Prayers of comfort,healing and love go out to your family and friends.

 

 Blessings,

Cynthia Wilson 

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Pepfar Exempted from Big Beautiful Bill Budget Cuts

 Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought told reporters after meeting with Senate Republicans Tuesday that the White House is on board with a substitute amendment to the rescissions package that would exempt PEPFAR, the global anti-AIDS initiative from cuts.

This development today will certainly inspire hope along with much needed financial fire power to continue the fight against AIDS in Africa, especially  in light of the weakening of the federal USAID agency. The Trump administration has agreed in cooperation with the Senate to reverse or exempt the earlier cuts made to the Pepfar program. The cuts were made last week in the Big Beautiful Bill. The special program to combat AIDS was initiated  two decades ago by Republican President George Bush. Thumbs up to the President on this one. I'm sure former President Bush is pleased along with the millions of children and adults who have dire need for the medical treatments and medicines that will save their lives as a result of the restored funding due to the exemption.

In the meanwhile, keep hope alive and pray that those in need of vital services discontinued due to cut backs to USAID will have their needs met in some miraculous way or manner. We know God is able and in control.

See related blog articles on Pepfar, the AIDS crisis and what some notable celebrities like Alicia Keys, Bono and Oprah have done  to raise funds and awareness in helping out in the past and continuing on today. Check out the related blog articles at the links below:

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2025/06/bless-and-save-children.html?m=1&zx=dcf4355389400d4c

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2007/05/aids-crisis-in-africa-what-next.html?m=1

Peace,

Cynthia Wilson



Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Chris Brown Wins BET 2025 Viewers Choice Awards

 Super talented R&B powerhouse Chris Brown wins Viewer's  Choice Award at 2025  BET  Awards held June 17, 2025 for his song "Residuals". Chris was not able to be there to receive the award. It was accepted on  his behalf by DC Young Fly.  

I believe Chris was  performing in the European leg of his Breezy Bowl tour which began on  June 8, 2025, in Amsterdam at Johan Cruyff Arena and scheduled to end in Paris on July 5, 2025.

Be a Blessing




 

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

"It's Up to All of Us":Obama Breaks Silence During Speech at Hamilton College



Obama discusses our values as Americans as we face threats to our fundamental freedoms under the present administration. He poses hard questions to Americans about our willingness to stand up as citizens and  fight for democracy  currently threatened in our country, during recent talk at Hamilton College in New York.
 

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Thank You for Your Prayers


 I have been faced with physical challenges that cause severe pain daily and difficulty walking. I extend my deepest gratitude for your care, concern and prayers.

In case you didn't know. Sometimes I can make it to church and sometimes I can't and rely on video streaming on Wednesdays to share the word and prayer with you. Likewise, sometimes I feel I can make that trip and sometimes I can't. I'm keeping hope alive though. If you're in the vicinity let me know and I'll hitch a ride with you.πŸ˜‰πŸ™πŸΏπŸ™πŸΏπŸ™πŸΏ

I feel your prayers and appreciate you for taking the time to pray for me.

Please continue to pray for me and I am continuing to pray for you as well. Keep sending in those prayer requests using my email, creativessel@gmail.com

Love and peace,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Bless and Save the Children

 

Photo Credit-New York Times

I read an article this morning by New York Times Opinion Columnist Nikolas Christof which sends a strong message and ignites a reciprocal need to weigh in and respond to the reality that children have died and are dying as a result  cutbacks in humanitarian relief  once provided by US AID. Clinics that have supplied life saving Aids medication to children in Africa in the past have been systematically shuttered. One such program affected, Prepfar, was established by a Republican president  George Bush and has in the past saved millions of lives. See blog post  written about it in 2007. 



Sunday, May 18, 2025

Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration Draws World Leaders

Pope Leo XIV  the first American Pope, native of Chicago, Illinois advocating for unity and inclusivity draws world leaders and conducts Mass for 250,000 at his official inauguration in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

Some US dignitaries greeted and shook hands with the Pope.


Thursday, May 8, 2025

CONGRATS TO THE New Pontiff


 Congratulations to our newly appointed first ever American Pope. Happy for  all of the Catholic parishioners and friends who are rejoicing and celebrating this milestone today. 

I particularly want to extend my appreciation to the wonderful Pastor and parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Detroit's Greektown where I occasionally visit and attended a warm and spirit filled Swahili Mass.


Cynthia Wilson, Founder & Chief Editor


Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Senator Corey Booker Makes Historic Marathon Speech

 


In a moral moment that lasted a record-breaking 25 hours, Senator Corey Booker  gave an inspiring and profoundly moving historic marathon speech on the Senate floor condemning Trump's policies. His speech broke Senator Strom Thurmond's then record made on the Senate floor in 1957 to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.  Senator Booker's speech received an estimated 350


million likes on Tik Tok and earned him high regard among his congressional peers, his constituents and the public at large.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Vestiges of Oppression

 

Today, I have  been moved to share a quote by one of my Seminary teachers, the late Dr. James H. Cone because there is an effluvia(heavy) if not a patina(light)--depending on how you view it-- of oppression and suppression that still permeates and is evident in our society.  Yes, in our workplaces, our houses of worship in our personal relationships and in our less intimate corporate relationships. I pray and I pray and God answers prayer either immediately or eventually. But, there is more needed. Have to give those prayers feet.

"To sing about freedom and to pray for its coming is not enough. Freedom must be actualized in history by oppressed peoples who accept the intellectual challenge to analyze the world for the purpose of changing it." ~ James H. Cone

Change must be on the horizon,prayed and striven for. We still need social security, ACA- Medicaid and Medicare and end to war and senseless gun violence. Keep praying,keep watching what is happening on Capitol Hill and in the highest seats of government.  I will continue to pray,ask God's direction  and ask you to do the same.



Thursday, March 13, 2025

Hallelujah! Judge Orders Federal Workers Reinstatement

Happy to post and thankful to God that Federal workers on probationary status were reinstated by a Federal judge just today.

You can read more about it at the Hill a congressional publication. 

To all the attorneys who have been vigorously fighting for justice in the legal system and to those supporters of fairness, constitutional rights and the just enforcement of the rule of law who have also been praying this is good news.

Lifting up an archived podcast episode on intercessory prayer that I  recorded several years ago, and it is still relevant for praying today. Listen to the episode at this link:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/glory-of-god-manifest-through-intercessory-prayer-special-episode-14--41650279

 I have been praying  this prayer, and modified versions of it to fit particular circumstances for years.  I know many of you faithful prayer warriors out there have been doing the same.

God continue to bless you and yours. Keep hope alive and the prayer wheel turning for our leaders,including our president, our congressional leaders, our courts and our federal workers. God continue to bless and guide you in all of your endeavors.

Prayerfully,

Cynthia Wilson



 

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Cynthia Wilson Updated Contact Information (Updated 3.30.24)&(2.9.25,2.11.25 & 2.12.25)


Email- creativessel@gmail.com

From the Photo Archives-

Cynthia Wilson at left pictured in pink Martha’s Vineyard cap sporting VIP Media Access lanyard in the audience. She chose to view concert from the audience with other fans at special benefit music concert to support and heal traumatized Virginia Tech community as they re-start the Fall school term. Circa September 2007. More about that concert at this  link.

Dear Blog Readers:

Thank you so kindly for making this blog a success. I appreciate your readership of this blog over the past 16 years and both the Heavier Octaves High Notes E-Zine and Heavier Octaves.Org blogs for 21 years. In addition to providing a well of past coverage and reviews of benefit concerts and humantarian projects of musicians for music fans and the general public over certain years, they are also good sources for research and education now that are planned to be located soon, barring any unforseen delays at the Internet Archive. I also hope to have some of the missing links to articles and other related reference media including videos and photos restored.

However, I will still be posting to this blog “Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes” occasionally.

In the past invitations have been extended for you to subscribe and also to contribute to this blog. Requests for prayer are always welcome. I only ask that you email them at the email address provided.

I am requesting that you leave your email address and other valid contact info so I can follow up with you if you would like to blog as a guest blogger or participate in a future podcast episode.  In the past I have also made an effort to attend concerts and reach out that way. You can contact me via my webpage at http://Aboutme.thecynthiawilson.com.

Updates will also be provided via You Tube, IG( when I get it re-published) and Twitter/X @speakingcynthia or Threads. But contact me first to arrange agreements so I will be clear that we are on the same page.  Please contact me by email if you would like to contribute. 

You can also send messages via my website on the social media links provided on that web page as well.

Past cultural/non-religious podcast episodes containing reviews of concerts, movies and political commentary will be made available periodically for download on my website, in a book or at the Internet Archive (working on it).  (Edited 3.30.24)(Most recent edits 2.9.25, 2.11.25 and 2.12.25.)

Listen to Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks podcast archives at the following link:

https://www.spreaker.com/show/cynthia-wilson-speaks-out

Creativessel@gmail.com has been my email for nearly 20 years. So, that's a stable one to use. I’m making an effort to consolidate and keep things very clear and straight forward amidst significant communication challenges I have experienced over the years.

Peace and blessings,

Cynthia Wilson

Founder, Principal Writer & Editor (since 2007).

Monday, February 3, 2025

Grammy Elegance: Beyonce, Alicia,Doechii, Roan et Al

 

Alicia Keys Global Impact Award Acceptance Speech

Beyonce Wins Album of the Year Award 

The Grammy Awards show last night, I would describe as pure elegance from the set,stage decor,the performances and of course the acceptance speeches, of which the most vibrant were Beyonce, Keys,Doechii and Roan. Trevor Noah excelled again as host.
It was good and was glad to see Beyonce I
(and vicariously hubby Jay-Z) finally get that album of the year award even though Beyonce has won the most Grammys than any other artist ever with 27 wins before she won the coveted Album of the Year Award and a few others last night. Now with a total of 35.Kudos to her and the graceful manner in which she and daughter Blue lvy accompanying her on stage,accepted the long overdue bonus. I say bonus because her range and excellence in the pop music field had been proven time and time again
by her numerous Grammy wins in the past. And, quite frankly it was a shrewd move to go country.

 If Swift could cross over from country to pop and skyrocket up the charts why not Beyonce switching over from pop to country. It definitely paid off in more ways than one. Shaboozey, Lil Nas, Darius Rucker deserve their cross over propers as well and Mickey Guyton for paving the way as well in country genre are all blacks in country. Beyonce did Charlie Pride and many more little known Black country artists proud while elevating the genre in the black community and globally. While showing her country roots Texas style. Savvy move. 

Alicia Keys was simply stunning from her approach to the stage accompanied by one of her children to the dynamic way in which she lauded the artists community for how they were coming together to support one another inserting a well timed reminder in light of recent events by the current administration. She mentioned and I am paraphrasing, about how diversity is a gift and not something to be discarded or frowned upon. It should be welcomed and nurtured.How she reached out to the community of female musicians and opened up doors with. She is in the Music, helped children in Africa with Keep A Child Alive and other programs she initiated and developed over the years. Queen Latifah's introduction of Alicia was beautiful. She lifted her up as a good friend who is always there when you call on her. The camera zoomed in on Alicia returning a warm and appreciative smile for the props.Alicia not only received the Dr. DRE Global Impact Award,but she also received a Grammy for her Broadway bioplay Hell's Kitchen.

I especially resonated with Roans speech and how she in a soft spoken manner. Her slogan,sure to become a popular adage among artists was "labels we got you, but do you have us"?  Well done Roan in an unassuming,yet forcefully gentle way.
She spoke out about the need for health coverage and other financial benefits that often go missing from artists compensation in a multi million dollar industry. Right on Roan!



Link to my podcast episode here for more commentary on the show.




Thursday, January 30, 2025

Special Prayers for Fire Aid and the Victims and Survivors of the Fires



  I am praying mightily for the safety and well-being of every musician, every first res p onder  every fireman  every public safety officer,every volunteer, every worker, every organizer,every logistics personnel, every security person and every concert attendee this evening  who will be there in person at both  venues this evening  for this beautiful humanitarian act of outreach to restore the Los Angeles families and first responders who lost and gave so much in the recent fire disasters.

 

 

I regret that due to health challenges I can't be there in person to cover by live blogging, podcast and participate in this music benefit as I have in the past at other benefit concerts like Live Aid, Virginia Tech, Tsunami Aid, etc., to comfort with music, to raise awareness, to raise funds, to educate and to uplift and encourage communities that have been devastated by unexpected events such as the wild fires in L.A.

I will be watching the live stream.

God bless you and keep you safe from all hurt, harm and danger as you lift your voices to help your neighbors in need.

Peace,

Cynthia Wilson
 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Law Abiding Citizens--Wherefore Art Thou? Stand Up and Be Counted

 Note: This post was first written on December 7,2024 and edited on January 7, 2025.


Today, FBI staff given termination notices. What next? Excuse me, you say appropriate...okay. Let me check with the US Constitution, federal statutes, government regulations,etc., and other law fare.

Since the election of our current President and the swift nominations of some controversial cabinet picks to put it mildly, many law abiding citizens may be feeling a bit insecure about the nation's safety. The group may also include those citizens who are also borderline rule breakers and may occasionally straddle the fence, those fine line, close call situations in their efforts to genuinely help individuals or larger segments of the population for the greater common good. 

They may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the swarm of billionaires cloistering it seems our President elect.  That from all appearances seem intent on turning the government of "We the people,for the people and by the people" upside down, inside and out to suit their  own political interests and their multi-million or billion dollar business interests. Law abiding citizens may be sensing they may be in danger of becoming extinct, fading out rapidly into a forgotten silent and disregarded majority or worse yet, potential and ripe targets of a looming lawlessness of the kind that stormed the capitol on January 6 and were later pardoned or the kind that are akin to those science fiction movies--displaying and where characters act out purges in which any crime committed is okay for a season---no penalties, punishment or retributions will be sought or result from their illegal behavior. 

Where over the next four years a signal is sent out that it's a free for all and open season for getting over, getting rich or maintaining that wealth attained however you can and by any means necessary. Where go for it! Is the credo and astonishingly both law enforcement and law makers will look the other way. Transgressions will either be thrown into the hopper of a court system that can be readily neutralized by delays or politically allied judges. 

There may be increased need to hang on to possessions and other properties that could easily or cleverly be seized pursuant to plots and orchestrations by those with disregard for authority, disrespect for ethical codes as they condescend, feed their egos and cavalierly if not cunningly thumb their noses at those less fortunate---financially, that is---and, the rule of law. Even those pillars of society who conveniently or indifferently look the other way, insulating themselves sometimes protectively behind layers of apathy.

They may be getting paranoid or on the other hand, justifiably apprehensive about just what is going on with all those hints at making government more efficient. And while it is indeed a lofty and applaudable goal, the question becomes, how is it really going to improve their standard of living? Is it just another crock of confidence gaming hooey? 

Will all the hoopla it has generated be synthesized and forged into ground breaking government policies and programs that will not by just a mere scintilla, but instead that will sizeably increase their wages  health care, social security, significantly lower inflation and the cost of living while making more realistic the pursuit of happiness and the attainment of the American Dream?

Maybe someone should put their minds at ease. It is a huge task of course. Perhaps our President elect is up for it. From all accounts  he certainly has the wherewithal and the brain power in the Doge-Executive branch alliance. Especially if all those billionaires attending the inauguration really get on board, pool their enormous resources and do the math.

Maybe they could come up with a goodwill fund where each citizen is awarded a million dollar check--I know this is incredible,but you have to start somewhere--like the one by lottery that Musk conducted during the time of last year's Presidential elections encouraging folks to get out and vote. But this would not be a lottery. Instead, this million would be a sound stimulus with substantial or "beautiful", as you might say, potential to put every citizen on a level playing field or at least at a remarkable starting point. It might even transform society as we know it and maintain our beloved democracy in the process. 

And, if not a million, as it may be judged as too "pie-in-the-sky-esque", unrealistic or even too fantastic, by finance wizes and Masters of the Universe, maybe some kind of alternative economic boost or commensurate incentive sincerely aimed at improving our great American quality of life nationally as well as America's global humanitarian objectives. Those that have been the mission of  currently walking wounded agencies such as USAid and others.

 With a million dollars a person could donate a sizeable amount to charity while getting a decent tax write off. There may be other creative ways they could use such a resource to assist those who have been the target of lay-offs from their jobs due to down sizing of staff.

I will be praying along with others who value our democracy, for our country--"We the People"...our leaders in congress, in the judiciary and those at our executive branch--and Doge.  All working together to keep our country great.