MSU : Motown The Musical Review

by Patricia Britt

Motown is, was, and will always be the symbol of love in American Music. Motown the Musical was a good St. Patrick's Day play at MSU's Wharton Center, home of the Spartans centered around the Motown 25 telecast.

Chester Gregory encompassed the heart of Motown with the depth of his sincere voice as Berry Gordy.

Allison Semmes captured the sweetness of Diana Ross, and the evolution of Motown's star lady performer who changed the world through her soft voice filled with love.

Jesse Nager played Smokey Robinson with comic relief, and soul.

Jaran Muse played Marvin Gaye with the spirit of the times with regard to civil rights, and the multi-layered relationship between he, and Gordy.

J.J. Batteast was an adorable young Berrry Gordy, and Michael Jackson with a powerhouse voice.

Motown the musical was a lighthearted yet serious play about the history of Motown which is the history of American music, the business of one of the world's greatest independent music labels, the mentorship & respect for Suzanne de passe, and the romance between Diana Ross, and Berry Gordy.

With phenomenal acts as Martha and the Vendellas, Temptations, Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Jackson 5, Commodores, Teena Marie, and so on singing in an ensemble cast thrilled the audience.

The scene backdrops were an awesome colorful multi-media production that enhanced the story of Berry Gordy's determination instilled by his parents love, augmented by his work experience in the automotive factory seeing the initial product move through the assembly line materializing into a terrific finished product.

Gorgeous costumes! I would bet that Motown the Musical will be dazzling audiences for many years to come.

2016 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Songs

I Hear a Symphony by the Supremes
Reach Out and Touch by Diana Ross
Cruisin by Smokey Robinson
Mercy, Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye

Quote

I'm a song writer, that's what I love by Berry Gordy

BHM MSU.edu - Civil Rights : Ernest Green

by Patricia Britt

This year's authors for the MSU Slavery to Freedom lecture series presented by Dr. Anderson included Edwin Black New York Times award winning author. Cornel West social commentator, academic, and author, and Ernest Green public employee, private investor, and author.

It was my privilege to hear Mr. Ernest Green's powerful lecture to the testament of fearlessness, and reaching across barriers to form lasting bonds with his own ethnicity, and others in the midst of getting an education, making history, and building a career that was well worth absorbing. 

He said, "Fearlessness is inside each, and every one of you," concentrating on the MSU students in attendance who will go on to shape this world upon graduation. The audience was filled with a variety of alumni also.

He said Central High School was a test case for the NAACP, because they believed the Governor at that time,  Governor Orval Faubus had progressive views about integration, but they found they were mistaken, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower had to step in to assure their right to an education at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. When the mob tried to prevent them from entering school the first day he said, "They were a cursing, spitting, banging pit of angry snakes." He said, love and faith got him through many tough moments. He said, the wildfire of hatred was fueled by fear of the change that would come if his peers received an equal education so they might compete, and even become president one day.

He told the audience about how the fearless WWII 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles who liberated the Jewish people from Hitler helped get the Little Rock Nine into school. The lesson his ordeal exemplified is captured in the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King. "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."

He graduated from Little Rock Central High School May 1958. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1962, and a Master's degree in sociology in 1964. He, and his peers made it through challenging times with the supportive backbone of their families.

When he met Nelson Mandela, Mandela he told him his strength thru his 27 years of incarceration on Robben Island was, "If those nine children could make it, why not I."

In his unassuming stance he alluded to the truth that history makers, or anyone else can't rest on their laurels. You have to create a miracle in your life every day. He closed with this thought, "As we let our own light shine, we give others permission to do the same. Go green (MSU sports catch phrase)!," and the audience responded "Go White."

Green protested various issues in his college years not finding out until many years later when he was asked to be the commencement keynote speaker that MSU President John Hannah was his anonymous benefactor giving him a scholarship to attend MSU upon graduation from Little Rock Central High.

Mr. Green is a proud Omega Psi Phi member. www.oppf.org (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. Howard University.) College Fraternity's pride themselves on service to the community. You can donate to the Flint water crisis on their web site.

The quest for an education is universal. The quest for the African-American is historic. HBCU's educated thousands in a single generation opening the door to attend majority universities. The Southern Poverty Law Center designed a teaching reference for children ages 4 - 7. http://www.tolerance.org/activity/little-rock-nine-activities, Disney Company even designed a lesson plan for the deaf to note the significance of the Little Rock Nine's achievements. https://www.dcmp.org/guides/10033.pdf.

Book : The Ernest Green Story; Lesson from Little Rock

2016 Copyright Zimaton Arts & Letters Ink

The Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series: Slavery to Freedom, is designed to give members of the mid-Michigan community opportunities for interaction with multicultural leaders from education, business, industry, entertainment and government. This series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement. The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is extremely pleased to host these notable individuals during their presentations at Michigan State University annually.

Ernest Green as one of the Little Rock Nine, he and eight classmates were the first to integrate Little Rock Arkansas’s Central High School in 1954, for which they later received the Congressional Gold Medal from President Clinton. He went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at MSU and has held a career in both the public and private sectors, working to address inequities in labor and education.

www.msu.edu

Ernest Green From 1968 to 1976, he served as Director of the A. Philip Randolph Education Fund. From 1977 to 1981, he served as an Assistant Secretary of Labor during Jimmy Carter's administration (wikipedia), and has been an investment financier in recent years.

www.thehistorymakers.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Green
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_G._Anderson

TV Love & Youth : OJ to Infinity

TV Love & Youth :OJ to Infinity by Patricia Britt

It's odd & depressing that the "cottage industry of OJ" with The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story launch in the month of Valentine's & black history month would be contemplated as a ratings enterprise not just this year, but for decades? As if interracial couples don't still have enough to worry about even today, to say nothing of the countless children survivors of domestic abuse who come across shows like this each month flipping through channels.

God bless all the worthy men of earth, and God will deal with the men that perpetuate  ever present fear by physical violence, or executive manipulation in their positions of power, and authority circumventing the desire to live, & let live, and let love. Is the Nicole Brown - OJ story a cautionary tale, a warped sense of reality, or another edition in the glorification of murder, and criminals?

It will be refreshing if America's entertainment power brokers ever wake up and decide to give us American Hero Stories modeled on leaders like Vernon Jordan, until then I guess we'll have to keep flipping thru channels hearing how great the acting is on entertainment shows taking up all the air from victims of past traumas by praising the tragic story of a murder trial.

2016 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Post Script: Valentine’s Day

CNN chose to show the Tom Hanks Seventies Series featuring Charles Manson on Valentines Day even though the network casts itself as the purveyors of the public trust and the last best line of defense for protecting the democracy. A network without a love review on Valentines is missing the point of protecting the public in this instance. Justice Antonin Scalia had nine children. I’m willing to bet he believed in love, and a lot of it, with some to spare in certain views in his 30 years on the bench.

American Movie Classics showed the Walking Dead all day on Valentines.

BET, or should I say Viacom chose to show the movie Thin Line Between Love & Hate featuring that dashing Martin Lawrence & Lynn Whitfield.

Nothing like pushing the self destruct button on America by choosing to act like Valentine’s Day is a non-entity, or anti-holiday, and implicitly indicate this is what you get if you look for love in reality, or on the small screen. A single day for the corporate world of television entertainment to celebrate love out of 365 days in a calendar year, and once again they failed to have a heart, although BET’s later evening twist was to present Tyler Perry’s House of Payne with 90’s heart throb “Alan Payne,” there is still a glimmer of hope at the end of the rainbow after all for corporate entertainment.

For all the girls home alone again, here’s the network addresses to write and see if a little love might be possible in the future www.digiulio.com/television-networks.html. You tech savvy girls create #valentinestvlove on Twitter take the baton, and run with it if love matters to you.  Women’s lives matter.

At least the Kardashian’s were on E to show the cord of family love their audience gravitates toward in a world with images of violence, even though violence statistics have declined in America hmmm. Thank God there was some love somewhere on Valentine’s Day in the form of compassion for the less fortunate lonely souls in the world with Lamar Odom being welcomed as a human of value, even if he doesn’t win back the love he threw away hurting himself, and being selfish as the invisible man. Tsk, tsk, tsk...maybe he'll win Khloe back if he decides to stay on the straight and narrow avenue of love.

The Kardashian girls will always be victors, and victims due to their father's infamous client, the overcoming love their parents transmitted to them that allowed them to keep moving on regardless of any circumstances encountered to be role models for some, and objects of envy for others. Those girls will never be allowed to forget their link to OJ as innocent children, and they stand together because of it.

2016 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Music EWF: Maurice White Vibration Uniter

by Patricia Britt

Maurice White was a vibration uniter as the founder and an intricate member of the the "soul" group Earth Wind & Fire. He passed away of Parkinson's in his sleep after a well spent life. It's the way of the world that we live our lives, and if we're exceptional we give back along the way. How many guys do you know who could have the whole world singing badadadada badabopbopba badyadya?

God bless Maurice White's memory, and may an infinite number of the Internet generation discover him, and EWF through infinity over, and over again.

Maurice White was one of the first musicians to utilize the African Kalimba Instrument after being introduced to it by Ramsey Lewis. Maurice White was a spiritual soul, sending good vibes throughout the universe in his life, and now in his death. He raised generations of children as the founding member of Earth Wind & Fire expanding hearts through sound, and lyrics. He shined a star for you to see what your life could truly be.

Earth Wind & Fire is still touring with Phillip Bailey, his son, and Verdine White. It was a privilege and an honor to see them at Lansing's Commonground Festival a couple years ago. Phillip Bailey's voice is still as crisp as a Summer rain, or a sunny day. Earth Wind & Fire gives us a reason to be devoted to the universal heart... bless the children...sing a song, and we'll never be alone as long as Maurice is part of the atmosphere, and with gratitude I thank him for his creations.

Maurice White, Verdine White, Phillip Bailey, Larry Dunn, and Al McKay Songwriters Hall of Fame 2010

www.earthwindfire.com 2000 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Marice White & Verdine Songwriters 

Farewell Maurice White

2016 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/02/04/earth-wind--fire-founder-maurice-white-dead-at-74/79841768/

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=maurice%20white%20earth%20wind%20and%20fire%20dies

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2016/02/in_gratitude_for_maurice_white_dead_at_74.html?wpisrc=topstories

http://thegrio.com/2016/02/04/maurice-white-dead/

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35499149

excerpt: "We live in a negative society,'" White informed Newsweek at the peak of the band's success. "Most people can't see beauty and love. I see our music as medicine." Maurice White

Maurice White Instrumental Interlude

https://youtu.be/c_F6gE_v3kE


Songs from Earth Wind & Fire teamwork 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-z3nk3sMww

Would You Mind by Earth Wind & Fire

Devotion

Reasons

That's the Way of the World

Keep Your Head to the Sky

Shining Star

Best of My Love sung by the Emotions

2016 Civil Rights Motivation

by Patricia Britt

Lynching went on into the early 60's, that's two lifetimes ago, 50 years. "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." Here's a tip for every young person out there who values freedom, and one's friends of all colors. It's time to get registered to  www.rockthevote.org, because the price of freedom was very expensive to attain.

There was actually a time when people didn't leave their homes after the 6pm, or 7pm sunset for fear of what might be lurking around the corner, or in the pines. See the indexed tables, and remember the cost of freedom is a vote to continue the pursuit of love, & happiness, and maybe a descent minimum wage.

2016 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Song 

Strange Fruit by Billy Holiday

http://www.chesnuttarchive.org/classroom/lynchingstat.html

http://www.naacp.org/pages/naacp-history-anti-lynching-bill

An Ode to Steve Harvey : Rap on Brother

An Ode to Steve Harvey : Rap on Brother

By Patricia Britt

Although Steve Harvey cussed a lot on his early rise to stardom as a modern day comedic requirement and still might let loose a cuss word or two now as an adult man in this lifetime with the exceptions he still makes the world a better place to be in.

I studied the writings and life of Dr. Martin Luther King about a decade ago for a hard copy published article. I spent a week reading and writing but only skimmed the surface and it made me cry, and it made my heart soar. I can’t quote you verbatim what I read, and wrote, but like Maya Angelou’s quote “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” is fitting where it comes to Dr. King.

I’ve read some of what Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall wrote, however I didn’t spend as much time on him, because I didn’t make the time. His words are on this year’s resolution list.

I've read some of the words of Dr. Julian Bond, and still need to read so much more to grasp his triumphant spirit.

I’ve read two of Steve Harvey’s books on love from a player’s point of view that have entertained me, and I believe given me more information about men. Harvey’s books aren’t deep or profound, and world changing yet. He might write his autobiography in 10 or 20 years after he’s helped thousands of kids graduate from school like Oprah at the point when it will be indisputable that he’s made a positive impact on the world.

I’ve listened to sooooooooo many composers in a lifetime of music, whether the lyrics you listen to are music, “instrumentals,” biographies, or fiction that builds, or effects your character with the story told, sometimes changing you for life reminds you that all people count at some moment in time.

 Just like each person is a stair step in the kingdom of God, or the kingdom of good, which I think is one in the same. Each person has a contribution to make whether it’s holding the door open for someone elderly, telling an apropos story, letting someone hear your singing voice, buying a cup of coffee for a stranger, or just having a simple smile for someone even if you yourself are feeling blue, or telling a joke to your coworker on a break, if you woke up chipper, and ready for the world.

Be a rainbow of sunshine to as many people as you can, whenever you can so that when you’re a memory, you’ll be a good one.

I heard a song a white guy wrote for Steve Harvey on the Family Feud yesterday, nothing profound, but cool. That guy might be going places in the future all because he took the time to compose some lyrics from one guy to another saying you’re cool, and I like you.

Miss. Philippines won, and carries the title of Miss Universe. Miss Universe, and Miss. Columbia have forgiven Steve for having a bad moment in an otherwise beautiful pageant day, surrounded by the world’s most beautiful women, on a world stage in a gorgeous city. We all need to forgive, and admire each other to keep pushing the envelope of progress.

Steve Harvey’s life story is the epitome of “hold fast to your dreams” and life’s wildest extraordinary dreams might eventually come true making you prosperous, a public servant, and a silly person all at the same time. Raised by a spiritual mother with the mentorship of  Bishop TD Jakes touching his life, with an exceptional woman by his side, in his wife, Marjorie, has made Steve a bad mama jamma in the entertainment arena.

The only void Steve Harvey has with regard to his relationship advice is a crash course on sports for women who don't know the games, so a woman can hold a descent conversation without knowing all of the details, yet if I know Steve, he's got that advice in his 2016 game plan.

Steve Harvey, Jimmy Fallon and so many more make living easier for many of us with good, mediocre, or hard lives.

All these guys are my Superman heroes with six degrees of separation in the flow of the universe including the white guy who just sang a song for Steve Harvey to make his day better.

2016 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Songs

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield

A Story of a Dozen Roses by Jamie Foxx

Fame by David Bowie
I'm Good by Tim Bowman
Betcha By Golly Wow by the Stylistics

Quotes

I tell young people to prepare themselves as best they can for a world that grows more challenging every day-get the best education they can, and couple that education with real-life experience in social justice work. - Julian Bond

Americans of our own time - minority and majority Americans alike - need the continued guidance that the Voting Rights Act provides. We have come a long way, but more needs to be done. – Congresssman Elijah Cummings

A record isn't like a movie - you can get it together pretty fast. - Steve Martin










Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/steve_martin_3.html#0M2iszVrWrVKfzQh.99

2016 New Years Blessings to All

by Patricia Britt

Holidays are times for family get together's and spirit renewal with friends, or soul searching at the park depending on the climate you're located in, or a buffet hear and there when family isn't available, or desired. When families are close, or strangers are kinder swept up in the spirit of giving, and spreading cheer through a positive attitude with whoever's near. It's great time to meet, and greet old & new acquaintances, and maybe try something new from ice skating to skiing, or walk on the beach.

Many people are a little kinder & happier due to the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago, or sometimes maybe it's just the department store sales, and online discounts!

May your new year be blessed, prosperous, and considerate of yourself, and others in your soul, and economically too.

Count your blessings and make just one person happy and you might be happy too.

Copyright 2016 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink


Quotes

Hindsight is 20/20.
Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.

Song

Young At Heart by Jimmy Durante