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(ThyBlackMan.com) Following Mitt Romney’s failed 2012 presidential bid (which came after several pundits and pollsters had predicted his victory), the Republican National Committee commissioned the “Growth and Opportunity Project.” Colloquially referred to as “the autopsy,” this report purported to analyze the reasons for the party’s second consecutive loss to President Obama. The autopsy concluded that the GOP needed to be much more effective at attracting a diverse set of voters: […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Patrice Rushen isn’t just a footnote in R&B history—she’s a full chapter. A classically trained pianist who effortlessly blended jazz, funk, soul, and pop, her music goes far beyond her most famous hit, “Forget Me Nots.” With intricate arrangements, warm vocals, and emotional intelligence that cuts through decades, Rushen created tracks that still feel fresh in today’s musical landscape. From slow-burning love ballads to dancefloor grooves packed with emotional […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) At the end of May, House Republicans pushed through Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” and it is now being considered in the Senate, but there is nothing beautiful about it. It makes big cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other programs Hoosiers rely on. I voted against this bill after Republicans refused several of my common-sense amendments that would help save lives. I voted no because of this bill’s devastating impact […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) When most people think of Curtis Mayfield, they think of the big ones—“Move On Up,” “Superfly,” or maybe “People Get Ready.” And for good reason. Those songs are legendary, stitched into the fabric of soul, funk, and protest music. But if you only stick to the hits, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of deeply moving, often overlooked gems that showcase the full emotional range and genius of […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) For many African Americans, the search for safe, inclusive, and understanding spaces has been a long and personal journey. In a world where racial and cultural identity can be misunderstood or marginalized, the internet has become more than a tool for information—it has become a powerful platform for self-expression, storytelling, and support. Online chat communities, in particular, have played a vital role in helping African Americans find both comfort […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) The recent passing of Cavin Yarbrough at age 72 has hit many music lovers hard. For fans of soul, funk, and timeless R&B, it feels like we’ve lost more than a musician—we’ve lost a heartbeat from an era that shaped how we love, groove, and express ourselves. As one-half of the beloved duo Yarbrough & Peoples, Cavin helped create songs that were equal parts smooth and electrifying. Whether you […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) There are those still alive who were alive when the Second World War ended. There are those born after the end of the Second World War who saw the assassination of a US president, man walk on the Moon, a US president resigning from office, and the collapse of the once mighty Soviet Empire. Others who were alive when another US president was nearly assassinated, the terrorist attack of […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Chastisement is one of those things that God does, that to some believers seems questionable, but on close inspection found to be an essential ingredient in the lives of Christians. It would not be overstating it to say, that without proper, and timely, chastisement all the benefits of our blessed relationship with Christ would be scuppered; by indiscipline and waywardness. One of the reasons some see the chastisement as […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) The journey to quit smoking is not just about eliminating nicotine—it’s about reshaping deeply embedded habits. Smokers often find themselves locked in a psychological “habit loop,” where specific cues trigger cravings, leading to smoking and a temporary reward.  While nicotine patches or gums address the chemical side of addiction, they fail to replicate the behavioural rituals smokers are accustomed to.  This is where vaping offers a compelling solution—not merely […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Solomon Burke’s contributions to American music are often underrepresented in mainstream discussions of soul, yet his influence is undeniable. Known as the “King of Rock ’n’ Soul,” Burke was a powerhouse vocalist whose work seamlessly blended gospel, R&B, country, and blues. His recordings throughout the 1960s—and well into the 2000s—offered not only vocal brilliance but also emotional intelligence, lyrical depth, and social relevance. Burke’s unique ability to interpret a […]