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(ThyBlackMan.com) The Emotions were never just another R&B group. Formed in Chicago by the Hutchinson sisters—Sheila, Wanda, and Jeanette—they carried the gospel fire of their upbringing straight into the world of soul, funk, and disco. Their harmonies were otherworldly, blending tight church-trained vocals with the swagger of ’70s soul and the sparkle of disco’s golden years. While many fans associate them with their undeniable classics, their catalog is deep, versatile, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) The Gap Band, composed of brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, left an indelible mark on funk, R&B, and soul. Known for their electrifying stage presence and infectious grooves, the group produced an extensive catalog that continues to inspire and entertain across generations. Their music isn’t just a soundtrack to the late ’70s and ’80s—it’s a collection of timeless records that remain relevant today. These nine songs highlight the […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) “Every way that someone could come to us and get help for free and see that someone is speaking with the voice of the American people and with the government, all of that is being dismantled … when people lose that, they’re losing something fundamental to the American dream, to the economy, to their lives. And it has a real, concrete impact.” — HUD whistleblower Paul Osadebe The Trump Administration’s latest […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) As the U.S. government continues its retreat from supporting the nonprofit sector, we are fortunate to have Mackenzie Scott (among other philanthropists) step up to fill some portion of the dangerous void that remains. I say “some portion” because private philanthropy cannot replace the amount of tax dollars that support the roughly 1.9 million U.S. nonprofit organizations – to include postsecondary institutions. Scott recently donated $70 million to the […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel—giants of late-night television—now find themselves facing censorship, dismissal, or forced silence when their words cross the powerful. That should alarm us all. If media figures of their stature can be muzzled, what chance do ordinary journalists or community truth-tellers have?   I know this pain personally. Decades ago, I was among the first Black women to sit on the editorial board of a major […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Assata Shakur’s life and death cannot be separated from the politics of America’s racial divide, the Cold War, and the enduring question of what constitutes liberation versus what constitutes terrorism. Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard in New York City, Shakur emerged from the radical movements of the late 1960s and 1970s. She aligned herself with the Black Panther Party, and later the Black Liberation Army, at a time when America […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Unless you have control of your OWN mind, control of your destiny will be in the hands of others. No man is free who is not master of himself. This is why American enslavers made it a point to convert their slaves to Christianity. And the Arabs converted their 800-years slaves to Islam, in both cases, for the sole purpose of mind control. There certainly were no concerns about […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Money is a practical tool, but for many people it also becomes a mirror of personal value. A steady paycheck, a new car, or a nice home often serve as symbols of success. On the flip side, financial struggles can feel like personal failures. While financial status can influence self-esteem and social standing, tying self-worth too closely to money can leave individuals vulnerable to disappointment and distress. To illustrate […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Car accidents often happen without warning and can leave people shaken both physically and emotionally. The immediate aftermath is usually chaotic, with flashing lights, honking horns, and people rushing to help or flee. In those first moments, it is hard to grasp the severity of what has occurred or to predict the ripple effects on everyone involved. Families, friends, and witnesses can be deeply affected even if they were […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) There are few things the old me liked more than a meaty discussion about the American Founding. The history was interesting for its own sake but also essential guidance for the present and future. Or so I believed for decades. The other day, a podcast in my feed addressed these matters and I had to turn it off. Reflections on the Founders no longer feel energizing. Instead, it now […]