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(ThyBlackMan.com) “Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored” (Proverbs 13:18) It is incredibly sad and very amazing at the same time to find out that throughout the ages some of the brightest and most evil people have coexisted in a world where no one would be expected to see that. Repeatedly, history has shown us how brilliant minds going in the wrong direction […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Phyllis Hyman remains one of the most underappreciated yet undeniably powerful voices in the history of soul, R&B, and jazz-influenced music. Known for her unmistakable alto, emotional transparency, and commanding stage presence, Hyman carved a niche that defied industry trends. While commercial superstardom largely eluded her, her artistry has only grown more revered with time. Her catalog is a rich blend of elegant ballads, socially conscious anthems, and genre-blending […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) However hard we try there is always a pestilential, nagging doubt that somehow we are missing the mark. It is not so much that we are second guessing ourselves about anything and everything we do or that we are not confident in our own skin. No, it seems to be something more elusive, something we can’t see and put our fingers on but something there nevertheless and it’s totally […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s something electric about the moment life calls you somewhere new. Maybe it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your heritage in West Africa. Perhaps a career breakthrough emerges in Paris, or a wellness retreat beckons from the Caribbean. Whatever the call, being ready to answer it is the key to turning a travel dream into a transformative reality. For many African-Americans, travel isn’t just about leisure—it’s about discovery, freedom, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) This is the fourth time I’ve written about Sam Cooke—and fans still keep asking for more. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Sam Cooke is one of those rare artists whose catalog runs so deep, even longtime listeners find themselves uncovering hidden treasures. His music isn’t just timeless—it’s alive. Every phrase, every note, feels personal, like he’s singing directly to your spirit. While many fans are familiar with the […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) The president is doing his best to inflame passions within and at California. Calling in the National Guard against the governor’s wishes is a provocation. Sending in Marines to add drama to his show is an insult as well as incitement. The Marines are not a fashion accessory. They are trained to confront foreign threats, not in policing the streets of American cities. On Sunday, when the demonstrations in […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) President Donald Trump and many of his allies in Congress are making grand claims about the economic growth they say will result from the recently proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Trump has accused critics of not understanding the budget proposal, “especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming.” A closer examination of the economic realities involved reveals that these claims are dramatically overstated. I have no objections on principles to […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) What is prayer? In simplest terms it is talking with God. Knowing how to pray, however, is not enough. We must learn to pray effectively. That means we must pray in such a way that we experience God’s intervention in the things we pray about. Effective prayer begets more prayer. In other words, when a person prays and sees the difference prayer makes in her life, she will become […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Shirley Horn was never one to chase the spotlight. Instead, she let the music whisper, sway, and ache on its own terms. A master of restraint, she redefined jazz vocal performance by doing less and saying more. Accompanying herself on the piano, Horn’s phrasing and timing could freeze time—each syllable laden with intent. Her interpretations of ballads and standards didn’t just communicate heartbreak or romance—they embodied it. Today, when […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) When people think of Jimi Hendrix, they often picture the explosive stage presence, flaming guitars, and unforgettable hits like “Purple Haze” or “All Along the Watchtower.” But there’s another side to Hendrix—one that’s often overlooked. Beneath the rock icon exterior was an introspective artist, a composer of moods, and a man deeply connected to emotion, storytelling, and sonic experimentation. This list isn’t about the most famous Hendrix songs—it’s about […]