Gospel

(ThyBlackMan.com) When I was in graduate school, one of my mentors (Dr. Carson Lee, RIP), gave me a copy of a book written by Jonathan Kozol titled “Death at an Early Age: The Destruction of the Hearts and Minds of Negro Children in the Boston Public Schools.” The book is a powerful firsthand account of systemic racism, neglect, and educational inequality in Boston’s public schools during the 1960s. Kozol, a white teacher, recounts […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) It’s with some discomfort that I consider the possibility that Trump’s radical immigration agenda will lead to better immigration policies. The discomfort comes from the cruelty involved: the roughing up of good people who’ve been quietly working, the celebrations of brutal incarceration, the racially tinged rhetoric. Hope comes in the form of changed perspective. Outside of agriculture, the existence of an illegal workforce is no longer openly tolerated. The chaos […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) “When you have people that are this extreme, they will do anything and everything to maintain power. The only thing that will stop them is us.” – Rep. Jasmine Crockett We are living through a moment that demands clarity, resolve, and truth. Across this country, communities are calling for leadership that understands the stakes, challenges the status quo, and delivers for those most often left behind. In Texas, that leadership […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) This marks the third time I’ve written about the late, great Aretha Franklin – and for good reason. Her musical career spanned more than five decades, earning her the well-deserved title of “Queen of Soul” through socially conscious anthems, gospel-infused power, and unmatched vocal artistry. Yet, tucked within her vast discography lies an equally remarkable body of love songs. These tracks capture every shade of the emotion – from […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Vice President JD Vance’s handling of the press is masterful, and some of his interactions with them have taken on iconic status. For example, in January, Vance was being interviewed by Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation.” While asking Vance about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, Brennan protested that Afghan refugees who were not being allowed to come to the United States had been “heavily vetted.” Vance pushed back, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Donald Trump knows a good deal when he sees one. He also knows that a good deal can fail if the rules are stacked against it. That is the reality facing America’s freight rail system today. The proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger has the potential to be one of the most significant transportation upgrades in decades. It could create a true coast-to-coast freight corridor, help relieve bottlenecks, […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Michael Jackson’s musical legacy is often defined by his chart-topping dance hits, record-breaking albums, and groundbreaking performances. But there’s another side to his artistry — one rooted in tenderness, romance, and vulnerability. Across his career, Michael delivered love songs that could make listeners smile, ache, or lose themselves entirely in emotion. Whether they were smooth ballads, mid-tempo grooves, or soaring declarations, these songs showcased his ability to connect to […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Dynasty may not have received the same mainstream saturation as some of their R&B and funk contemporaries, but for those who know, their discography is pure gold. Emerging from the late 1970s as part of the SOLAR Records family alongside Shalamar, The Whispers, and Lakeside, Dynasty carved a distinctive lane with their blend of funk-driven grooves, shimmering harmonies, and dance floor-ready rhythms. These weren’t just songs for the moment—they […]

(ThyBlackMan.com) Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of writing about the music and legacy of Reverend James Cleveland several times — and each time, the response from readers has been overwhelmingly positive. This marks my fourth deep dive into his extraordinary body of work, a testament to how much he remains a fan favorite among gospel lovers and casual listeners alike. His name continues to appear in reader requests, […]