Woman of Appalachia

I am a great fan of videos in which people tell stories of their experiences. Especially people from relatively isolated places, who were  born in times past. When these videos feature woman, my enjoyment increases substantially. Maybe because my maternal Grandmother was my favorite relative, I have great affection for older woman.
This documentary is about the experience of three woman from Appalachia; one Black, one Indian and one white. It is really interesting and the woman charming.

Black Ivy

It seems some young Chaps from some of our great Historically Black Universities have put together a website called Street Etiquette and video titled Black Ivy, highlighting their sense of style and direction. Whilst not traditionalist per say, they are supporting traditionally Black institutions which are incubators of tradition (if only a seed) and they are also giving a nod towards classical attire (however tragically hip in some cases) , both I see as a steps in the right direction.

The AfroFogey’s Favorite Shoe!

I don’t own this as of yet, but when I’m down and in need up lift occasionally I pull up pictures of this pair of Gaziano & Girling Dark Brown Alligator Oakham Shoe and suddenly I’m inspired!!

The Holy Grail

This is a picture of Harriet Ross Tubman’s gun and sword. I would sell all my possessions to own this. She was the greatest. Her family,the Birklers, still owns the piece and currently it is on display at Florida A & M University.
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Harriet-Tubman-Pistol-and-Sword-on-Display-at-FAMU-192089931.html

Song of the Day: Where is Evil?

In Heaven is Ten Zillion Light Years away Stevie Wonders questions why we see heaven as so far away but hold evil so close. It is a great song and under appreciated  piece of his expansive catalog. So hold god close and cast the devil towards the farthest reaches of the universe and jam with me.

 

The Beauty of Small Churches

 

No place do I feel more closer to God and my ancestors both the Christians and those who followed Africa’s religions of various forms, than I do at a rural Negro church. For it was there that, these two great paths towards God mingled and gave us many of the practices we have in the Black Church today and our culture at large. The ring shout, catching the holy ghost, the great Black American Gospel music that is derived from Negro Spirituals, that swing you hear in your favorite Jazz composition, down on to the style of oratory made famous by too many Black preachers to name.

So if you’re in need affirmation, a way to rekindle your connection to community (which is harder and harder to maintain in this age) visit these churches or even the remains of one, its metaphysical impact can be great if you are open it. God bless you.

 

Built pyramids,…

Built pyramids, period, we masters. No Caterpillars, it was just a lot of Negroes

Rick Ross (rapper)