Category Archives: Music

Songs and Chants for Action

People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’

People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’

This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.

BLACKS VS WHITES 1925 to 2025

The Good Old Days! What the F@%#! are the MAGA folks thinking? Make America Great Again?

The phrase “the good old days” typically refers to a nostalgic longing for a past time that individuals perceive as better or simpler than the present. However, the meaning and implications of this phrase can vary significantly depending on the context and the speaker’s perspective: personal memories, cultural context, privilege and exclusion, selective memory, dissatisfaction with modernity. The Good Old Days

timeline: the Last 100 Years

To compare the last century, let’s break this down into key categories: cost of living, wages, population, culture (movies, slang, toys, hairstyles, clothing), and the experiences of marginalized groups highlighting changes over time and providing context for marginalized communities where relevant.

1. Cost of Living and Housing

  • 1925: The average cost of a home in the U.S. was around $6,000. Rent was about $20–$60 per month, depending on location. The cost of living was significantly lower, but wages were also much smaller [1].
  • 2025: The median home price in the U.S. is now over $400,000, with rent averaging $1,700 per month. Housing costs have skyrocketed, making homeownership increasingly difficult for younger generations.

Marginalized Communities:

In 1925, Black Americans and other marginalized groups faced systemic barriers to homeownership due to redlining and discriminatory lending practices. These inequities persist today, with racial wealth gaps making it harder for marginalized groups to afford homes.

2. Minimum Wage and Wages

  • 1925: There was no federal minimum wage in the U.S. until 1938, when it was set at $0.25/hour. Many workers, especially women and minorities, earned far less in informal or agricultural jobs.
  • 2025: The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, though many states have higher rates. However, adjusted for inflation, wages have stagnated since the 1970s, meaning purchasing power has barely increased.

Marginalized Communities:

Historically, women, immigrants, and Black workers were often excluded from wage protections. Today, these groups are still overrepresented in low-wage industries, such as service and caregiving jobs, where wage growth has been slow.

3. World Population

  • 1925: The global population was approximately 2 billion.
  • 2025: The world population is now over 8 billion, with significant growth in Asia and Africa.

Marginalized Communities:

Population growth has brought challenges like resource scarcity and climate change, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities in developing nations.

4. Movies and Entertainment

  • 1925: Silent films dominated, with stars like Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow. A movie ticket cost $0.25–$0.50. Popular films included The Gold Rush (1925).
  • 2025: Movie tickets now average $10–$15. Streaming services dominate entertainment, but blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) still draw crowds.

Marginalized Communities:

In 1925, Hollywood largely excluded Black actors and other minorities, relegating them to stereotypical roles. Today, representation has improved, but disparities remain in opportunities and pay.

5. Toys and Games

  • 1925: Popular toys included teddy bears, yo-yos, and tin soldiers. These were simple and often handmade.
  • 2025: Toys are now high-tech, with video games, drones, and AI-powered gadgets dominating the market.

Marginalized Communities:

In the 1920s, toys often reflected societal norms, with few options representing diverse cultures. Today, there’s a growing push for inclusive toys, such as dolls with different skin tones and abilities.

6. Slang Terms

  • 1925: Popular slang included terms like “bee’s knees” (something great) and “cat’s pajamas” (something stylish).
  • 2025: Modern slang is heavily influenced by internet culture, with terms like “slay” (to succeed) and “vibe” (a mood or feeling).

Marginalized Communities:

Slang has often originated in marginalized communities, particularly Black and LGBTQ+ cultures, before being adopted by mainstream society.

7. Hairstyles and Clothing

  • 1925: Women embraced the bob haircut and flapper dresses, symbolizing liberation. Men wore tailored suits and hats.
  • 2025: Hairstyles are diverse, with natural hair movements celebrating Black hair textures. Clothing trends are casual, with athleisure dominating.

Marginalized Communities:

In the 1920s, Black women faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Today, natural hair movements challenge these norms, promoting acceptance of diverse styles.

8. Marginalized Communities: Then and Now

  • 1925: Segregation, lack of voting rights, and systemic discrimination defined the experiences of many marginalized groups. Women had just gained the right to vote in 1920, but opportunities were limited.
  • 2025: While progress has been made, systemic inequities persist. Wage gaps, housing discrimination, and underrepresentation in media and politics continue to affect marginalized groups.

Black and White

Population Trends Over the Last 100 Years

  1. Early 20th Century (1920s-1950s):
  • In the early 20th century, the U.S. population was overwhelmingly white, with white Americans making up approximately 90% of the population. Immigration policies, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, heavily restricted non-European immigration, reinforcing this demographic dominance.
  • People of color, including African Americans, Native Americans, and smaller populations of Asian and Hispanic Americans, made up a much smaller percentage of the population.
  1. Mid-20th Century (1960s-1980s):
  • The Civil Rights Movement and changes in immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, began to reshape the racial makeup of the U.S. population.
  • The African American population grew steadily, while immigration from Latin America and Asia increased significantly, diversifying the population further.
  1. Late 20th Century (1990s-2000s):
  • By the 1990s, the percentage of white Americans began to decline as immigration surged and birth rates among people of color outpaced those of white Americans.
  • The Hispanic/Latino population, in particular, grew rapidly, becoming the largest minority group in the U.S.

Current Trends and Projections

  1. Current Demographics:
  • As of the 2020 Census, non-Hispanic white Americans made up about 57.8% of the population, a significant decline from the 1960s when they accounted for over 85% [1].
  • People of color, including Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, and multiracial individuals, now make up a growing share of the population. For example, children of color became the majority of U.S. youth by 2020 [2].
  1. Future Projections:
  • The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2045, non-Hispanic white Americans will fall below 50% of the total population, making the U.S. a “majority-minority” nation[3].
  • This shift is driven by higher birth rates among people of color and the aging of the white population. Generation Z is expected to be the last generation with a white majority, while Generation Alpha (born after 2010) will grow up in a majority-minority society [3].

Key Factors Driving These Changes

Immigration from Latin America, Asia, and Africa has been a major driver of population growth among people of color since the mid-20th century. Birth rates among Hispanic and Black populations have historically been higher than those of white Americans, contributing to the demographic shift. The white population is aging rapidly, with lower birth rates and higher mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

The strongman leaders, oligarchs and White Christian nationalists have declared war on Blacks. The only way we will survive is to build coalitions. What are your thoughts on the demographics above?

Over the last century, the U.S. has transitioned from a predominantly white nation to one of increasing racial and ethnic diversity. This trend is expected to continue, with people of color projected to outnumber white Americans by 2045. The only way Black people will survive is to build a broad coalition with people of color, lower economic communities and the internationally disenfranchised.

Music Making Social Changes

Over the last hundred years, music has played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating social change. From labor movements to civil rights, anti-war protests to environmental activism, songs have served as powerful tools for communication, mobilization, and solidarity. Let’s explore some of the most influential songs and artists that have shaped social movements across different eras.

1920s-1950s: Labor Movements and Early Civil Rights

During this period, protest music primarily focused on labor rights and the emerging civil rights movement.

  1. “Which Side Are You On” by Florence Reece (1931)
    This song emerged during the Harlan County War, a series of coal miner strikes in Kentucky. Written by Florence Reece, the wife of a union organizer, it became an anthem for the labor movement and was widely covered by artists like Pete Seeger [1].
  2. “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)
    Originally a poem by Abel Meeropol, this haunting song protested the lynching of African Americans and became a powerful anthem for the civil rights movement. Its impact was significant in raising awareness about racial violence and injustice in America [2]. Billie Holiday’s emotional delivery made it one of the most significant protest songs of the era [3].
  3. “Ol’ Man River” by Paul Robeson (1927)
    Originally written for the Broadway musical “Show Boat,” this song was transformed by Paul Robeson into a powerful statement on racial injustice. Robeson altered the lyrics to reflect the struggles of black Americans, making it a civil rights anthem [4].

1960s-1970s: Counterculture and Civil Rights Movements

The 1960s and 1970s saw an explosion of protest music, addressing issues from civil rights to the Vietnam War.

  1. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan (1962)
    This song became synonymous with the civil rights movement, asking poignant questions about peace and freedom. It was adopted by various social movements, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal [5].
  2. “We Shall Overcome”
    This song became the unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement. It was sung at protests and rallies, providing hope and unity among activists. Martin Luther King Jr. noted its power in inspiring courage and a sense of community [6].
  3. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)
    This song addressed issues of war, poverty, and racial injustice, becoming a timeless call for social change and reflection [7].
  4. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
    Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version became a powerful anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements, demanding respect and equality.
  5. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
    This song became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement, critiquing the disparity between those who were drafted and those who were not.

Civil Rights March on Washington
The 1960s was a fertile era for the genre, especially with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the ascendency of counterculture groups such as “hippies” and the New Left, and the escalation of the …

1980s-2000s: Anti-Apartheid and Social Justice Movements

This era saw a focus on global issues, particularly the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

  1. “Free Nelson Mandela” by The Special A.K.A. (1984)
    This song became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and drawing global attention to the injustices of apartheid in South Africa [8].
  2. “Biko” by Peter Gabriel (1980)
    This song is a tribute to Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody. Gabriel’s song brought international attention to the apartheid regime’s brutality and became a rallying cry for the movement.
  3. “Sun City” by Artists United Against Apartheid (1985)
    This collaborative protest song, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bono, was part of a campaign against apartheid in South Africa. It raised awareness and funds, contributing to the global anti-apartheid movement.
  4. “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil (1987)
    This song by the Australian band Midnight Oil highlighted the need for land rights and justice for Indigenous Australians. It became a powerful anthem for environmental and social justice, calling for action to return land to its rightful owners [9].

2000s-2020s: Contemporary Social Activism

In recent years, protest music has addressed issues such as racial justice, climate change, and other social movements.

  1. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
    Adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement, this song became an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of racial injustice. Its impact is seen in its widespread use during protests and demonstrations.
  2. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
    The song and its accompanying video critique gun violence and racism in America. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about the contradictions of Black life in the U.S. [10].
  3. “The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby (2020)
    Released shortly after the killing of George Floyd, this song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Lil Baby’s lyrics address systemic racism and police brutality, resonating with the widespread protests that followed Floyd’s death [11].
  4. “The 1975” by The 1975 featuring Greta Thunberg (2020)
    This track features a spoken word piece by climate activist Greta Thunberg, calling for immediate action against climate change and critiquing the status quo [12].

Throughout the last hundred years, these songs and artists have not only reflected the social and political climate of their times but have also inspired and motivated change. They have provided a voice for the marginalized, united diverse groups under common causes, and continue to resonate with new generations, demonstrating the enduring power of music as a tool for social change.

Art and Music After 80 Part 2

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Homage to the Past, Hope & Inspiration for the Future

Black Women are inspiring their peers and other generations to break the stereotypes that are often associated with aging. The idea for this work comes from a Chicago Black women’s band The KCR Ensemble, led by 75 year old guitarist Rita Hassell and managed by her husband Oliver Hassell.

Here they are:
https://www.youtube.com/results? search_query=youtu.be%2FX3KYqgv2vWY

The art is not portraits of the KCR Ensemble members, but follows the pattern of and pays homage to these women who are playing the classics, the music from the diaspora, contemporary and futuristic jazz.

The images pay homage to art that has gone before, art media, and cutting edge art of today.

Now the work is available in our concert halls and internet venues.

Art and Music Swinging After 80

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Homage to the Past, Hope & Inspiration for the Future

Black Women are inspiring their peers and other generations to break the stereotypes that are often associated with aging. The idea for this work comes from a Chicago Black women’s band The KCR Ensemble, led by 75 year old guitarist Rita Hassell and managed by her husband Oliver Hassell. Here they are:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=youtu.be%2FX3KYqgv2vWY

The art is not portraits of the KCR Ensemble members, but follows the pattern of and pays homage to these women who are playing the classics, the music from the diaspora, contemporary and futuristic jazz.

The images pay homage to art that has gone before, art media, and cutting edge art of today.

Getting to the 80%

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Curtis Mayfield 1960’s song

There are 10% we will never be able to reach. There are 80% who are waiting, for leadership and direction. Maybe waiting to see how the wind blows. There are 10% who have already boarded the train and moved out. While waiting let’s listen to Curtis Mayfield

How I See It: Folks are Hurting This Song

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Somebody’s Hurting My Folks *1,2,3,4,5,6

I am asking all of our Black ministers to ask their choirs to learn and sing this song. White folks in Spokane are lacking your soul when they sing this song. Please come to our next social justice event prepared to teach white folks how to sing and swing this song.

Click here for more about the Poor People’s Campaign and the song.

If you looked through the archives you will notice an absence of the African American Community at the marches, at the rallies, at the demonstrations, at the social justice community organizing meetings but at the Spokane Black Agenda Summit July 30, 2011  over 100 African Americans built a plan to action. What do you think happened after that? Click the above link to see what they planned.

  1. My folks – those that are showing up for social justice.
  2. Somebody’s  hurting my Black sisters and brothers.
  3. Somebody’s hurting poor people.
  4. Somebody’s hurting my church.
  5. Somebody’s hurting my community.
  6. Somebody’s hurting my global community.

 

African Americans in the Arts in the Spokane / Coeur d’Alene Area

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Visual and Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Media Arts

I would like to thank all of those that are helping us to develop a database of African Americans involved in the Spokane and Inland Empire in the visual, performing, literary and media arts. 

Steve Pitters and I have been discussing how to bring about a change in mind-set infusing overall community opportunity for African Americans in the Arts in Spokane. The individuals listed here are being asked to consider the following ways they can enhance the cultural scene for each of us by doing the following:

  • Develop a community who will commit to attend each others functions and events. This will help to ensure our visibility at these events.
  • Use this list to notify us of our activities.
  • Use this list to make others in the community aware of our activities.
  • People in other cultures and communities in the United States and elsewhere insure the development and growth of talented individuals and businesses.
  • We need to change the “me for myself” attitude. Spokane is small enough for us to be able to sustain and support the talents of those who wish to share it with others.

Send us your thoughts and calendars of events and let’s collaborate with each other in support of like-minded interests and events.

Below are the names and contact information we have located so far. Please continue to send us names and contact information on other artists you might know. We would like to know the medium they operate in, email address, street address, phone number, web address,  and whether they are on Facebook

Adell Whitehead <mspine@comcast.net>
Althea Dumas, singer, althea.dumas@yahoo.com
 A. J. afariamckinney@hotmail.com  poet

Bethany Montgomery power2thepoetry@gmail.com poet
Bob Bartlett <rbartlett@ewu.edu>
Carl Richardson Carl_richardson1966@yahoo.com
Carlos Fox, keyboard
Carlos Verde – Facebook
Charles Williams, drummer
Christopher Bowers, drummer
D’Angelo Harvey, singer  dangelo@hotelrubyspokane.com
Daron <zrockman@hotmail.com>
Darrien Mack <DarrienM@community-minded.org>
Daryl Spencer, guitarist
David Casteal <davidca@spokaneschools.org>
David Parker <dlppv@aol.com>
Delbert Richardson <ahtm@thespokentruths.com>
Denise E. Roberson <littlesistahs@live.com>
Donzel Milan <donzel_milan@yahoo.com>
Dycelia Weiss <dycelia@weissfinancialconsulting.com>
Echo Elysium  -guitar/vocals
Elisha J Mitchell <elisha@gospelvocalist.com>
Esther Greene, pianist
Fran Hammond <fran.hammond10@gmail.com>
Frankie Valinda Ghee <fvghee@gmail.com>
Gaye Hallman – Facebook
Genesis Vernon  -rap artist
Ginger Ewing <ginger_ewing@yahoo.com>
Inga Laurent <ilaurent@lawschool.gonzaga.edu>
Inga Laurent <laurenin@hotmail.com>
Jackie McCowen-Rose <jqmcrose@gmail.com>
Jacob jacobsportraits@aol.com
James Bowens, bass guitar
Jamie Stacy, singer/musician
Jeff Mooring <here2there26@gmail.com>
Jermaine jermaine_86@msn.com
Joseph King <toneKane31@hotmail.com>
Kenya Diallo  -piano/vocals
Keven DeWayne Franklin <kevendfranklin@gmail.com>
Lamar Webster lamarwbstr86@gmail.com  singer/musician
LaQuan (LQ) Local Legendz 1917 E Sprague  -music
Lindell Reason – Facebook
Mariah Nicole Hernandez <mhernandez18@outlook.com>
Maya Roseman <mayaaileen@aol.com>
Nicholas Sironka <sironkamaasai@yahoo.com>
Priscilla Barnett -mixed media

Power 2 The Poetry at Facebook
Quindrey Davis  -drummer
Rachel Dolezal <radolezal77@gmail.com>
Raggs Gustaffe – Facebook
Robert Lloyd <rdlloyd@comcast.net>
Robert Williamson <robert5592@aol.com>
Ron Greene  -guitar/vocals
Ron Smalls <concernedcitizen2017@yahoo.com>
Salik Seville  <silverbraclet@hotmail.com> Facebook, painter
Seneca   Skillscreate Smith           Facebook
Shalon Parker <shalon_p@yahoo.com>
Shantell Jackson <shantell.r.j@gmail.com>
Stephen Pitters <stephenpitters@comcast.net>
Yolanda Everette <yo143mrk13@gmail.com>

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Join the Raging Grannies

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Join the Raging Grannies at the People’s Climate Rally this coming
Saturday April 29 at noon at:

Spokane Tribal Gathering Place
(Next to City Hall)
353 N Post St, Spokane

Want to know more about the Raging Grannies?  Want to sing with them? Check us out on Facebook.