Author |
Message |
Twinkie
Member
09-24-2002
| Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 1:50 am
I didn't hear the news until hubby came home from work at 2:30 AM and I sobbed for an hour. He has been one of my favorites since I was very young. I'm crying now just thinking about it. My favorite song ever was when he and Billy Joel did "My Baby Grand" together. My two favorite "piano men". I read his autobiography several years ago and it is very touching. A great man has left us. I'm so very sad.
|
Reader234
Member
08-13-2000
| Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 5:12 am
Lori, thanks for the website. I listened to the radio much of Friday, and to hear so many wonderful stories of such a great, inspirational man... what a loss. Interesting that his webpage held much the same info (almost word for word!) a reporter used!! His websites rendition of America is very moving...
|
Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 3:05 pm
Found this great interview with Patti LaBelle. She is such an awesome lady! You can read it here
|
Reader234
Member
08-13-2000
| Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 8:19 am
What a classy lady!! Thanks for sharing the link ladyt!!
|
Nanya
Member
06-09-2004
| Monday, June 14, 2004 - 10:09 pm
My ID says member since 2004 but I have been a member for much longer. Sometimes my health prevents me from posting, so I kind of get dropped from the rolls...sort of like a church member who forgot to tithe. I read, altho I'm unable to post. I was so afraid that the Reagan funeral would overshadow the loss of "Brother Ray", but he got & continues to get his "props". What a tremendously talented man he was. Many people just know about his soulful songs, not everyone knows what a gifted jazz pianist that he was or the soulful saxophone he played. I am certain that his music will live on & on & on &......
|
Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 10:28 am
Musical Stars to Come Out for Ray Charles Funeral Monday, June 14 LOS ANGELES, June 14 (AFP) - Recording stars Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson and B.B. King will play musical tributes at the funeral of legend Ray Charles Friday as the world bids farewell to the "genius of soul." Charles's publicist said Monday that the trio would perform at the funeral that will also be attended by singer Glen Campbell, veteran actress Cicely Tyson and political activist the Reverend Jesse Jackson. "It will be a very moving goodbye," a spokesman for publicists Solters and Digney, told AFP. The funeral will be held Los Angeles' leading African American gospel church a day after Charles' coffin is placed on display at the Los Angeles Convention Center for thousands of fans to pay their personal respects. The casket of the famed blind musician will be displayed for eight hours Thursday, before being taken to the First African Methodist Episcopal Church for his star-studded funeral. Producer Quincy Jones, Charles's longtime friend and collaborator, former US president Bill Clinton and comedian Bill Cosby will also deliver recorded tributes at the funeral ceremony. Charles, dubbed the "Genius" and credited with virtually inventing gospel-infused soul music, died Thursday at 73 of complications from liver disease after a year of health problems. The 13-time Grammy Award winner leaves a huge musical legacy and a wide wake behind him in the recording industry. Charles went blind at age seven, but he went on to read and write music in Braille, producing such classics as "Georgia on My Mind" and "I Can't Stop Loving You" over a stunning 58-year career. His gospel-influenced music that ranged from soul to pop and country made him a household name across the world and gave him the rare honour of being enshrined in the US halls of fame of rhythm and blues, jazz and rock. Charles's health began declining began about a year ago when he began suffering severe hip pain. In August, he cancelled part of his US concert tour for the first time in 53 years and underwent hip replacement surgery in December. But other problems, including liver disease, were diagnosed. Even as his health failed, however, Charles -- who celebrated the 10,000th concert of his 58-year career early last year -- had been planning to tour again in mid-June. His death came as a shock to many around him. ml/ceh/ US-music-people-Charles-funeral COPYRIGHT 2004 Agence France-Presse. All rights reserved.
|
Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 2:34 pm
Now THAT is a funeral I'd want to see televised! Here in LA we get what I think of as "face-time" funerals where politicians are sure to show up for a televised funeral for a cop or other basically private person. I was so fortunate to see Ray in person twice, years ago.. one time in the front row at a small venue.. he was something ELSE.
|
Urgrace
Member
08-19-2000
| Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 9:53 pm
This is the week of the Juneteenth celebration. History of Juneteenth What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the slave masters to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All or neither could be true. For whatever the reason, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory. General Order Number 3 One of General Granger's first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer." The reactions to this profound news ranged from pure shock to immediate jubilation. While many lingered to learn of this new employer to employee relationship, many left before these offers were completely off the lips of their former masters - attesting to the varying conditions on the plantations and the realization of freedom. Even with nowhere to go, many felt that leaving the plantation would be their first grasp of freedom. North was a logical destination and for many it represented true freedom, while the desire to reach family members in neighboring states drove the some into Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore nonexistent status for black people in America. Recounting the memories of that great day in June of 1865 and its festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered in their new territory. The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members. Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date. Juneteenth Festivities and Food A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth almost always focused on education and self improvement. Thus often guest speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayer services were also a major part of these celebrations. Certain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations such as strawberry soda-pop. (My friends take Big-Red) More traditional and just as popular was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors - the newly emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies. Hence, the barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations. Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such as lamb, pork and beef which not available everyday were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next. Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs and is often still taken seriously, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots. During slavery there were laws on the books in many areas that prohibited or limited the dressing of slaves. During the initial days of the emancipation celebrations, there are accounts of slaves tossing their ragged garments into the creeks and rivers to adorn clothing taken from the plantations belonging to their former masters. In the early years, little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities. Most of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide for additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding and picnics. Often the church grounds was the site for such activities. Eventually, as African Americans became land owners, land was donated and dedicated for these festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates. This fund-raising effort yielded $1000 and the purchase of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. In Mexia, the local Juneteenth organization purchased Booker T. Washington Park, which had become the Juneteenth celebration site in 1898. There are accounts of Juneteenth activities being interrupted and halted by white landowners demanding that their laborers return to work. However, it seems most allowed their workers the day off and some even made donations of food and money. For decades these annual celebrations flourished, growing continuously with each passing year. In Booker T. Washington Park, as many as 20,000 African Americans once flowed through during the course of a week, making the celebration one of the state's largest. Juneteenth Celebrations Decline Economic and cultural forces provided for a decline in Juneteenth activities and participants beginning in the early 1900's. Classroom and textbook education in lieu of traditional home and family-taught practices stifled the interest of the youth due to less emphasis and detail on the activities of former slaves. Classroom text books proclaimed Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863 as the date signaling the ending of slavery - and little or nothing on the impact of General Granger's arrival on June 19th. The Depression forced many people of the farms and into the cities to find work. In these urban environments, employers were less eager to grant leaves to celebrate this date. Thus, unless June 19th fell on a weekend or holiday, there were very few participants available. July 4th was the already established Independence holiday and a rise in patriotism steered more toward this celebration. Resurgence The Civil Rights movement of the 50's and 60's yielded both positive and negative results for the Juneteenth celebrations. While it pulled many of the African American youth away and into the struggle for racial equality, many linked these struggles to the historical struggles of their ancestors. This was evidenced by student demonstrators involved in the Atlanta civil rights campaign in the early 1960's, whom wore Juneteenth freedom buttons. Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through Poor Peoples March to Washington D.C.. Rev. Ralph Abernathy's call for people all races, creeds, economic levels and professions to come to Washington to show support for the poor. Many of these attendees returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in areas previously absent of such activity. In fact, two of the largest Juneteenth celebrations founded after this March are now held in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Texas Blazes the Trail On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. Representative Edwards has since actively sought to spread the observance of Juneteenth all across America. Juneteenth In Modern Times Throughout the 80's and 90's Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth Organizations have arisen to take their place along side older organizations - all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states come on board and form local committees and organizations to coordinate the activities. Juneteenth Celebration June 13 - 16 http://www.ElecVillage.com/juneteen.htm © Copyright 1998-2001, Hicks Enterprises. All rights reserved.
|
Starshine40
Member
07-30-2002
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 1:02 am
Does anyone know of a painter who signed his works "Josdanpamal"? At least that's what it looks like, date 1967. I don't know if the painter is a black person. It's a beautiful large oil painting of an older black man (don't know if he's American or where from), mostly the upper half of him. It's a wonderful painting, it looks like you could reach out and touch his skin, etc. I couldn't get a good pic. of it with my polaroid so have shot other pics of it on a roll not yet finished...will post it when I finally get it developed.
|
Urgrace
Member
08-19-2000
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 9:15 am
About Juneteenth, one of our friends explained that it was called 'Juneteenth' because it could not always be celebrated on the 19th of the month. Some employers would not allow their employees the day off on the 19th if it fell on a weekday. So it has become a celebration on the days ending in 'teenth' from 13 to 19 from year to year.
|
Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 11:25 am
Thanks for posting that information, GracieSis ...
|
Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 12:41 pm
Ditto what Ladyt said!
|
Rupertbear
Member
09-19-2003
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 12:47 pm
Urgrace...thanks for posting that piece of history. 
|
Urgrace
Member
08-19-2000
| Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 1:55 pm
You are all welcome. I didn't mean to skip over Ray. He has been one of my favorites for years. My dh met him and was privileged to have a sit down conversation with him.
|
Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Friday, July 02, 2004 - 7:18 am
Today is the 40th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It has only been forty years that African Americans could go to the same hotels, drink from the same water fountains, and sit at the same lunch counters as their white counterparts.
|
Jan
Member
08-01-2000
| Saturday, July 03, 2004 - 2:25 pm
For some odd reason I was just reading up on the revolutionary war. THis sentence stuck out to me :
quote:March 1, 1784 - A congressional committee led by Thomas Jefferson proposes to divide up sprawling western territories into states, to be considered equal with the original 13. Jefferson also proposes a ban on slavery everywhere in the U.S. after 1800. This proposal is narrowly defeated.
Imagine how the history of the USA may have changed if this NARROW defeat had been a victory?? LINK
|
Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Thursday, July 08, 2004 - 9:02 am
Singer/songwriter Syreeta Wright dies
Dueted with Preston on ‘With You I’m Born Again’ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5388327/ Billboard Updated: 5:35 p.m. ET July 07, 2004 LOS ANGELES - Singer/songwriter Syreeta Wright, best known for her duet with Billy Preston on “With You I’m Born Again” and as the former wife of Stevie Wonder, died Monday after a long struggle with cancer. She was 58. Wright recorded six albums for Motown, the most notable being the first two, which were produced by Wonder. Born Rita Wright in Pittsburgh, Syreeta was working in the ’60s as a Motown secretary when she was enlisted as a backup singer. Founder Berry Gordy later signed her to the label and she recorded a Brian Holland/Ashford & Simpson tune initially meant for Diana Ross, “I Can’t Give Back the Love I Feel for You.” Wright married Wonder in 1970. Although the union lasted only two years, their professional collaboration as songwriters spawned a series of hits, including “If You Really Love Me,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” and the Spinners’ “It’s a Shame.” She released her first Wonder-produced Motown album, the critically acclaimed “Syreeta,” under the MoWest imprint in 1972. “Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta,” which musically depicted their relationship from love/marriage to divorce/enduring friendship, was released in 1974. The titles peaked at No. 185 and No. 116, respectively, on Billboard’s album chart. Her best showing on the chart came with 1980’s simply titled “Syreeta,” released on Motown’s Tamla imprint, which reached No. 73. The duet with Preston, “With You I’m Born Again,” originally appeared on that year’s soundtrack to the Paramount movie “Fast Break.” The track reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 1980. Wright, who recorded her last studio album, “The Spell,” in 1983, boasted a resume that includes work with Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Leon Ware and Donald Byrd, among others. Further details regarding Wright’s death or funeral arrangements were not immediately available. © 2004 Billboard
|
Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Monday, July 12, 2004 - 10:59 am
Isabel Sanford, 'Jeffersons' star, dies Actress was 86 Monday, July 12, 2004 Posted: 1:54 PM EDT (1754 GMT)
Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley played Louise (Weezie) and George Jefferson on the long-running sitcom, "The Jeffersons." LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Actress Isabel Sanford, best known as "Weezie," Louise Jefferson on the television sitcom "The Jeffersons," died of natural causes, her publicist said Monday. She was 86. Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. Her daughter, Pamela Ruff, was at her side, he said. Her health had waned after undergoing preventive surgery on a neck artery 10 months ago, Lemack said. He did not give a specific cause of death. Sanford co-starred with Sherman Hemsley from 1975 to 1985 on CBS' "The Jeffersons," a spin-off of the popular series "All in the Family," in which she also appeared. In 1981, Sanford became the first black woman to receive an Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on "The Jeffersons." Sanford, a native New Yorker, was joined by "Jeffersons" creator Norman Lear and others in January when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "Here with stars in my eyes -- something that I dreamed about when I was 9 years old," she said at the time. "There are others that deserve it, but let everybody get their own." She enjoyed getting fan mail from people who saw "The Jeffersons" for the first time in reruns, Lemack said. "She was just amazed and so pleased that the show had that kind of lasting power and entertainment because she loved to make people laugh," he said. Sanford also played Tillie, the maid to Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn's Matt and Christina Drayton, in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967) -- her feature film debut. Recently, she lent her voice to "The Simpsons" and appeared in commercial campaigns for Denny's restaurants and retailer Old Navy. Besides her daughter, Sanford is survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. cnn.com
|
Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, July 12, 2004 - 11:41 am
I'm sad about Weezy! I think she'd been sick a long time.
|
Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Monday, July 12, 2004 - 11:41 am
Aww, that's so sad! I didn't realize she was that old. I loved watching the Jeffersons
|
Hippyt
Member
06-15-2001
| Monday, July 12, 2004 - 11:48 am
I was sad to hear this too. I didn't know she was that old either.
|
Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, July 12, 2004 - 12:35 pm
BTW, She is now in a deluxe apartment in the sky!
|
Goddessatlaw
Member
07-19-2002
| Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 1:27 pm
More very sad news. The Reverend Charles Williams, who built the Indiana Black Expo into the nation's premier showcase for African-American arts, culture and business, has died at the age of 56 just as the 2004 Indiana Black Expo gets underway. The Reverend Charles Williams dies
|
Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 3:45 pm
Tavis Smiley was eulogizing him this morning. That is so sad. He was also spearheading the efforts to get a major Black History Museum in Indiana. Thanks GAL for posting this.
|
Essence
Member
01-12-2002
| Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 5:11 pm
Aww, that's a shame. I used to love going to the Black Expo. I had thought about going this year, but I don't think I'll make it.
|
|
|
|