I remember when Elaine Brown, former chairperson of the Black Panther Party, was touring for her book, A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story, in the early 1990s. At a New York reading, she mentioned that everyone always gets excited about “revolution” as if it were an event. She reminded us that “revolution is not an event, it is a process.” With that in mind, here’s a little something I like to read every now and then:

Read more »

It has been some 25 years since I first discovered the musical genius of Prince. In fact, his music has provided much of the soundtrack for my life. Over the years, my enthusiasm for Prince and his collection of music has grown, not only because the rhythms speak to my soul, but because they are accompanied by lyrics that often dare to challenge the conventional wisdom.

Prince’s ability to use his talent to raise awareness about a number of social and political issues has remained evident throughout his professional career. Whether it’s about political leadership on international affairs (Ronnie, Talk to Russia), addiction and chaos (Sign O’ the Times), the legacy of slavery and discrimination (Family Name), Native American genocide (Right the Wrong), or the impact of 9/11 (Cinnamon Girl), Prince’s music has brought more than hundreds of dance grooves to the popular culture. It has held on to a core ingredient in the gumbo of urban music—a sharp and critical analysis of social ills.

In fact, Prince’s gift of music has inspired many in the social justice community. Next month, prolific author and lecturer Dr. Cornel West will feature Prince’s song, “Dear Mr. Man”—which appeared on the 2004 Musicology CD—on his upcoming CD titled, Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations. In a current climate that seems to reward mindless entertainment, it’s always a pleasure to enjoy music that dares to embody an audacity of freedom—a freedom to live and learn, a freedom to challenge corporate greed, a freedom to grow and inspire, and a freedom to share.

His new fragrance, 3121 Perfume, aspires to do the same—in more ways than one.

Just a few weeks prior to launching his latest commercial CD, called Planet Earth, Prince will release a new fragrance brought to us in collaboration with the small, Philadelphia-based company Revelations Perfume and Cosmetics, Inc. But even better than the scent (which was called “music to the nose” by USA Today) is the passion behind it. On July 7, 2007 (07/07/07), there will be a global 3121 charity event, in which Prince and Revelations Perfume and Cosmetics, Inc. are expected to raise half a million dollars for nonprofit organizations working toward the health and safety of our youth, families, and communities. Among the seven nonprofits selected to receive a portion of the proceeds is Sheila E.’s and Lynn Mabry’s Elevate Hope Foundation (Featured in the Community Spotlight).

Join me in supporting for this opportunity for us to exercise Ujima (collective work and responsibility) and Ujamaa (cooperative economics). For 24 hours, beginning at midnight on 07/07/07, go to 3121perfume.com, and purchase your bottle. Together, we can provide an unprecedented support for several local organizations–and smell good doing it!