Okay, short post here. You know, I LOVE HISTORY, and it’s fascinating how the past shapes our present and future. In this video below, is an AMAZING piece of history that not only showcases significant events but also highlights the people and cultures that influenced the world we live in today. You’ll discover intriguing facts and stories that bring history to life, making it more relatable and exciting than ever.
Check it out!
Experts at the Eastwood Institute in Charleston discovered a Civil War-era photo of a Black family that conflicted with its purported 1865 date, prompting a thorough investigation that led to the sprawling Hargrove estate in Georgia. There, descendant Edward Hargrove, who had dedicated much of his life to preserving his family’s history, confirmed long-standing family stories that had been passed down through generations. The narrative of resilience and survival that shaped their lineage became a vital part of the inquiry. Further examination of the image revealed surprising details, such as unique clothing styles and subtle cues that suggested it may have been taken in a different time period, adding layers of complexity to the understanding of Black history in the post-Civil War era. The intricate dynamics of the family’s past began to surface, shedding light on a chapter of American history that had often been overlooked.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
On March 1st of this year, I made a post called ICE ICE BABY, Where I talk about the Ice raids, and what we as law abiding citizens can do about them.
Wel, y feelings are unchanged about this subject. I’ve included this cool video below which describes my feelings.
However, in case you didn’t want to watch the video…
I stand in solidarity with immigrants, acknowledging the injustice and human rights violations they face, as families are separated and communities suffer from fear and uncertainty. Every day, countless individuals leave their homes in search of safety and a better life, often facing unimaginable challenges along the way. Immigrants enrich our society, contributing their talents, cultures, and perspectives, which ultimately strengthens our communities. It is essential to recognize the immense sacrifices they make for the hope of a brighter future for themselves and their children. Everyone deserves safety and respect in their homes, regardless of their background. I oppose mass deportation, as it contradicts our values of compassion and human dignity; instead, we should advocate for humane policies that support integration and understanding. Border walls and harsh immigration laws only serve to deepen divides and perpetuate cycles of fear. Together, we can build a more inclusive society that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all.
Well I just had to get that off my chest. have a good day Y’all.
Do you like the Boondocks? I sure do. The Boondocks is an American adult animated sitcom that aired on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. It is based on the satirical comic strip of the same name created by Aaron McGruder. The series premiered in 2005 and concluded in 2014 after four seasons.
The show follows the Freeman family – Huey, Riley, and their grandfather Granddad – as they adjust from bustling Chicago to the predominantly suburban environment of Woodcrest, highlighting various cultural clashes that arise in their new setting. Huey, the thoughtful and politically aware sibling, often serves as the voice of reason, challenging the status quo with his astute observations about society and injustice. In contrast, Riley indulges heavily in hip-hop culture and often finds himself in humorous and troublesome situations that irritate both Huey and Granddad. Granddad, a former civil rights activist with a rich and complex past, struggles to bridge the generational gap as he deals with his grandsons’ differing personalities while trying to instill values that resonate with both old and new worlds.
One particular episode of the series pushed television boundaries with its bold and provocative commentary, tackling sensitive social issues in a way that sparked widespread discussion among audiences of all backgrounds and beliefs. The episode addressed topics such as inequality, systemic injustice, and cultural identity, ultimately leading to its controversial removal from airing due to the discomfort it invoked among certain viewers. Many believed the narrative was too raw and unfiltered, sparking both outrage and admiration, and it remains unavailable on TV to this day, a testament to the lasting impact it had on the industry. The accompanying video meticulously analyzes the episode’s intricate plot, its underlying messages, and the cultural and political implications that contributed to its ban, inviting viewers to reflect critically on the themes it presented and the reasons behind its controversial reception. Additionally, it explores the broader context of media censorship and the challenges faced by creators when addressing uncomfortable truths, encouraging a dialogue about the role of television as a medium for social change and the importance of preserving diverse voices in storytelling.
Remember the universal SIGNAL for help!!! It is crucial to understand its importance in emergency situations, as it serves as a powerful non-verbal communication tool. The signal can be used when verbal communication is difficult, unsafe, or impossible, allowing individuals in distress to discreetly indicate that they require assistance. By raising a hand and signaling in this universally recognized manner, you can alert bystanders and potential helpers to your situation, increasing the chances of receiving timely support. Always remember that being aware of this signal can empower you and others to respond effectively in times of crisis!
This blog series, “SPIRITUAL PRACTICES OF AFRICA, AND THE DIASPORA,” explores indigenous beliefs and religions in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on ancestral worship, Christianity, and Islam. It highlights the region’s cultural heritage through rituals and community gatherings that reinforce identity and facilitate cultural transmission. The series also examines how these traditions adapt within the diaspora, emphasizing storytelling in preserving oral histories and passing lessons to future generations. Ultimately, it aims to enhance understanding of faith, identity, and cultural resilience in the region.
In this installment… Do you remember this scene?
Yes. In my last installment, I posted this scene where Willie Brown is sent by his friend, Robert Johnson, to meet Legba at the Crossroads to sign the pact in which Legba will teach Brown how to play blues in exchange for his soul.
Well today, I want to talk about the actual legend of Robert (Bobby) Johnson.
The legend of Robert Johnson, a key figure in the evolution of the blues genre, claims he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for unparalleled guitar mastery, creating a narrative that captures the imagination of music enthusiasts and folklore aficionados alike. This central myth in blues history not only defines Johnson’s enigmatic persona but also profoundly influences public perception of his musical genius and the artistic struggles of southern African American musicians during the early 20th century.
However, historians like Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow meticulously aim to distinguish truth from myth, exploring the historical contexts and personal anecdotes that surround Johnson’s life, ultimately providing a more nuanced understanding of his artistry and legacy. As they delve into the complexities of his story, they reveal how folklore, while enriching, often blurs the line between reality and fiction, making it essential to separate fact from the captivating tales that contribute to the larger-than-life image of Robert Johnson.
The Legend:
The central element of the legend is the crossroads, often depicted as the intersection of Highways 49 and 61 in Mississippi, a location steeped in folklore and mystery. The story posits that Johnson met the devil at this crossroads, where he handed over his guitar and, in return, received the devil’s blessing of exceptional musical skill, a pact believed to imbue him with talents that transcended those of his peers. This deal is said to have transformed Johnson from a novice into a blues virtuoso, capable of playing complex and captivating music that resonates even today, influencing countless musicians across generations. His innovative style, incorporating elements of slide guitar and emotive vocal delivery, captivated audiences and secured his place in music history. Adding to the mystique, Johnson’s death at the young age of 27, following a brief but impactful career that left an indelible mark on the genre, is shrouded in mystery, with some accounts suggesting poisoning or other supernatural causes, leading many to believe that his life and art were touched by forces beyond comprehension, further cementing his status as a mythical figure in the blues community.
This video discusses the folklore surrounding Robert Johnson’s deal with the devil:
The Reality:
Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow argue that Johnson’s skill was the result of dedicated practice and a natural talent for music, not a supernatural pact. Johnson was influenced by other Delta blues musicians like Willie Brown, Charley Patton, and Son House, who also played at the crossroads. The legend is rooted in hoodoo beliefs, where crossroads were associated with a “Black Man” who could grant skills or luck, suggesting a mystical interpretation of musical talent. However, many musicians, including Johnson, approached their art with rigorous dedication and a deep understanding of their craft, honing their abilities through countless hours of practice and performance in vibrant juke joints and on dusty street corners. Johnson’s innovative guitar technique, particularly his bass lines, significantly impacted the development of the Delta blues and influenced many subsequent musicians, helping to shape the genre into what it is today, paving the way for future generations of artists to explore and expand upon the blues tradition.
This video explains the influence of hoodoo beliefs on the legend of Robert Johnson
While the legend of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil is a compelling narrative, it is largely a myth that has been used to explain his exceptional musical talent and the mystery surrounding his life and death. His actual story, however, is one of dedication, talent, and influence on the evolution of the blues, illustrating how hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness. Johnson, who honed his skills through years of practice and performance, developed a distinctive style that combined elements of African rhythms and European musical traditions, creating a sound that resonates to this day. The atmosphere of his time, marked by social struggles and a rich cultural heritage, influenced his songwriting and the themes he explored in his music. The legend of Robert Johnson continues to fascinate and inspire, solidifying his place as a foundational figure in American music, and the impact of his work can be felt across various genres, proving that true artistry transcends time and remains relevant to new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
This series highlights the modern malandro in urban society, focusing on their resourcefulness and charm while addressing economic disparity and social justice. It showcases their resilience and clever tactics in navigating city challenges, emphasizing their dual role as outliers and contributors to urban culture. Through personal narratives and societal themes, it portrays the malandro as influential figures in the conversation about equity and belonging.
In Today’s installment, We follow Conor Woodman in a show named scam city, a series where he gets scammed, so we don’t have to.
Today, our adventurous host Conor Woodman ventures to Las Vegas, a city with a seedy underbelly of pleasure and swindlers. Beyond Vegas’s bright neon lights and swanky casinos, there’s more to the city than meets the eye. As Conor delves deeper, he uncovers hidden gems tucked away from the bustling Strip, exploring the unique culture that thrives in the shadows.
From eclectic art installations to underground music scenes, the pulse of the city reverberates in unexpected places. He meets locals who share their untold stories, revealing the vibrant spirit that lies beneath the surface, a testament to the resilience and creativity that characterize this captivating destination.
Every Friday morning, PROFESSOR BLACK TRUTH hosts “The Friday Crime Report,” focusing on systemic racism, economic inequality, and police brutality in the black community. The program promotes advocacy, fostering dialogue, policy change, and community engagement to support marginalized voices and encourage social justice. Each episode includes community members and experts to inspire actionable steps towards a fairer society.
In Today’s installment…
Yet another suburban psycho has gone on a rampage, wreaking havoc in a quiet community that once prided itself on safety and tranquility. In the aftermath of this horrifying event, and on cue, the police began covering for him before the bodies were cold, stating that he suffers from mental illness, as if this revelation could somehow justify the heinous actions. The authorities, perhaps looking to deflect blame or sympathize with a troubled mind, quickly painted a picture that seemed to protect the perpetrator rather than empathize with the victims, leaving the community grappling with a sense of betrayal and raw grief.
Shout out to the professor for creating and posting this insightful video.
The Professor’s engaging videos on black empowerment tackle historical and contemporary issues, promoting critical thinking among viewers. His YouTube channel HERE fosters a community focused on significant black topics and encourages dialogue.
“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War“
Today, I’m going to introduce you to the MACACO.
The Macaco in Capoeira is an acrobatic movement, often described as a “monkey flip,” involving a handstand and rotation, transitioning from a low crouch to a handstand and back down. In Capoeira, it’s not just a single move but a dynamic transition, often used to evade, attack, or flow into other movements, adding rhythm and creativity to the practice. Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional both utilize the Macaco, but the overall style and context of its use can differ significantly, showcasing the artistry and adaptability inherent in this Brazilian martial art. The macaco serves as a building block for more complex movements like the back handspring and can also be used as a launchpad for various attacks and kicks within the Capoeira game, including powerful aerial kicks that demonstrate both skill and agility. It involves an inverted motion where the capoeirista (Capoeira practitioner) places one hand on the ground behind them and swings their legs over, jumping in an arched trajectory that reflects both grace and strength. The macaco bears a strong resemblance to a back handspring but differentiates itself by typically starting from a low crouch and planting one hand behind the player, emphasizing the importance of starting low to gain momentum.
Learning the macaco, particularly the full backward version that showcases advanced skill, takes dedication and consistent practice over weeks and even months, requiring not just physical training but also mental resilience to overcome the challenges intrinsic to mastering this impressive maneuver.
In essence, the macaco is a dynamic and essential element of Capoeira, combining strength, flexibility, and coordination into a fluid and powerful acrobatic move that showcases the unique blend of martial arts and dance inherent to this Afro-Brazilian cultural expression. This acrobatic feat not only demonstrates remarkable physical prowess but also highlights the practitioner’s rhythm and timing, as they gracefully maneuver through the air, executing the move with precision and style. As a crucial component of Capoeira’s repertoire, mastering the macaco allows practitioners to enhance their overall agility and create impressive sequences that captivate audiences, transforming a simple fight into an intricate performance art.
“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War“
Today, I’m gonna type to you about a fundamental skill in Capoeira, the BANANEIRA.
The Bananeira (pronounced “bah-na-nera”) is the term used for a handstand. It is a fundamental movement in Capoeira, serving as a building block for various acrobatic maneuvers and plays a unique role in the Capoeira roda (the circle in which Capoeira is played).
The bananeira is considered the absolute fundamental movement for all acrobatics within Capoeira, developing upper body strength and balance essential for more advanced techniques. Unlike a gymnast’s handstand, which emphasizes static control and symmetry, the bananeira in Capoeira is dynamic, mobile, and can involve shifting postures or flailing legs to prevent opponents from finding vulnerabilities. It is a versatile move that not only demonstrates physical prowess but also embodies the spirit of improvisation that defines Capoeira. The bananeira can be used strategically in the Capoeira game (jogo): it can challenge the other player to see who can hold their handstand longer and allows a Capoeirista to take a brief break and observe their opponent. During this observation, the practitioner assesses their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, providing an opportunity to devise new tactics for the unfolding game. The bananeira can be employed to escape or initiate an attack, with the feet being used for both defense and offensive movements while inverted. This dual function adds a layer of complexity to the move, as timing and precision become crucial in ensuring successful execution. In contemporary regional Capoeira styles, the bananeira is sometimes used to showcase balance and strength as a floreio or demonstration of skill, often eliciting admiration from spectators for its aesthetic appeal.
A key distinction from other hand balancing arts is that in Capoeira, the practitioner maintains eye contact with their opponent rather than looking at the ground. This requires tucking the chin towards the chest and moving the head to track the other player during the game, emphasizing the interactive nature of Capoeira as a conversation between warriors. Achieving a stable bananeira involves “stacking” the joints, meaning keeping the shoulders over the wrists, hips over the shoulders, and ankles over the hips, all of which contributes to maintaining proper alignment and balance. Engaging the core muscles is vital to maintain a flat, board-like posture, creating a foundation of strength necessary for executing subsequent moves. Pointing the toes skyward can assist in straightening the legs, enhancing both form and function. Furthermore, the bananeira’s potential origins have been linked to the use of handstands by Nganga (Bantu healers and spiritual leaders) in their practice, symbolizing a spiritual connection to ancestors who walk on their hands in the spirit world. The linkage to spiritual practices further enriches the cultural context of the bananeira, illustrating how this move transcends mere physicality to become a bridge between the earthly and the ethereal, fortifying the sense of identity and history within the Capoeira community.
Learning the bananeira can be intimidating due to the fear of falling, which is a common barrier for many practitioners. Overcoming this fear is crucial for safe practice, as confidence plays a significant role in mastering the move.
Practicing against a wall or with a partner can help develop comfort in the inverted position; these methods provide a safety net that allows for gradual progression.
It’s important to start slowly, focusing on body awareness and control, as this foundational approach not only enhances safety but also promotes a deeper connection with your body. Begin by placing your hands shoulder-width apart, ensuring your fingers are loosely spread, with weight concentrated through the top of the palms to maintain stability while inverted. This initial setup is crucial, as it creates a solid base from which to work. As you kick your legs up one at a time, aim for your hips to be stacked directly above your shoulders and your feet to rise above your hips, which will make balancing easier and more effective. As you gain confidence, be sure to practice holding the position for longer periods, using your breath to find calmness and steadiness. Experiment with variations in leg positions and arm placements, as these can enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of this challenging pose, opening opportunities for greater strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in your practice.
“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War“
The Corta Capim, or “Grass Cutter,” is a versatile Capoeira movement used for offense, defense, and as a transitional floreio technique that showcases the blend of martial prowess and artistic expression inherent in Capoeira. Practiced from a low crouch with proper posture, it involves sweeping one leg in a wide circle for a seamless 360-degree rotation while maintaining stability, which requires both physical strength and mental focus. Fluidity and controlled movements are essential for effective execution, and coordinating breathing helps enhance performance and relaxation, allowing practitioners to connect more deeply with their movements and the rhythm of the music.
This connection not only improves technique but also cultivates a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment, creating a deeper mind-body connection in Capoeira practice.
The Corta Capim movement holds historical significance, as it was a pivotal point in the life of MESTRE JOAO GRANDE, who is renowned for his contributions to the art form.
He encountered the movement as a child while observing Capoeira practitioners and initially believed it was a dance of the NAGOS, later realizing it was a crucial component of Capoeira. His fascination with Corta Capim inspired his journey into the art form, igniting a passion and commitment that led to countless hours of training and dedication, ultimately establishing him as a leading figure in Capoeira. Today, the movement not only embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Afro-Brazilian community, showcasing the transformative power of Capoeira as a form of both self-defense and artistic expression.
There are various ways to perform Corta Capim, allowing for adaptation to individual styles and skill levels.
Some common progressions include practicing with your weaker leg to build balance and strength, which can significantly enhance your overall performance and contribute to a more well-rounded skill set. This focused practice not only aids in physical development but also helps cultivate mental resilience as you push through challenges. Performing the movement in the opposite direction can also help you develop ambidexterity and a deeper understanding of the techniques involved, broadening your capabilities and preparing you for diverse scenarios in your training.
Additionally, executing the sweep with only one hand for support can challenge your core stability and refine your precision, pushing you to engage your muscles in new ways while also honing your focus. Understanding and mastering Corta Capim not only enhances your physical capabilities but also deepens your appreciation for the rich history and cultural significance of Capoeira, as it connects practitioners to centuries of tradition and the vibrant community that surrounds this martial art.
The beauty of Capoeira lies not only in its technical motions but also in the stories and philosophies intertwined within its practice. By immersing yourself in these practices, you not only improve your skills but also foster a greater respect for the cultural roots and the art form’s evolution over time, learning from the generations that came before you and contributing to the ongoing narrative of this dynamic expression of culture and identity. This holistic approach encourages a sense of belonging and commitment to the endless journey of learning that Capoeira represents.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 