Category Archives: Activism

Alice Walker on Obama’s White House Visit

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One day after Barack Obama’s first visit to the White House as President-elect, we speak to the Pulitzer-winning novelist Alice Walker. In a recent open letter to Obama, Walker writes, “Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.”

With reactions from author Eduardo Galeano, Dr. Vincent Harding, political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Relevant links: theroot.com, democracynow.org, prisonradio.org.

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South African Musical Legend Miriam Makeba, “Mama Africa” Passes

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Miriam Makeba

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) —  Miriam Makeba, the South African singer who wooed the world with her sultry voice but was banned from her own country for 30 years under apartheid, died after a concert in Italy. She was 76. In her dazzling career, Makeba performed with musical legends from around the world: Nina Simone and Dizzy Gillespie, Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon and for JFK.

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I saw her perform back in the early 90s with Hugh Masekela and
during her performance she called out American woman for not having a
Women’s Day celebration that year even though women all over the world had
organized one in their countries, even in countries where women were
persecuted much more harshly than here. She showed why they called her
Mama Africa!

Move on Up

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Hush now child,
and don’t you cry
Your folks might understand you
by and by
Just move on up
towards your destination
Though you may find
from time to time
Complications

Bite your lip
and take a trip
Though there may be
wet road ahead
You cannot slip
Just move on up
and peace you will find
Into the steeple
of beautiful people
Where there’s only one kind

So hush now child
and don’t you cry
Your folks might understand you
by and by
Move on up
and keep on wishing
Remember your dream
is your only scheme
So keep on pushing

Take nothing less
Ain’t no second best
Do not obey
you must have your say
That you can past the test

Just move on up
Just move on up to a greater day
With just a little faith
if you put your mind to it
You can surely do it

Just move on up
Move on up
What move on up
Oh child but just a move on up
Just move on up
Move on up

Just move on up
Move on up
What move on up
Oh child but just a move on up
Just move on up
Move on up

– Curtis Mayfield