The Funky Black Scholar

Cadillac Records, The Movie

Chandra Kamaria — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:07:22 +0000

This past weekend was the opening for the low rated film, Cadillac Records. It’s the story of the famed Chess Records and its groundbreaking impact on American music and its far -reaching influence around the world. A friend and I (the same friend that went with me to the Cornel West lecture) checked it out [...]

Dr. Cornel West and the Blues People

Chandra Kamaria — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:16:21 +0000

Oh, what a glorious night! This past Thursday, a friend and I had the blessed opportunity to sit at the feet of one of America’s premier intellects, Dr. Cornel West; unruly Afro, black suit, erratic hand gestures and eloquent philosophical musings followed, much to the delight of the near capacity audience at the Rose Theater located [...]

Whatever the Decision…

Chandra Kamaria — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:42:06 +0000

(This post was originally published on my Facebook profile.) Since the start of this election, I have favored Obama, even in spite of the Clinton-lovers who were under the impression that Hilary was an extension of Bill. I knew from the start that she wasn’t. Hillary had her own agenda and, while capable, I was [...]

A Little Monday Funk

Chandra Kamaria — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:59:57 +0000

Before I dive into more about cultural translation, I decided to post a little funk to make your Monday hum better. I don’t know about you but sometimes I need a jolt, especially one of those ‘First of the Week’ pick me ups. Mondays are marked with starting over; it’s the first day of the [...]

Cultural Translation

Chandra Kamaria — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:26:39 +0000

The first time I heard this term, it was being used by a political science professor to describe the late Isaac Hayes. At the opening ceremony for Kwanzaa 2006, the artist formerly known as Black Moses was standing alongside the former Superintendent of Memphis City Schools (Memphis, TN), Carolyn Johnson as official ceremonial royalty. I [...]