The Liberator: Blog

From a Project point of view.

2009-07-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

{via Flickr} {liberatormagazine.com feature} The South Bronx, and Public Housing: The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor has brought both places to the public’s frame of reference over the past few weeks. That reference is also drenched in a confluence of negative stigmas, connotations, and...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Phoenix use iphone as drum machine.

2009-07-09T11:39:00.004-04:00

WHY?: Whether or not you're a fan of Phoenix, if you're a fan of music you'll probably appreciate seeing an iphone used as a drum machine in a live studio session.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Moment, Momentum, Movement = Change.

2009-07-09T11:02:00.006-04:00

WHY?: After Tavis lays down some boring "facts" (lol), Cornel makes it pretty plain. Ok, but does where we're at in 2009 allow for "moments" to seep in deep enough to create "momentum"? Seems media sophistication (media segmentation/segregation where everyone has their own figurative and literal...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Farrakhan speaks in Accra, Ghana [1994]

2009-07-09T10:17:00.009-04:00

WHY?: As Ghana [prepares for Pres. Obama] I can't help but think of this time Louis Farrakhan visited Ghana in 1994, almost a year before the Million Man March. In my lifetime, Minister Farrakhan has been one of the most prolific agitators for broad black unity, "Got created us in tribes, but the...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Ghanaians prepare to receive Pres. Obama

2009-07-09T10:05:00.004-04:00

WHY?: Some folks got racial minds, "Because he is black I believe he will know some of our worries and concerns." Other folks got political/economic minds, "He will finish with his crunch before he thinks of any other country."

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Maafa 21: Black genocide in 21st century America

2009-07-08T19:45:00.007-04:00

WHY?: Dancing Dave writes in to tell us that, "this full length documentary was premiered twice in DC at the Capitol Visitor Center's new theater recently. The second showing included a large contingent from the Black Congressional Caucus, as well as, other offices. They were shocked by it. I saw...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Ashanti Alston Omowali + anarchism (round 2)

2009-07-07T17:46:00.001-04:00

{via Flickr} WHY?: Another interview with black anarchist Ashanti Alston Omowali. He discusses how people of color moved into anarchism and found themselves victims of exoticism -- non-working class struggles -- a world where many worlds exist -- how the major so called revolutions wiped out...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Soul Power! The music behind the rumble.

2009-07-07T13:06:00.003-04:00

WHY?: Kudos to Lala for writing in to tell us, "the documentary film, Soul Power about the concerts before the famed Ali vs. Foreman "Rumble In The Jungle" is out this Friday. Soul Brotha #1 is in there, Miriam Makeba, Bill Withers, Don King... I found this clip from the film on YouTube... looks...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

African Tire Sandals, now $35 [for sale]

2009-07-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

We have a new item available in The Liberator Store today: These are a modern urban-twist on a rural-African classic. Rubber from recycled car tires is sewn to a heavy duty and durable sandal. One size. Available in four color designs. And a percentage of sales goes towards supporting The Liberator...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Jellies of color?

2009-07-07T10:51:00.004-04:00

WHY?: Back in 2007, Danielle [posted a short piece on "Jelly"], a concept where freelancers get together under one house space and just... work -- only with other freelancers as their "co-workers". Even though the people aren't usually working on the same thing or for the same company or...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Cynthia McKinney + others detained by Israel.

2009-07-07T07:11:00.002-04:00

WHY?: Former U.S. Congresswoman and 2008 Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney was [detained by Israel recently while delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza]. She has since [been released and is scheduled to return to the U.S. today], but while she was being detained she wrote this...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

"Minutemen" kill Arizona dad and daughter.

2009-07-07T03:39:00.001-04:00

WHY?: Earlier this month, nine-year-old Brisenia Flores and her young father Raul were shot and killed during the night in their home in the border town of Arivaca, Arizona. Three suspects allegedly forced themselves into the family’s home dressed as law enforcement officials, shot the two victims...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

African reactions to MJ's death.

2009-07-06T17:35:00.001-04:00

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

The Great American Bubble Machine

2009-07-06T00:38:00.002-04:00

WHY?: I read an Los Angeles Times article last year that outlined how Goldman Sachs persuaded its high-end investment clients to place investment bets against the very bonds it sold to the state of California. Why? Both to profit off California's economic decline -- and because they could. This...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Ecuadorian Pres. Correa on capitalism, war, etc.

2009-06-30T14:34:00.005-04:00

WHY?: Hearing views from outside the American bubble is extremely valuable. This is the first interview I've seen with the Ecuadorian president though. I like his clarity, especially concerning how to separate "hope" from "hype". He tells Obama, yes you're a good person, but many of us leaders in...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Jackson 5 In Africa

2009-06-30T13:32:00.005-04:00

WHY?: This film will be screening Tuesday, July 14th up in Harlem for $15. Check the Liberator events calendar for details. Looks fresh.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Remembering The Times.

2009-06-27T22:29:00.001-04:00

{via Flickr} WHY?: Michael A. Gonzales is a crazy talented writer. This is definitely the best piece on Michael Jackson that I've read so far. Definitely a must read. (SOURCE: Soul Summer | by Michael A. Gonzales) As one of the first generation of kids who embraced those five flamboyant brothers...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Cloud Cult.

2009-06-27T21:17:00.008-04:00

WHY?: These are not hipsters. These are the quirky kids in school that maintained a tight circle of talented friends and spent every afternoon after school in the band room. At least that's who I'm reminded of. Point being, they are fresher than most people ever would have expected them to be, just...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

An illegal party.

2009-06-27T15:09:00.001-04:00

WHY?: 1500 people came out to Ghislain Poirier and Khiasma's illegal party last June. I doubt we could get away with that in NYC -- doubly doubt it if it's black kids tryna do it -- but I admire the risk anyway. Footage from this year's (legally sanctioned?) party after the continued.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

"I spent five days crying in Argentina."

2009-06-26T23:59:00.005-04:00

{liberatormagazine.com exclusive feature} Please ignore the sensational "Latina Lover" graphic from Talking Points Memo and watch this press conference with South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. Remember how he went missing for a few days to "go hiking"? And somehow ended up in Buenos Aires...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

2009 Black Weblog Awards: "Vote Liberator"

2009-06-25T18:52:00.001-04:00

Round 1: Fight! Well not exactly. But you know the deal. We thrive on your support. The first round (The "Nominations" Round) has begun. If you think we deserve it (and only if you think we do) please vote for us in round 1. And we'll let you know if we make it to the finals. ["our world is full...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Michael Jackson passes at age 50.

2009-06-25T18:43:00.007-04:00

WHY?: You already know why. Let's just hope the vultures don't rip the legacy apart too much and that historians and journalists and teachers capture the breadth of this man's legacy so folks can remember. On remembering, the first thing that came to my mind was when my man William did the moonwalk...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Russell Simmons plays ol girl.

2009-06-25T18:29:00.003-04:00

WHY?: Sometimes the subconscious things folks reveal when they let their guard down is stunning. In Russell Simmons case though, it involves how he treats his women and it's pretty deep. For the curious, after the jump there's this video of an interview with T.I. where you see what it means to...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Nas + Damian Marley = Big Expectations.

2009-06-25T18:13:00.004-04:00

WHY?: This joint has the potential to be Magical (Blackstar-Mos-Kweli) or a huge disappointment (note: that choir of lily white kids in the video -- how "Africa" is that? lol). Nevertheless, worth paying attention to. Distant Relative [snippet] (listen/download)

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Liberator 8.1 cover = "Most Inspiring Image"

2009-06-25T16:10:00.004-04:00

Check out [abduzeedo.com]'s "Daily Inspiration" and you'll see our Liberator 8.1 cover featured as one of their "most inspiring images". Props to our Art Director Joseph Lamour (he's listed on the site as "@rococococoa").

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Israel and the management of minorities.

2009-06-25T00:21:00.002-04:00

WHY?: Israel pretty much seems to have 3 options. 1) The continued spreading of occupation, 2) Integrate Palestinians into Israeli nationality, 3) Support the creation of a Palestinian state. The ball's in their court. Problem is, some very prominent Israelis see all those options as having...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

An interview with Bill Russell [the daily show]

2009-06-25T00:21:00.000-04:00

WHY?: Most youngins like me have no idea who Bill Russell actually is, aside from basketball. This interview should change that -- the memories he shares in these few minutes make me want to read a biography on the man.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

An interview with Jon Stewart [pbs]

2009-06-25T00:15:00.001-04:00

WHY?: You'll know it's worth your time when Jon Stewart says, "They have a really delicate balance to walk between keeping us relatively fearful, but not so fearful that we stop what we're doing and really examine how it is that they've been waging this." Stewart also has an interesting reaction to...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Democrats are the new Republicans.

2009-06-23T15:45:00.003-04:00

WHY?: Bill Maher's "New Rules" segment last Friday was exceptionally good. Obama's honeymoon is coming to an end in many liberal circles. What will happen, no one knows. But it's getting interesting -- the first black president of America versus white liberals. Uh oh. (Sounds like a good Hollywood...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

California: Failed State [al jazeera]

2009-06-23T15:26:00.002-04:00

WHY?: With an economy larger than those of most countries, California can't help but be a sign of the times. We best pay attention.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Joe Shalita: Minnesota African Artist of the Year.

2009-06-23T14:37:00.008-04:00

WHY?: The man helped found Minnesota's first African band, Sweet Taste Of Africa, in the late 70s/early 80s. And he is a badass guitar player. Good to see him getting the recognition he deserves. (SOURCE: African News Journal) Long before Somali became synonymous with African, African music in...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Desired segregation?

2009-06-23T13:47:00.014-04:00

{liberatormagazine.com exclusive feature} WHY?: I've never been to Martha's Vineyard myself, not really sure if that would change some of my thoughts about what's said in this [article]. Does achieving a certain level of socioeconomic status cause disconnect (either chosen or natural) from one's...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Interview with The Foreign Exchange

2009-06-22T18:46:00.002-04:00

WHY?: If you're one of those jaded folks (like me sometimes) who don't think there are any rappers out in 2009 that know their history, watch this.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

We need your support! [North Star Donors]

2009-06-22T18:18:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Anthony Reuter, our latest Liberator North Star regular donor! And Zamani "Faro-Z" Smith, Sean Mosley, and Cheril N. Clarke, our latest one-time donors! In response to our pledge letter (link), Liberator supporters have already started becoming North Stars by committing to regularly...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Kinski: "Badunk Gadunk" f. Diezz D [video]

2009-06-22T17:35:00.006-04:00

WHY?: The track is dope. The chorus is dope. And local Nigeran (not Nigerian) rapper Diezz D [link], who is featured on the song, is dope. The group Kinski, from Denmark, is okay... but hey, they are giving away a [free album] on their website! Nigeran legend [Idi Sarki] makes an appearance as well.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Espoir 2000: "Abidjan Farot" [video]

2009-06-22T17:10:00.003-04:00

WHY?: Ivory Coast is putting in work. If you can be yourself and party to this, you my kinda people. Lemme know if you want the mp3.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Magic System: "Meme Pas Fatigue" [video]

2009-06-22T16:55:00.003-04:00

WHY?: Been waiting for a video to this hit song. And don't it seem like they actually having fun? [previously mentioned]

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

The Vices of American Values.

2009-06-20T23:58:00.001-04:00

{liberatormagazine.com exclusive feature} WHY?: Ezrah Aharone is the author of two books: Sovereign Evolution and Pawned Sovereignty, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Liberator. In this piece, Aharone addresses the "American value system," starting off by showing that Pres. Obama...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

The Cool Kids are getting good again... gulp

2009-06-19T21:16:00.004-04:00

WHY?: I'm not Jesus, but if you are a fast success and later start performing poor, I'ma be one of the first to notice. Always been that way. But when you are truly running on hunger and passion, I'ma be one of the first ready to give you your propers -- no matter what you talkin about. This song...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Our saviour is here. And she's cold as hell. No lie.

2009-06-19T21:01:00.007-04:00

WHY?: Sorry Jonelle Monae (you the shit, and we still need to get with you yesterday) but I'm putting in my vote right now: Nneka on a Liberator cover needs to happen asap. I'm in love with this woman. Not like that. But as someone with whom I'm deeply resonating in the shared experience of a...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

The American capitalist, in a nutshell.

2009-06-19T18:58:00.006-04:00

{via Flickr} Watch Frontline, "Breaking The Bank" (via PBS) WHY?: The psychology of the American capitalist is summed up in one quote from former Bank Of America/Nations Bank CEO Hugh McColl: "You can't hold what you have. That doesn't work in business." It reveals that, fundementally, what we...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Women without fathers.

2009-06-19T18:42:00.002-04:00

WHY?: Heard this on the radio yesterday and thought it was a very good conversation. (via WBAI) Women: Body & Soul ("women without fathers") Keep It On The (Download) [More reading: "Fatherless woman syndrome" (via The Liberator 2.1)]

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

An interview with Evo Morales [al jazeera]

2009-06-19T18:17:00.005-04:00

WHY?: Morales says, "I remember in 2002, [former] President Fidel [Castro], in a big international conferences, said, "don't do what I did." He was referring to the armed struggle. He said, "do what Chavez did." He used the ballot box." [More reading: "Nonviolent resistance in the south Hebron...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

The Mosuo: A society that shuns fatherhood.

2009-06-19T17:15:00.002-04:00

{via Flickr} WHY?: National Geographic has an informative video that briefly explains the tradition of the Mosuo people to shun marriage and raise kids in matrilineal homes with their entire extended families (but no dads). I think people who are not born into functional family structures can use...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

My favorite comments on the Jamie Thomas case.

2009-06-19T16:28:00.008-04:00

Jury in RIAA Trial Slaps $2 Million Fine on Jammie Thomas (source) "Time to boycott every label represented by RIAA." ~zav "I would really like to know what the artists concerned think about it… I’m not sure I would enjoy the knowledge that a fan’s life was ruined because she stole one of my...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Two Schools in Nablus [al jazeera]

2009-06-19T13:46:00.005-04:00

WHY?: "Although 6 out of 10 families live in poverty, almost 90 percent of children go on to university." Also of interest to me here was 1)the style of discipline employed by those in charge of these kids' lives, 2)the relationships between female educators, and of course 3)the oppression...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

A conversation with Kenyans about gay rights.

2009-06-18T15:44:00.002-04:00

WHY?: I don't hear too many conversations from the continent regarding homosexuality. Ghetto Radio gives us some perspectives from the grassroots.

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

The frustration of teaching what you love.

2009-06-14T12:55:00.008-04:00

WHY?: Keguro Macharia teaches English at the University of Maryland, College Park, and has given The Liberator permission to re-post his thoughts on the often unrequited dynamics of "teaching what you love." It, I believe, provides another perspective and can be compared and contrasted with what...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Recession Proofing

2009-06-11T23:59:00.010-04:00

{liberatormagazine.com exclusive feature} A while back Achali made some comments about being depression- and recession-proof -- living within or better yet, below your means so that you don't really feel the brunt of the economic downturn. I crunched numbers until I felt I couldn't crunch anymore,...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]

Belo Horizonte, Brazil: the city that ended hunger.

2009-06-10T15:18:00.008-04:00

WHY?: Worthwhile article about the methods of one Brazilian city to combat hunger (or really just find a better way to distribute and structure their food system). It's an interesting experiment in how local government can facilitate these types of ideas if the community presents a proposal,...

[[read the full article at liberatormagazine.com]]