African American World War I monument revealed in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Marianna recognized a part of Jackson County history that’s been largely forgotten, but not any longer.

In 1919, Marianna veteran and first black lawyer Armstong Purdee had a dream to build this monument.

On Friday, his granddaughters made Purdee’s dream a reality.

“He was born in 1856 and died in 1937. So this monument was never realized. It never happened. So it took me approximately 6, 7 years to get to this point so this is a very historic day for me and my family, said Purdee’s grandmother Curley Spires Potter”.

36,000 Floridians served in World War I, 16,000 more than a third were African Americans. These names represent the 20 African-American men from Jackson County.

“He felt very compassionate about those soldiers because when they went to war, they were not allowed to fight with the white soldiers. The white soldiers refused to fight with the black soldiers. So at that time, the soldiers ended up in France, said Potter”.

Several people attended the long overdue unveiling honor at the Jackson County Court House.

“When I was watching it being unveiled I felt a sense of pride knowing that those veterans that served in World War One was being recognized. And also as a current veteran, it gives me the feeling of giving back to the community”, said Leon Kelly, a Desert Storm veteran.

The monument hopefully can educate future generations.

“It recognizes the role that color itself has played in the and in the World War. And so it is very important to this community. You know, we as a people want to be inspired by history. And we can’t be inspired unless we can identify with it. And this history here, we can identify” said Marinda Spires Liggans.

The event was immediately followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

New Miami Exhibit Honors The Life And Art Of Slain UVA Football Player D’Sean Perry

New Miami Exhibit Honors The Life And Art Of Slain UVA Football Player D’Sean Perry

A new art exhibit in Florida is honoring the memory of the late D’Sean Perry, one of three University of Virginia football players killed when a gunman opened fire on campus as they made their way back from a school trip last November. 

The South Dade Black History Center recently unveiled the “Love-Art-Football” exhibit, allowing visitors to learn more about Perry, The Miami Herald reports.

The South Florida native was a graduate of Gulliver Prep before he went on to play football at the University of Virginia. Perry was also an artist in his sophomore year as a studio art major with dreams of having his work exhibited at Art Basel one day.

“He’s one step closer,” Diara Zeigler, the program director for the South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board, told the Miami Herald. “We’ll get him there.”

The exhibit includes several of Perry’s works, such as a sketch of Simpsons characters and sculptures of an orca, a lion head, and a Greek mythology-inspired version of himself. Also displayed is his final UVA jersey and a few awards, including two recognizing him for his work at Gulliver in advanced ceramics.

“We want to make sure people don’t forget his legacy because it’s easy to move on to other things,” said former Miami-Dade Commissioner Dennis Moss, who secured the funding to build the South Dade Black History Center during his time in office. Moss currently serves as advisory board chairman for the center. “He was such a shining star with so much potential that we wanted to make sure he was remembered.”

The exhibit also features a framed display that contains two pictures, a hand-written letter, and a navy blue UVA glove. The letter came courtesy of Cole Pratt, a young fan to whom Perry gifted his gloves after UVA’s game against Georgia Tech. When Pratt heard of Perry’s passing, he sent one of the gloves and the letter to Perry’s parents, as the Miami Herald reports.

“Those gloves were the best birthday present I could have ever asked for,” Pratt wrote. “So I wanted to give you one of his gloves. I really want you to have it. I have his other one so we can remember him forever.”

“He was such a remarkable young man,” said Zeigler, who knew Perry. “He had an infectious smile. He was loving. He was respectful, a very respectful young man. Just a well-rounded young man.”

That’s part of the reason why Zeigler is committed to fulfilling part of Perry’s dream. When the Basel South Black Art Show opens at the South Dade Black History Center in December, Perry’s work will also be on display alongside other local artists, a request from his parents that Zeigler was more than happy to honor.

“Our platform here at the museum is for opportunities such as this: giving our artists in the South Dade community a voice,” Zeigler said. “So why not have his art in the show? We’re just happy that his parents wanted us to have it.”

The Love-Art-Football Exhibit will be on display through November 14 at the South Dade Black History Center in Miami. 

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Aluna Launches Dance Music Label Focused On Black Female & LGBTQ+ Artists

Aluna is one of the dance world’s strongest voices for the representation of Black artists, and this week she’s continuing the mission with the launch of her own label, Noir Fever.

Launched in partnership with Empire, Noir Fever will be a home for dance music created by Black artists, with a focus on Black women and LGBTQ+ artists.

“I started Noir Fever records as a key component to my 360-degree strategy of making sustainable and effective change to the future of Black dance music, an idea which was birthed as a response to my own letter to the Dance music industry in 2020,” Aluna said in a statement.

“Investment in the recording side is essential to fostering emerging talent, and by focusing on black women and the queer community I can ensure that everyone is being uplifted,” the statement continues. “This label will work in tandem with my events company so that those who I am opening doors for are not simply walking into another closed door, I’m trying to create a path not an opportunity to slip through a crack.” 

The label’s first release is “Pain & Pleasure,” a vibey jam from Moonshine, a Montreal collective of musicians, DJs, dancers and visual artists. The track features the Juno Award-nominated, Somali-Canadian artist Amaal Nuux, Portuguese-Angolese artist Vanyfox and Aluna herself. Listen to it below.

Noir Fever has also appointed Adam Cooper, who DJs as Foreigner, as creative director. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, raised in Caracas, Venezuela as well Brooklyn, Cooper has programmed and DJ’d stages at Coachella, performed for Boiler Room and hosts Black dance music experiences around Los Angeles. 

Of the launch, EMPIRE Dance’s director of operations/A&R Deron Delgado said in a statement: “Beyond her extraordinary achievements and remarkable talent, Aluna has consistently championed diversity and inclusion in the music industry, principles that have been ingrained in the very fabric of EMPIRE since our inception over a decade ago. Our shared values and objectives align seamlessly, making this collaboration a natural synergy that promises to elevate music, events, and art to a broader global audience. We are truly excited to be part of showcasing the exceptional talent that Noir Fever is bringing to the masses.”

The label launch follows the release of Aluna’s second solo album, MYCELiUM, released this past July via Mad Decent.

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Tracy Chapman Makes History as the First Black Songwriter to Win CMA Song of the Year

In a historic and long-overdue triumph, Tracy Chapman has become the first Black songwriter to win the Country Music Association (CMA) Song of the Year award. The accolade was awarded for Chapman’s enduring folk ballad, “Fast Car,” originally released 35 years ago. The recognition comes on the heels of Luke Combs’ chart-topping rendition of the song, which not only reached Number Two on the Hot 100 but also secured the Single of the Year award at this year’s CMA Awards.

Luke Combs expressed his gratitude to Chapman during his acceptance speech, recognizing her for writing “one of the best songs of all time.” Combs further shared that “Fast Car” was his first favorite song, dating back to when he was just 4 years old. The song’s impact on a new generation of fans is evident in its unexpected resurgence, marking it as an unlikely blockbuster hit across genres.

Chapman, known for her reclusive nature, was not present at the CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. However, a prepared statement from the groundbreaking songwriter was read by co-presenter Sara Evans. In her statement, Chapman expressed her honor at the newfound recognition of “Fast Car” after more than three decades since its debut. She extended her gratitude to the CMAs, as well as to Luke Combs and all the fans of the song.

The significance of Tracy Chapman’s win goes beyond the celebration of a timeless song; it underscores a notable milestone in the 56-year history of the CMA Awards. Never before has a Black songwriter, whether male or female, claimed the Song of the Year honor until Tracy Chapman’s groundbreaking achievement. This historic moment serves as a reminder of the strides that still need to be made in fostering inclusivity within the country music industry.

Combs’ rendition of the song, featured on his “Gettin’ Old” album, reached Number One on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart earlier in the summer. This achievement also solidified Tracy Chapman as the first Black woman to have the sole songwriting credit on a Number One country hit.

Chapman’s groundbreaking win adds her name to a select group of Black women who have made history in country music, challenging preconceived notions and breaking barriers. As the industry continues to evolve, Tracy Chapman’s triumph serves as inspiration for aspiring Black songwriters and artists, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse voices within the country music landscape.

Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” has not only stood the test of time but has now etched its place in history as the catalyst for a groundbreaking moment at the CMA Awards. As the industry strives for greater inclusivity, Chapman’s win is a step forward, highlighting the significance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions of Black artists and songwriters in the country music genre.

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Chairman John Sykes talks about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Photo Courtesy of Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio.

John Sykes, the Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, chatted at the press room prior to the induction ceremony, which was held on November 3rd at the Barclays Center in New York.

2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2023 featured such inductees as Sheryl Crow, Kate Bush (who did not attend), Rage Against the Machine, Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott, George Michael (posthumously), and The Spinners in the “Performers” category.

Chaka Khan received the “Musical Excellence Award” while the “Musical Influence Award” (formerly known as the “Early Influence” Award) went to DJ Kool Herc and to guitar legend Link Wray posthumously.

John Sykes defines what ‘rock and roll’ is…

Sykes noted that they are celebrating “rock and roll,” which is “a spirit and an attitude.” “Rock and roll was really created in the ’50s from rhythm, blues, gospel, and country. Somewhere along the line, it got called ‘rock.’ Rock is a part of rock and roll but it’s just one part.”

He continued, “Six of the first inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were black artists, which included Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and James Brown,” Sykes said. “Years later, you had country artists such as Hank Williams and Brenda Lee. Rock and roll is this wonderful and diverse amalgamation of sounds that have one thing in common: attitude and change.”

“If you look back, you will notice that these artists moved people in the same way that Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Elvis moved kids, as did The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Missy Elliott, and Jay-Z.”

“It really is a true spirit,” Sykes admitted. “When you put on a Motown record, it is the sound of young America. I can’t think of a better description of rock and roll.”

Sykes underscored that rock and roll does not have any bias between color or gender. “It is all about spirit and attitude,” he reiterated.

Future of the Rock Hall in the next five years

When asked by this journalist where he sees the future of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the next five years, Sykes responded, “To be successful, to be relevant. Follow the sounds, and follow the sounds of the artists we induct. Remember that we are on a 25 year delay, so we can’t induct anybody that released music prior to the late ’90s.”

“This year was Missy Elliott’s first year of eligibility, and she got in her first ballot, and a few years ago, Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, and Eminem, got in their first ballots,” he added.

The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is available to stream on Disney+ and ABC, will air a special on Monday, January 1.

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Taylor Swift-Themed Fireworks Show Sets World Record at 2023 US Fireworks Championship

Taylor Swift-Themed Fireworks Show Sets World Record at 2023 US Fireworks Championship – African American News Today – EIN Presswire

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Veterans honored at historic African American cemetery

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Ahead of Veterans Day, people nationwide are honoring those who served. In Lexington, service members buried at Cove Haven Cemetery were remembered Friday morning, some of whom didn’t always get the recognition they deserved.

Cove Haven is one of the city’s historic African-American cemeteries. It’s the final resting place for over 500 veterans, including eight women.

That legacy of service brought the National Association for Black Veterans, or NABVETS, to the cemetery for Friday’s ceremony.

“It’s important we recognize the veterans who have gone on before us,” said Rev. James Thurman. “They have uncovered graves that go all the way back to the Civil War, the Revolutionary War.”

Previously known as Greenwood Cemetery, volunteers have worked to clean the cemetery up and document the extensive history of the heroes buried here.

“I’ve learned that just from studying the records of these veterans. Finding out what their jobs are,” said burial manager Yvonne Giles. “Many of their headstones just say World War One veteran and give a regiment. But that didn’t tell me what they were doing.”

Other groups have placed American flags at the hundreds of veteran graves on site, including the headstones of four veterans whose grave sites were never found.

“A lot of us forget, and this is to remind you of the people who went on ahead of you,” said Army Veteran and NABVETS member Darlene Varner.

African American veterans honored at historical Richmond cemetery

RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — In its fourth annual Veterans Day celebration, Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery honored veterans resting in Richmond’s largest and oldest African-American cemetery.

The organizers were joined by the Madison Central High School Army JROTC Cadets Corps, Camp 5, KY Department, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, along with members of the community.

Together, the groups presented several wreaths and dedicated the headstones of five individuals buried in the cemetery.

“So many times it’s easy to forget people, but the headstone lets us know there was a life well lived there,” said Judy Greene-Baker, Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery president.

One of the headstones to receive a wreath was that of U.S. Navy veteran, Clarence Miller.

“He enlisted at the age of 18,” said his daughter, Cynthia Ballard. “I think he told a fib to be able to get in. He was in several wars and received several honors.”

Another man honored and the only Coast Guard veteran in the cemetery was Marvin Meadows, affectionately known as Danny by his family.

“Danny wanted to go into the Coast Guard, but for all of the stuff going on at that time, he could not join here, so he had to go to New York to enlist in the Coast Guard. He was just determined,” said his sister, Ruth Carroll.

The service of Miller, Meadows, and many others in the graveyard isn’t always recognized. Some of their stories were never recorded.

“So often, history has lost the African American experience, and we have found that here in the cemetery is a wonderful place to tell the story of African Americans’ enrichment in Madison County,” said Greene-Baker.

A dedication on Veterans Day lets everyone else learn what their families have always known – The servicemen and women buried in Maple Grove Cemetery are heroes.

“He took care of his family and he just loved everybody,” said Ballard.

“I come back and see Danny all the time, so to think that others are thinking of him too…it’s just a great great feeling,” said Carroll.