The historical significance of Michael Jackson's contribution to Black history, culture and music!
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| The musical maestro and Black icon broke down the oppressive segregated barriers of music in racist White America in the 1960. This was when black people did not even have the right to vote. After achieving success Michael’s participated social struggle by way of speaking up to corporate America for the rights of other black artistes. Michael Jackson’s iconic musical achievements includes winning 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for his albumTriller. By Norris R McDonald SULFABITTAS NEWSMAGAZINE, Vol.1, No.16, Nov. 3, 2023 |
Black assertiveness in language, literature, politics, music and the arts was among the highpoint of the 1960’s and 1970s in white, racist, segregated America.
Michael Jackson’s rise to fame, as a Blackman, is therefore, of historical significance, given the oppressive social milieu in America.
“I am black and I am proud,” James Brown shouted. Therefore music was another political and cultural arena of battle in the 1960s.
The evolving political ethos of the 1960s was characterized by the Black civil rights struggle. This was a period when dogs were being set on black people: when those who stood up for justice were being killed.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. was the leader of the overall social justices fight. However here, without losing sight of the broad socio-political context, we are focussing on Michael Jackson. as an iconic, musical maestro, who became a Black trail-blazer.
Michael Jackson became a bright star. He was, like many others, in his own way, a lighthouse shining the glorious potentials of Black people fighting to affirm human dignity.
Michael Jackson’s contribution to the Black civil rights movement was in various forms. As is recorded here by one writer on FanPop.com …
Given this perverse reality, various nefarious, diabolical schemes were used to keep Black folks at the bottom of the political, social and economic ladder.
It was out of this ethos, this boiling pot of cultural and social ferment, that Michael Jackson emerged to become a masterful musical messenger.
The Jackson 5 rose to the top in a racist era of the 1967 when Emmet Till and many others were killed for their natural given rights. Michael Jackson and his siblings, Jackie, Randy, Tito and Jermaine contribution to music is exemplary. Janet, Latoya, Rebbie and JohVonnie complete the Jackson family. Janet Jackson went on to have a stellar music career.
In music, therefore as artistes, —- by becoming endeared in the hearts, mind and soul of America —- their achievements helped to shatter the myths and racist stereotypes imposed on Black people.
Their success undoubtedly help breakdown political social, cultural and racial barriers.
Michael was caught up in the tidal waves, crashing against the brutal seawalls of injustice. His successes, through his music, helped to strengthen Black pride and dignity. All successes were saluted; all pain was shared.
This was the same spirit that drove Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Bob Marley, among others, to become true Black Lighthouse keepers; to help us see our way out of darkness and spiritual despair.
Despite oppressive conditions, in sports ‘n’ arts, music and other ares of life, Black people’s spirit could not be crushed.
Michael Jackson’s excellence is unchallengeable. His musical and artistic achievements are legendary.
Michael Jackson’s achievements includes:
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| Michael Jackson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album, Triller * Michael has won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album Triller. * He has been twice inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. |
* He opened doors for other black artistes on radio and TV.
* Billions of people worldwide have been influenced by his music, songs and performances.
Michael Jackson has made a tremendous, perhaps unrivaled, contributed to the elevation of black self-esteem, especially in the younger generation.
Michael Jackson visited the People’s Republic of China in 1987, but although he never performed there, his spirit lives on among the younger generation.
Wang Jingyuan is a Chinese fan with his ‘life-like’ Michael Jackson performances. (As seen in his YouTube video above). And it is in this sense, we see that Michael’s spirit is alive among fan’s worldwide.
Despite, the painful tragedies of Michael Jackson’ life, and his sudden demise, doesn't take anything from the black legendary, King of Pop culture.
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| Michael Jackson, The King of Pop Culture |
People of all races, culture, religion, ethnic and social background have embrace Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson helped to desegregate music and culture in America.
Rolling Stone Magazine called Michael Jack “a black superhero” as they paid tribute to his contribution to world music and culture.
Michael Jackson was an exemplary artiste who despite any limitations, demonstrated his love and compassion for people, the arts and the environment.
Despite the tragedies, at the end of his career, clearly, there is no equal to Michael Jackson, in terms of his creative genius as a song writer, choreographer, singer, and iconic, legendary performer.
…AFRO CARIBBEAN HEALTH & WELLNESS VYBZ
Great surprising health benefits and Traditional use of Jamaican Senna …. wonderful ‘King of the Forest!’ herb!
By Norris R McDonald, Respiratory Therapist
‘King of the forest’ (Senna Alta) as been long used in Jamaica as a traditional herb for ‘bush medicinal’ purposes.
In Jamaica, studies indicate that king of the forest could also be effective in reducing blood pressure, confirming one traditional use.
TRADITIONAL USE AS A MEDICINAL HERB
Overall, the most common use is as a laxative but a small cup of tea seems to be ok.
A tea made from the leaves of king of the forest is used in the Caribbean and particularly Jamaica to fortify and cleanse but a tea made from the leaves can be used topically for various skin conditions.
· Antibacterial
· Antimicrobial
· Anti fungal
· Analgesic
· Anti-hypertension
· Anti-inflammatory properties
HOW TO MAKE KING OF THE FOREST TEA
*Use 1 leave per cup
* Let in sit in a covered cup of boiled water
* Add 1 teaspoon of honey or, 1 cinnamon stick for taste.
You can also drink your tea unsweetened since it is pleasantly mild
Garden-lovers will enjoy the beauty and natural shade it brings.
It is great to wake up to the bright golden early morning sunlight appear
to embrace and kiss the rhythmic swaying, king of the Forest plant.
such natural beauty is invigorating to you soul!
It bringing joy to your eyes, heart and mind.
Bees and butterflies love the Senna plant too.
King of the forrest is a beautiful addition to your garden.
It adds aesthetic value or, ‘eye-candy’ and'; if you are like me,
a quiet reading and writing spot!
[NOTE: Studies about the nutritional and health benefits of King of the Forrest
is reported online but may not have been reviewed by health experts.
But nothing published here in SULFABITTAS NEWSMAGAZINE
Should be construed as an explicit recommendation. This article reviewed
the homeopathic value of cultural and traditional health of people in developing
societies. This information has not be reviewed by the FDA. This being said,
it must be stressed, that the above information provided for educational,
informational and health and wellness entertainment purposes.
It is not intended as a prescribed remedy or substitution for seeing your
family physician. Always be careful when drinking any herbal tea and
ask you doctor before imbibing].
