Here at Free Black Space we revel in the Free Black.
When we say that we mean free exchange of ideas, under radar, in the familiar/unfamiliar places, and we mean the people like those first African Americans who walked around free while others were enslaved. Some might be offended and think we are reverting to some past status or trying to be more woke than others; but really it's just about people who are in the community and walk around in a slightly different context.
I know the artist Kamau and also know his father. His family and I go way back. I actually had the honor of speaking at his graduation courtesy of his mother and Bowie State University Professor D.L. Reed, also a Free Black Space writer.
His father gave me the first copy of the I-Ching and hipped me to the book. I am thankful. My relationship with the I-Ching has dramatically changed the course of my life. I met his father at Karibu Books. He was a customer, who became one of my most trusted friends. I often go to hi for advice on family, health, and navigating culture within the context of family.
In another piece I am working I am trying to get at the difference and similarities between Wakandans and Hoteps. I use those terms to describe the sophisticated folks who use black culture as a practical guide for their path in life. Kanye West is the son of an African American Lierature Professor Donda West, Dave Chappele Mother, Dr. Yvonne Seon actually worked for Patrice Lumumba, Ta-Nehisi Coates' father, Paul Coates, is the founder and owner of Black Classic Press, which just celebrated its 40 year anniversary. Just as notable is M.K. Asante, who is the son of Molefi Kete Asante, the father of Afrocentric thought. Knowledge of the black like everything else moves in generations. People imagine devotion to matters of the culture to pivot on a conversion much like Christianity, which the second generation does not have. Kamau is part of this movement. I know his father, and his brilliance and innovation were always to be expected.
I keep trying to explain the ways customers and everyday people moving in Free Black Space have changed my life. Books are great. People are great. Life is about spirit and the walk. His father is one of the best examples of the visionary, sophisticated people walking around everyday who feed our spirits and help guide us on our path. Who as African Americans and Free Blacks are a storehouse of information that a child can benefit from if they are born into that household.
You can check Kamau out on youtube. He's got plenty of videos. One that might spark Free Black Space readers is his cut Icarus featured in the film Birth of Nation.
What I find in his music is the black sophisticate taken to the next level. There is consciousness that is not simply found in the lyrics, but also in the process. For the African Centered Crew in D.C. you will here the yebo many of us in the African-Centered Community are familiar with. Though it is not fair, I hear some Bobby McFerrin in there, though he is partially hip-hop, singer, so many things.
There's an originality to it that I haven't really seen before. The rhythms and style show and display Africa, there's djembes on some of the tracks.
There's much to check out, but the one I would like to feature is Foolmoon. If you read Free Black Space you know I am moonie. So here is full moon. Get ready.
