The Go-Go music culture has been added, among many other cities across the world, to Detour.
What exactly is Detour?
Among the 150 tours that it provides is a guided virtual walking tour of Washington DC’s U Street Corridor and Go-Go music’s history, that helped it overcome the devastation of the ‘68 riots. The walk, which is narrated by Kato Hammond, takes you from St. Augustine’s Chapel to the Howard Theatre, hitting spots in between, such as the Reeves Center, Meridian Hill Park (Malcolm X Park) Ben’s Chili Bowl, Industrial Bank, Lil Benny Way, Masonic Temple, Lincoln Theatre, The African American Civil War Memorial, 960 Club, Chuck Brown Way and much more. Also included in this virtual tour are stories from Andre “Whiteboy” Johnson (
Immortalize My Shit!
There is no question that one of my top favorite movies of all time is the Theodore Witcher directed movie “Love Jones“, which starred Lorenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington, Lisa Nicole Carson and Bill Bellamy. This particular movie, which has now moved into the realm of what is considered a “classic” when it comes to black cinematography, is full of memorable quotes and lines such as “You always want what you want when you want it. Why is everything so urgent with you?” and “This here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me. I love you. That’s urgent like a motherfucker,” and of course the all time favorite “Brother to the Night.”
But in actuality, there is one line that has always stood out to me which didn’t involve a dialog been Darius and Nina. The biggest line that has always stood out to me with this movie actually took place during a scene with Hollywood and Nina. It was where he was trying to take out her out to dinner. So, he booked a photography session with her, and as he began getting into to position, he says, “You’re the shooter, aren’t you? Then shoot me gotdammit. Immortalize my shit!”
[bctt tweet=”Immortalize my shit!” username=”KatoHammond”]
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
“People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.”
— Unknown
A Message To All 50 Year Olds
One thing I have always enjoyed is listening to the stories, advice, and wisdom from people who I deemed to be very creative, knowledgeable, and especially inspiring in the subjects that they speak on. As long as I can remember, as far back as to my teen years, I have always enjoyed listening to speakers such as Leo Buscalglia, Les Brown, Dr. Tony Evans, etc. And there is no doubt in my mind that growing up and being inspired by these people and others is the reason that I now enjoy inspiring, motivating and encouraging others. It was basically embedded in me. Especially on the subjects of self appreciation, self-love and self-worth. Regardless of what the subject may have been, if it was something that I was able to find a way to positively apply to my life and growth, I would absorb it in many ways possible. This includes watching them speak with programmers through the PBS channel and programs, reading books that they would release and collecting tapes and other recordings that they would also release.
Howard University To Rename School of Communications After Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes
Howard University will name its School of Communications in honor of Radio One Founder Ms. Cathy Hughes. The school will officially be called the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, and the naming ceremony will be held on October 23, 2016 at Howard University.
The “Best of Cathy Hughes Morning Show” is airing as part of a week-long celebration by Radio One to commemorate Ms. Hughes’ accomplishments and career.
Because I try my best not to be opinionated on people’s work
I was just sitting here thinking Something that I have always stated and posted over and over is that I didn’t believe in artists critiquing other artists’ work. It’s something that annoys me to no end… seeing folks constantly do this.
But do you know what I got that attitude from? It was from observing my cousin Byron Jackson my entire life.
This is a totally true story. And it isn’t anything in particular that he’s ever said to me. It’s just a belief I picked up by always watching him. Because one things about him is… as awesome he was as a musician, I have never once in my life EVER heard him say anything negative in that type of format regarding other artists. EVER. When people say that he was humble dude, that ain’t saying just be saying something nice. That shit it true like a mug.
Featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th was the GRAND OPENING for the SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE. The Ribbon-Cutting was performed by PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. These are two photographs of part of the Chuck Brown Go-Go display.
The first photograph showcase encases an image of Rare Essence and quote by me.
The second photograph is of a Globe Poster that displays one of the Go-Go bands that I played with called Little Benny and the Masters.
Denzel Washington Sets the Record Straight While Addressing the ‘Uncle Denzel’ Memes
In an interview with Global Grind, while promoting his film, The Magnificent Seven, Denzel Washington lays down some words of wisdom while addressing the “Uncle Denzel” memes.
In his own words, “Those who can, Do. Those who can’t, talk about those who can.” I LOVE IT!!!
Off To See The Wiz
Do you remember the story of “The Wiz”? In this story we saw the characters of Dorothy, who had wanted to run away from home because she thought there was a better place somewhere. We also met the scarecrow who believed he had no brain, the lion who thought he had no courage, and the kindly tin man who assumed he had no heart.
Together the four of them set off to the Emerald City to find The Wiz in hopes that he could bestow upon them these virtues and find a way for Dorothy to go back home.
Even though Dorothy had thought she had wanted to be somewhere else, once she arrived in Munchkin Land she realized that her dreams of being in a different place were not what she thought they would be. Disappointed in the reality she desperately wanted to return to Kansas and be with her loving family.
How many of us can relate to their dilemma? For some reason we think there is greener pasture on the other side or that we do not possess the characteristics necessary to fulfill our dreams.
The One Thing I Know
