Contributor Andrew Padula has been in situations throughout his life where he’s felt compelled to address racial issues from his unusual perspective. Andrew is a white, politically conservative, blues musician who’s been teaching and touring the U.S. and Europe since 1993. He can be seen with blues legend Bobby Parker on B.E.T. Jazz Central as [...]

It occurs to me that in the last 90 days, the mainstream media (MSM) has broadcast more positive images of the American black man than at any time since the late 1980’s when The Cosby Show was airing original episodes and in syndication simultaneously. On top of Obama’s screen time, I’ve seen more black [...]

One Nation Under A Groove
Parliament Funkadelic
If you were never a Funkateer…If you never saw Parliament Funkadelic live in concert…well, you missed something spectacular.
“Tell Sugah!”

If I had posted this piece in its original form, it would have meant that I was tone deaf. It would have meant that I was so wrapped up in happy memories that I couldn’t face facts. This piece had been a straightforward narrative expressing how much I loved the dance music of the 80’s: [...]

Bill Cosby is right. He may not be right in every little detailed observation of the intra-racial problems plaguing the black community, but his overall picture is true.
MR. COSBY: Let’s deal first with what people call the systemic—the, the racism that exists in this country, which is absolutely for real. But [...]

Contributor Andrew Padula has been in situations throughout his life where he has felt compelled to address racial issues from his unusual perspective. Andrew is a white, politically conservative, blues musician who has been teaching and touring the U.S. and Europe since 1993. He can be seen with blues legend Bobby Parker on B.E.T. Jazz [...]

I was a youngster when the movie Serpico, starring Al Pacino, opened. The movie captured the true life story of Frank Serpico, an honest, undercover, New York City cop, and his battle against crime and corruption perpetrated by other New York City cops. I had read the book, my mom had it, and I pretty [...]

It was one of those perky, sunny mornings that introduce spring to New York City. I was waiting at a crosswalk and blammo; a freckle faced young man plowed his bike right into me. He didn’t look crazy, so as I recovered from my stumble I met his eyes, presuming an, “Oh, excuse me” would [...]