Claude McKay was one of the premier poets of the Harlem Renaissance Era & One of our Finest Early Black Nationalist Voices in America. Like The Honorable Marcus Garvey, Claude McKay immigrated to America from Jamaica in the early 1900's. And due to the Uncompromising Truths expressed in his writing, he has been called the Artistic Counterpart to Garvey. Immediately after arriving in the country, in 1912, Claude Mckay immediately published his first two volumes of work: " Songs of Jamaica" & "Constab Ballads." Briefly enrolled at Tuskegee University, Claude McKay took on additional studies at Kansas State College-before returning to New York. A Devout socialist & advocate of Black People standing PROUDLY & DEFIANTLY against All Forms of Disrespect & Oppression. This became especially important during the , and the Racially-Turbulent Years that would follow. Universally, "If We Must Die," a piece in which he implores Black People to fight back against the Riots & Lynchings that saw a massive increase during that time. If you do not know the works of Festus Claudius McKay, We STRONGLY suggest that you read some of the samples placed below, and continue to search for more of his many other classic writings. #SalutingOurLegends Red Summer of 1919
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"BLACK SNAKE" 1973"BLACK SNAKE" is an ill 1973 film about the slaves, of The Blackmoor Plantation, revolting against their sadistic master. After a week filled with controversial comments about Black People possibly being better off still in Slavery & other comments that make us appear less than human in the eyes of the rich, I thought this movie to be a timely choice. The film was written, produced & directed by Russ Meyer; and was undoubtedly an influence on Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." Filmed in Barbados; but set in the 1800's British West Indies, the film follows a spoiled & psychotic Slave Plantation owner Lady Susan. Lady Susan dominates & exploits every man on the island mentally, sexually, and emotionally like it's all a game. Black or White, Slave, Aristocrat, or laborer, it didn't matter. Lady Susan treated all badly-even after sex. Of course all good things must eventually come to an end. And after an especially savage murder of the son of the plantation's main Uncle-Tom Preacher, Lady Susan & all under her employment would catch a wrath of Biblical Proportions... Alternate titles for the film include "Slaves," & "Sweet Suzy." One very notable cast member from "Black Snake" would be David Prowse-the original "DARTH VADER." Yep. He plays the role of Jonathan Walker. The film was considered a financial failure for Russ Meyer, who was well known for his many cult classic films. Perhaps the people just weren't ready for a film like this. Hell, THEY CLEARLY STILL AREN'T. COMMENTS & FEEDBACK WELCOME. ENJOY... (Writers Note: There is a high amount of sex & violence in this movie; so DO NOT watch this around your children-or around your girl-if she's prude. "J.D.'s REVENGE" 1976"J.D.'s REVENGE" stars Glynn Turman (Coolie High, Different World, House Of Lies, The Inkwell, The Wire, etc.) as a young Medical Student & Cab Driver-who has become possessed by the spirit of 1940's Gangster J.D. Walker. Unable to Rest in Peace, after more than 30 years, the spirit of J.D. Walker found his way into young Issac after a night of partying that included allowing himself to be hypnotized at a local nightclub. And within days Issac would find himself transforming from a mild-mannered square, to going on a bit of a psychotic rampage. From terrorizing old people, to seducing a host of fly young Queens, to sexually & physically abusing his own Highly-Supportive Woman, it is clear that some other force is pulling the strings-but no one knows why. Eventually the story guides us to the true reason why J.D. Walker was killed on that fateful night in 1942; and why he had to come back for revenge. In the End, Justice is Served & You will be entertained. Hip Hop Fans will also love finding out just where RZA & Ghostface got that ill "That Was The Best F__king I Ever Had..." Sample from on the "Ironman" Album. In closing, the film features a pretty stellar cast, that includes Louis Gossett Jr., Joan Pringle, and several other notables from the 70's & 80's. Enjoy! Referred to as The "Emperor of Chinese Cinema," by TIME Magazine, Run Run Shaw helped bring a lion's share of the Old School Shaolin Kung Fu flicks that many of us cherish into our hearts & minds. And at the age of 106, he passed away earlier this week. With his brother, the all too familiar SHAW BROTHERS brand was stamped on 800 titles (some say more than 1000) including:
Run Run Shaw lived his later years as a philanthropist, and married to celebrated Movie Producer Mona Fong (he had previously been married for 50 Years to actress Wong Mei Chun). In 1964, astronomers named an asteroid belt-located between Mars & Jupiter-after Shaw. What better way to honor a LEGEND... Black ShampooAbsolutely one of the Illest & most Sexually-Charged films of the Black Exploitation Era, BLACK SHAMPOO put a fresh twist on the classic Revenge/They Picked a Fight With The Wrong Brother tale. Actor John Daniels portrays "Mr. Johnathan," who runs a highly popular beauty salon on LA's Sunset Strip. While I'm sure Mr. Johnathan probably does a great job on the women's hair, it's the opportunity for some "special services" that women flock to the salon for. Things get pretty complicated, and excessively violent, when Mr. J attempts to protect his new employee Brenda from a Mob Associate that just doesn't want to let her move on... The film was written & directed by Greydon Clark; and you may recognize the character Brenda St. John as "Celeste Perrault" on the "Days of Our Lives" soap opera. |
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