When Blackness Turns Into Light

When blackness turns into light Society could not deny what we saw with our own two eyes. We saw blackness turn into light soulful stars illuminating white nights. Jackie was a pioneer his love lifted us higher and higher his black voice shining bright in the white night his acceptance there was no denying. James Brown led the way when there still was segregation blacks and whites in Baptist churches but in separate congregations His voice was strong his blackness shone his body contorted in rhythmic gyrations his voice was heard when people listened and saw as useful this racial integration. His strength and stamina on the stage and his voice made you want to get up and dance those who saw him knew that maybe racial unity had a chance. Then came Marvin yes that Marvin Gaye he blazed a new trail a new way of thinking never encountered before, music with a social conscience that stirred a whole nation to even question the war. Then there was Sly and his band mates the Family Stone they were unique and special mixing races together musically but they were all alone Then came Stevie yes he was a wonder his talent as a musician there was simply no doubt, his music resounded a message of peace and harmony was what it was about. Then came Michael and Prince at the very same time two forces of black nature twisting and turning their blackness into light. Music of healing the world and the crying of doves transfixed hateful gazes into havens of love. And don't forget Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass too, their songs of love helped conceive a million children or two. If you never lived at a time like I did, growing up with Soul music's beginnings it would be like being a football player who never experienced winning. Now they're mostly all gone but their music still lives on we were witnesses to the legends in the making. Now the message carries on hope is never really gone it's still there for the taking. John Derek Hamilton April 25,2016