[Stiggers] 'I'm Black, and I'm Proud!' | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

[Stiggers] 'I'm Black, and I'm Proud!'

Brotha Hustle: "Welcome to my street-corner tribute to the late, great musician, singer, songwriter and performer Mr. James Brown. Many of you know about his musical achievements and influence.

"I, however, recall my granddaddy Hustle's story about how 'The Hardest Working Man in Show Business' charismatic influence helped quench riots during the 1960s—a time of tension, turmoil and retaliation, as black folk across this nation fought for their rights to acquire life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while law enforcement officers gave them lefts and rights with night sticks in the daylight. Granddaddy Hustle said 'The Godfather of Soul' became the 'voice of reason' on black radio shows when he urged the black masses to stop destroying businesses and property in their communities. When the masses curbed their behavior, Brown received much love from the white property owners and the government. This story is one aspect of the legacy of 'Soul Brother Number One'—a musician who encouraged disenfranchised African Americans to say it loud: 'I'm black, and I'm proud!'

"Aunt Tee Tee and I rigged a PA system on this street corner to give people an opportunity to verbally pay tribute to James Brown. So, enjoy a refreshing bottle of ice-cold Juicy Juice, stay on the scene, get on up, approach the microphone and give a shout-out to James Brown, our late and great 'Soul Brother Number One.'"

Note: This column is dedicated to another '"Soul Brother Number One," Mr. David Brian Williams, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2006. R.I.P.

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