As I reflect on this institute and all that we have learned, I wonder if I lived in the 60's would I be Abbey Lincoln or Diana Ross? Would I be outspoken and political like Abbey, or make my statement by being visual like Diana? Let me see if I can work through this! Now I went to an all Black middle school and high school.

It’s hard to believe this institute is drawing to a close. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know many of the participants, and the lectures and discussions have been lively, informative, and enlightening. I have especially enjoyed our ongoing debate about authenticity, and the question “What is black music.” I’m not sure if we’ll ever really reach a consensus on that. But I feel like I’ve reached a conclusion that satisfies my curiosity on the topic.

I consider myself an old school, hip-hop guru.  I was born in the early 70’s and I was “open” when hip-hop came on the scene;  Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5, Africa Bambata, KRS1, Big Daddy Kane, etc.  Truly I can go on and on.  I knew rap/h

During the last few weeks we have viewed and discussed album covers from Motown, Verve, Impulse and Blue Note Records. Today’s speaker, Ashley Kahn, noted that one of the elements contributing to the success of Blue Note was “the look.”  A 1991 review of Blue Note: The Album Cover Art, by Felix Cromey remarked that the album c