A Pluralism Carol: Burning Babe

“We will guard each [person’s] dignity and save each [person’s] pride/

And they will know we are Christians by our love.”

— “They’ll Know We Are Christians” by Peter Scholtes, © 1966

“Burning Babe” has become one of my favorite Christmas songs because it’s about so much more than Christmas.

It’s also about the importance of cultural pluralism and the separation of church and state. It’s about resistance, hope and sacrifice.

The lyrics don’t tell the whole story on their own. A little more context is required to fully appreciate it.

Concert Benefits DJ Kool Herc, Focuses on Health Care

Friday, February 18, three of the city’s leading DJs performed at a benefit concert for hip-hop music pioneer DJ Kool Herc.  DJ Pillo, Apryl Reign and Mista Rare Groove headlined the affair at Main Event in downtown Cincinnati. The event was the second collaboration between the three artists as par of a regular show they have begun called “Selectas Choice.”

With the aid of both turntables and laptops, the DJs kept their audience dancing as they spun and scratched records all night from 10pm until after 4am. The set list drew from a variety of hip-hop, R&B and soul musicians including A Tribe Called Quest, Prince, Salt-N-Pepa, Cee Lo and the Jackson 5. Both the music and the cause attracted a lively crowd that included a few influential names in the Cincinnati hip-hop scene like musician Marvin Hawkins, author Kathy Y. Wilson and radio personality Perry Simmons.

Tweeting from DJ Kool Herc Benefit Concert

Friday night DJ Pillo, Mista Rare Groove and April Reign — three of Cincinnati’s premier DJs — performed at Main Event for their second “Selectas Choice” concert. This time they donated the proceeds to help hip-hop legend DJ Kool Herc, also known as Clive Campbell. The benefit concert was part of a nation-wide effort to raise money for his recent medical expenses.

Winter Revolution: A Holiday Playlist for the Rest of Us

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”

– Luke 1:51-53, NIV (from “Mary’s Song”)

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See the whole list on YouTube – A Holiday Playlist for the Rest of Us

1. Matisyahu – “Miracle”

The cover of the album "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration." Released in 1992 by Warner Alliance.

2.  Rage Against The Machine – “No Shelter”

3.  Patti Austin – “But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming”

(from the album Handel’s Messiah, A Soulful Celebration)

4. Stevie Wonder – “Someday At Christmas”

5. Flobots – “Whip$ and Chain$”

6. Kirk Franklin – “Revolution”

7. Tracy Chapman – “Talkin’ Bout A Revolution”

8.  Erran Baron Cohen (feat. Jules Brookes & Y-Love) – “Dreidel”

9. John Lennon – “Happy Christmas (War is Over)”

10. Anita Baker – “Christmas Time Is Here” (originally from A Charlie Brown Christmas)

11. Kanye West – “Family Business”

12. Donny Hathaway – “This Christmas”

13. Queen – “Thank God It’s Christmas”

14. Green Day – “Holiday”

15. Ben Harper – “Better Way”

16. Enya – “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel”

17. Adam Sandler – “The Hanuka Song”

18. Common – “The Light”

19. U2 – “Peace on Earth”

20. Jars of Clay – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”

21. José Feliciano – Niño Jesus

22. Kurtis Blow – “Christmas Rapping”

23. Lauryn Hill – “Joyful Joyful”

24. Paul Simon – “Getting Ready for Christmas Day”

25. Will Smith Feat. K-Ci – “Will 2K”

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Honorable Mentions — Some of my favorite holiday moments from TV and film

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URB.COM »» Georgia Anne Muldrow

Check out my article about producer/singer/songwriter/ rapper/pianist Georgia Anne Muldrow, featured on URB.COM!

Just follow the link: URB.COM | Georgia Anne Muldrow: Everything Coming Up Roses

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When I interviewed her over the phone, Muldrow had a very distinctive way of expressing herself. Her unusual turns of phrase were so interesting, I compiled a list of my favorites. The ones listed here didn’t make it into the final piece for URB. I like to call them…

Muldrowisms

Obama Inauguration Coverage

Versions of this were originally published by The News Record and the UC Association of Black Journalists.

Check out UCABJ Vice President Geoffrey Dobbins’s inauguration report at The News Record’s Web site.

Here are some images from the celebration Dobbins and Terron Austin attended: The Root Inaugural Ball

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Inauguration Report: UC Journalism student recounts unforgettable inauguration experience through personal narrative

Geoffrey Dobbins | The News Record

Published: Tuesday, January 27, 2009

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Barack Obama took the oath as the 44th President of the United States. I took the opportunity to join the millions of people who traveled to Washington, D.C. that week for the event.