Sadly, South African singer and African icon Miriam Makeba passed away today at age 76 after performing in Italy. Next to Nelson Mandela, Makeba was one of the world’s most prolific figures associated with the fight against the apartheid system of South Africa. She was a singer, an activist and symbol of beauty for many. In the spirit of Nine Simone, she used her talent as a tool for change for black people around the world—and like Nina, we miss her dearly. If you don’t know her music—then you should, start collecting that catalog now!

Mariam Makeba Dies at 76 {NYT}

Lisa Simpson, the cartoon. Yes, I said it. Poking around one of my favorite sites yesterday, I found a montage of just how feminist and pro-woman Lisa was, and I loved it. Thought I’d share it with you, watch it here. Enjoy!

-Steely D

props to Jeze.

^^^ (l to r) Cheryl Wong & Denise “Neicey” Payne

For many of us 25 and older, Saturday mornings when we were young meant three things: endless bowls of cereal, cleaning the house to your parent’s favorite records, and Soul Train. The premiere go-to urban music television show, Soul Train was our TRL or Top of the Pops. Back then, we only knew some of our Soul Train dancers by name: Jody (as in Jody Watley), Pat Davis, Shabba Doo, Jeff Daniel etc., but our favorite was Asian-American Cheryl Wong, better known “that Asian girl from Soul Train with the long hair”. (more…)

Exactly 40 years ago today, American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee as he stood on the balcony of a motel. During your day today, make time to lift up a glass, say a prayer, take a minute, etc. in his honor and reflect on his never-ending legacy. To learn more about Martin Luther “The” King as my grammy used to say – click here.