dallaspenn.com

I caught this video series over at M-Spekt’s website. I was so blown away that I almost got some dust in my eyes. GIL SCOTT-HERON has been one of my heroes for such a long time and to learn that he was also inspired by JOHN COLTRANE and LANGSTON HUGHES was such a shot in my arm this weekend.

We sometimes don’t think to make the connections to the artists as activists because of how commercialization has watered down so many of the messages. Let it be known that GIL SCOTT-HERON chose to be a prophet over making a profit from his creative talent. He was so far ahead of everyone else because he was so human.

GIL SCOTT-HERON reminds me of my father because of the truth to power that he is unafraid to speak. He was right out in the front of dissension when the government sought to silence the people that protested the war in southeast Asia and the war on the poor here stateside. GIL SCOTT-HERON paid the price 10x over with his own battle with addiction.

I don’t find myself in a temple or church too much nowadays but I find different ways to thank GOD for gifting me these breaths. Before you go out today watch some of these video clips and become truly amazed for the man that GIL SCOTT-HERON is and maybe even find the challenge through his words to become the person that you want to be.