Hope and Change. I still believe it. . We should never give up on that. Life is about moving forward regardless. Vote, campaign, donate, educate, make your voice heard. And do the loving thing because there’s someone in your life who needs it. Thank you for always fighting the good fight, Ari. You absolutely influence positive change.
Yes it resonates and it always will. His mother knew change could happen. Black Panthers improved black lives in countless ways and deeds. It’s great to listen to this song again. It doesn’t strike me as hopeless rather it inspires. The level of sociopathy in the GOP feels hopeless but anguish can be transformative. Grief has the emotional power to give rise to balance and clarity. I am holding my breath and listening to protest songs
Panthers fed and housed and educated their community. They were also helpful to the sit ins by disabled Americans protesting for their rights. P anthers fed these disabled protesters and provided medicines and security
You are so right, Truda. There used to be lines of kids for breakfast, every morning before school. They encouraged Blacks (women primarily, to train on the key punch machines for the coming jobs—whatever to upgrade the community.
Black Panthers were truly a social service group in the Jane Adams tradition. They met the needs of their community and provided their own security and their own democratic social government. They also extended support to other marginalized groups. They were remarkable
From your commentary: Shakur, at the age of 24, he told BET: “I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”
Tupac was during my kids era, and they spoke of his genius and his uniqueness often, trying to sell him to me. I was much more conservative in my views and didn’t think too highly of Rap, nor rappers. Since his death, I’ve paid attention to who lauds this kid: scholars, poets, musicians, and you, Ari, every so often. I listened to him rap “Changes,” with the lyric visuals and background music of “The Way It Is.” Significant and powerful! Always loved The Way It Is-the piano melodies especially, but never paid attention to the artist. Hornsby was simply acknowledging that life for some was just what it was, whereas, Tupac saw conditions as they were, but tried to look to a brighter future. Ari, I appreciate this distraction, even though it’s connected to the social/political ills of today. The young man still “sparks the brain” that will change the world, and Hornsby’s song remains relevant: “It’s just the way it is.” BUT, there’s HOPE!
Interesting to read that you got more conversant with his work over time, and always great to keep an open mind!
And in whatever small way, I’m happy to be one of the people who brought him to you… it’s always striking to see which artists/writers have work that resonates with generations after their era..
I find that a number of your readers are in or near my age group (76 in Aug), and that you are introducing us to another genre of music and artists. I THANK YOU!
My children watched MTV and I too didn't understand their taste in music. But I did sit and watch with them sometimes. But it wasn't until Ari brought us to actually listen to the lyrics and understand the strong messages the artists were expressing. At first, I only looked up the lyrics, and followed along with the video. I'm getting to where I can actually listen and understand what they are saying. It's taken me a while, but progress takes time.😉🎹🎤🎼💗
😂You are so right, V. I guess we have opened minds now, not caught up in all those social labels and stigma we thrust upon others. I love this site, am learning a lot about myself and from folks like you, V. ..A calm Memorial Day to you, too❤️
Dear Mama, Brenda's Got a Baby, Keep Your Head Up, all songs my parents liked back in the day (and still) despite his controversial persona as a "gangster rapper". I had constant debates with my parents about rap music as a kid. I can certainly see their point in some regards for sure, as an adult now. But today, my parents would probably hold Tupac as the gold standard in comparison to some artists today. Funny how that is.
Hi CalenderGrl, now here you go, got me listening to Tupac, at this age. I’m ashamed that I so harshly judged this young man. While you were fighting with your parents, my son was fighting with me. I realize today, that my abhorrence was rooted in being churchified, at the time. Have done a lot of growing since then, and would definitely consider Tupac “the gold standard.” I listened to both songs. “Brenda’s” story was heartbreaking. Outstanding for me, besides his creativity, was that he actually enunciated his words. So many rappers and singers, don’t consider the listener nowadays.
'Diva, I'm so happy you took time to listen to those songs! That's fantastic and I'm glad you liked them!! The video of Brenda's Got a Baby is good too. My parents were all about Motown. They didn't like the rap *trend* at all. Rap has changed a lot since I was a kid and I even find myself judging rap today. I guess that's me aging. 😂 Now my parents have a slightly different appreciation for older rap artist that they didn't have when they first came out. I wouldn't say they know all of their songs, but they do know of some mainstream songs from the 90s. Which is fine by me because that was my favorite time for rap. I can agree with you about today's music. I have a handful I take interest in and I keep them on rotation. But many of the newer artists I usually find out about because of Ari.
Well, if YOU are learning from Ari, then YES, CG, you’re moving on up. Here’s a kicker for you, my favorite became “Candy Shop” and “P.I.M.P.” My kids would ask, “What are YOU doing listening to that, after telling us for years, we couldn’t?” I simply copped to being a fraud. However, I only discovered the songs (love the beat) years later, during Pitbull reign—love all his music. The great thing about these revelations is seeing your own growth. Wishing you and your parents wellness, on this Memorial Day.
Well 50 songs are what I've labeled as dance rap. His songs are played at all the clubs, weddings, gyms, malls, etc. So it's not surprising you love those songs. Pitbull is the same. They get you moving. Everyone loves a good dance track. I learn about many younger artists through Ari. I would have never known about them otherwise. So he''s keeping us all informed. I do like that. I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! I hate it's over. I'm already looking forward to the 4th of July. 😊
Me, too! These months are my favorite time of year. I imagine for most. And yes, music keeps us young and energetic; Ari keeps us learning and growing. Great talking to you, CG!
Olddiva, you said so much of what I wanted to say. My son is Oakland raised, loves rap, plays drums and raps. I didn't appreciate the rap music. My son made me listen, because you can't turn off the tunes in a car full of teenage guys. I have come to appreciate some of it. And, this post by Ari has made me want to get more acquainted with Shakur's works.
The lyrics resonate with me as much as they can considering I’m a fortunate white man, with a reasonably functional brain, born into relative privilege. What far too many in this country fail to realize…and who may be clinging to their religion and their guns…is that change is a constant throughout the arc of time. To their chagrin, nothing stays the same. Ever.
In a peripherally related aside, consider the Constitution…that revered and sacrosanct document to which far too many refer in defense of their personal arsenals. Note that it removes access to booze then, amid a national uproar, restores it…all the while maintaining our right to own a firearm or twenty. Liquor over life.
In our current environment, amid relentless and seemingly preventable tragedies, how does that continue to make sense to anyone capable of rational thought??
George, you said all, "A man with a reasonably functional brain". Unfortunately alot of of these people don't have one. They will never have a rational thought, sad but true.😑
May 27, 2022·edited May 27, 2022Liked by Ari Melber
Wow! Where do I start? First of all, I have to check out your series on protest songs. I love that you paired Tupac's song with Hornsby's song- both of which I grew up listening to. In fact, two of my sophomore students decided to use Tupac as their subject for our "Tragic Hero Hall of Shame". The objective was to argue how one individual (a real person not a character) represents the aspects of a tragic hero. They were fabulous! I often listen to Tupac's song in the car on my way to or from work. Second- I like your line: "Shakur’s lyrics suggest anyone conceding “that’s just the way it is” will be feeding an environment that makes change less likely."
This is a strong point that I try to share with my students by applying it to our campus and the world at large. We can't surrender to the hopelessness around us, no matter how difficult. Thanks for giving me more for reflection and I blame you for activating the lesson plan side of my brain just as my summer vacation has begun. Cheers!
Wow, to quote another rap artist of that same era, "You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far". I certainly would not have thought there would be classroom discussions on rappers and rap music as a young kid. It makes me very happy to hear! I would have loved to witness the student's work on Tupac. Thanks for being so open to creating that lesson plan! Respect!!
Bruce Hornsby and Tupac Shakur are indeed two distant strangers. This song from both artists definitely have a message. These messages are to inspire us to do better actions for ourselves, the people around us, or for the planet that we live on. These words are to help us change something for the better.
Do Tupac’s lyrics resonate with you today?
Yes Tupac’s lyrics resonates with me. Tupac is one of the most visionary thinkers to express what is going on around him. I just thought about this: his song, Changes is a protest anthem…I forgot about this song when you asked us our favorite protest song in previous newsletter.
Ari, you must be exhausted from reporting the horrible event of this week. Thanks for your insights, special reporting and this newsletter. Keep shining light 💡on the truth🙂
Yes, I could hear it in his voice (the exhaustion). I think we're all exhausted and fed up and sometimes it's forgotten that news anchors and journalists are regular people just like us. I appreciate his candor so much!
The "media" gets blamed for a lot (and sometimes they truly deserve criticism), but thank goodness for journalists like Ari who report the news and the facts, even the excruciating details. We are reminded of their humanity when they tear up or just break down crying along with the rest of us. Praying for their strength!! 🙏🏽
Thank you for linking the song to your post. Your words moved me, but even mores Tupac's video and knowing he was tragically killed at such a young age. Somehow you have to hold on to hope, and FIGHT to make the change come true.
His lyrics are eerily relevant now as they were back then. When he talks about longing for a more innocent time “that’s just the way it is things will never be the same” he is capturing the hopelessness that so many of us are feeling right now. I was never familiar with his music until now, and I am struck by the sweetness and sadness of this song. And of all the emotion I have felt this week, I’m going to sit with this for now.
It feels almost callous to say have a wonderful weekend, folks, but please try. 💔❤️
Hi Ari, I find it so heartbreaking to listen to Tupac, and hear the lyrics that truly resonate today. Will things ever change? Probably not. All these politicians continue to stop legislation that could bring things forward. But they keep moving in the opposite direction.😢
It’ll get better, V, we just have to stay in the fight. I hear your dismay, it matches mine. Gotta “keep on pushing.” Stay well, be safe. Let’s watch happy movies this weekend and sip 7Ups. That’s my high.😂
Yes I will be having my drink of choice tonight. Fresh limeade, with a splash of orange juice and cranberry juice, with lots of crushed ice. Now I'm looking for a happy movie or two. 💗😊
Hi and happy Memorial Day! The way I feel is it's really up to us now. We have to fight and vote to see the change we want. We can't just leave it up to politicians to do it without our voice and pressure. I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday!!
Hi C.G.!!!😊 Hope you are enjoying this Memorial Day Holiday!!!.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Was watching the Memorial Day Concert on PBS last night, it was such a touching tribute to our American heroes. They have fought for our freedom, and their families have lost so much. They did this for US!!! Now we need to continue to fight to save our democracy and keep the freedom we have been blessed to have for 245 years!!!🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Have a good rest of your day!!!!💗🎹🎤🎼😀
Hi Diva, Eve, Harriett, & Sandra 👋 Thank you ladies for lifting me up tonight. It's been such an emotional week. I was giving up hope for change. But I don't want to let them win. We will continue to fight for the rights of everyone. God bless you all, have a safe weekend!!!🙏🌹🌼🌸💗🇺🇸
Hi Ari - Sadly, I have no words at the moment. My head & heart are spinning from the events of the week. Haven't slept much. Trying to pick out the truth of how & why it all happened. Going to try to get out of my head this weekend by attending memorials and parades , & visiting the graves of family members who served our county on another Memorial day. Hope you gather with family & friends this weekend - Stay Safe. SCF
Happy Friday Ari, the lyrics resonate with us now. I find it interesting how songs & movies can have a long lifetime. Not sure that’s a good thing though. I think change is possible, it’s just a slow slow process. Wasn’t Obama’s campaign slogan about change🤔? We can do better. Anyways…. Good Shabbos!
Yes, President Obama's campaign slogan was about change. And I believe that was truly his desire. But as you mentioned, it's a slow process sadly. As Ari pointed out in Hornsby's lyrics, "well, they passed a law in '64, to give those who ain't got a little more, but it only goes so far because the law don't change another's mind. It's 2022, and it's clear that the law didn't change the minds of those who never wanted Black people to vote in the first place. So now, we're still fighting and we can never stop fighting.
The way of this world is to take out what you are afraid of. We see it happening now. White folks are afraid of losing their privilege thinking people of color are taking over. Tupac was straight up telling his truth and people didn't want to be confronted with it because it made them see the ugly in themselves. That made him dangerous, that made them scared of his power to ignite the people. That made "them" take him out. Yet he lives on with his songs, his poetry, and his fighting words for justice in our society. Yes, his lyrics resonate and are very relevant today. We can't ever resign ourselves to saying or believing, "that's just the way it is!"
Loved this piece. Have a great holiday weekend. Be safe, get some rest, and thank you for being strong in reporting the horrific events of this week. My heart goes out to you.💝🥰
Yes, these lyrics resonate with me today. Change is a process that can feel painfully slow, halting, uneven--or even appear "backwards" at times. Yet, I KNOW "thing'll never be the same" 'cause I've personally heard speeches, listened to songs, and met individuals, sometimes for a brief moment, who have left such an imprint on me that I can never be the same. (I believe we likely have all experienced this at at one point or another in our lives.)
In a similar vein, once we experience any level of forward movement as a society, I tend to agree with Tupac that "...things’ll never be the same,” tho they may feel hopeless at any given point in time. E.g. women, having experienced governance of their own bodies for 50 years will never quietly accept anything else. Same for African Americans, LGBTQ individuals, religious minorities, disabled persons, etc. etc. That's just the way it is. Things will never be the same. And, they shouldn't be. ❤️
Change is only going to come when the Silent Majority raises their voices to all of the injustice and inequality in the country and vote in people who will fight for and create real change. The Silent Majority encompasses all races, nationalities and religions. Once they are vocal and working together, rather than staying home silent, real change can come. That is my belief!
Tupac’s music rings true today. I know about him because my son loved listening to him. My son loved rap. Unfortunately my son died of a stroke at 36. Going through his things I found his CDs and there was his Tupac CDs. The events of this week has made my heart hurt. I know the deep sense of loss these parents are going through. Yes there is a hole in your heart it never closes. Somehow you manage to do the simple things but it’s difficult.
The reference to Tupac and the recent events made me think of my son. At least I know he will not be a victim of gun violence. That alone speaks volumes.
Your closing paragraph was powerfully moving. So sorry for the loss of your son. May he ever rest in peace and may you find strength and comfort in your loving memories of him.🙏🏽
Hope and Change. I still believe it. . We should never give up on that. Life is about moving forward regardless. Vote, campaign, donate, educate, make your voice heard. And do the loving thing because there’s someone in your life who needs it. Thank you for always fighting the good fight, Ari. You absolutely influence positive change.
“Hope and Change. I still believe it.” Me too! I am still optimistic
Sylviane, I raise my hand and say AMEN!!!🙏
Yes it resonates and it always will. His mother knew change could happen. Black Panthers improved black lives in countless ways and deeds. It’s great to listen to this song again. It doesn’t strike me as hopeless rather it inspires. The level of sociopathy in the GOP feels hopeless but anguish can be transformative. Grief has the emotional power to give rise to balance and clarity. I am holding my breath and listening to protest songs
Truda, Black Panthers contribution to the Black community and ultimately to society, is the story, yet to be told. Thanks for that acknowledgement!
Panthers fed and housed and educated their community. They were also helpful to the sit ins by disabled Americans protesting for their rights. P anthers fed these disabled protesters and provided medicines and security
You are so right, Truda. There used to be lines of kids for breakfast, every morning before school. They encouraged Blacks (women primarily, to train on the key punch machines for the coming jobs—whatever to upgrade the community.
I know and it kills me how they were so vilified by the FBI
Yep, the Black Panthers helped to create/expand our National free breakfast program today.
They made such a difference in so many lives
They did and I'm so happy you discussed it here! There are people who probably never knew.
I want to hear more. I live in Oakland. Thank you.
Black Panthers were truly a social service group in the Jane Adams tradition. They met the needs of their community and provided their own security and their own democratic social government. They also extended support to other marginalized groups. They were remarkable
From your commentary: Shakur, at the age of 24, he told BET: “I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”
Tupac was during my kids era, and they spoke of his genius and his uniqueness often, trying to sell him to me. I was much more conservative in my views and didn’t think too highly of Rap, nor rappers. Since his death, I’ve paid attention to who lauds this kid: scholars, poets, musicians, and you, Ari, every so often. I listened to him rap “Changes,” with the lyric visuals and background music of “The Way It Is.” Significant and powerful! Always loved The Way It Is-the piano melodies especially, but never paid attention to the artist. Hornsby was simply acknowledging that life for some was just what it was, whereas, Tupac saw conditions as they were, but tried to look to a brighter future. Ari, I appreciate this distraction, even though it’s connected to the social/political ills of today. The young man still “sparks the brain” that will change the world, and Hornsby’s song remains relevant: “It’s just the way it is.” BUT, there’s HOPE!
Interesting to read that you got more conversant with his work over time, and always great to keep an open mind!
And in whatever small way, I’m happy to be one of the people who brought him to you… it’s always striking to see which artists/writers have work that resonates with generations after their era..
I find that a number of your readers are in or near my age group (76 in Aug), and that you are introducing us to another genre of music and artists. I THANK YOU!
Yes!!
Hi Diva!!!😊 Happy Memorial Day!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My children watched MTV and I too didn't understand their taste in music. But I did sit and watch with them sometimes. But it wasn't until Ari brought us to actually listen to the lyrics and understand the strong messages the artists were expressing. At first, I only looked up the lyrics, and followed along with the video. I'm getting to where I can actually listen and understand what they are saying. It's taken me a while, but progress takes time.😉🎹🎤🎼💗
😂You are so right, V. I guess we have opened minds now, not caught up in all those social labels and stigma we thrust upon others. I love this site, am learning a lot about myself and from folks like you, V. ..A calm Memorial Day to you, too❤️
Dear Mama, Brenda's Got a Baby, Keep Your Head Up, all songs my parents liked back in the day (and still) despite his controversial persona as a "gangster rapper". I had constant debates with my parents about rap music as a kid. I can certainly see their point in some regards for sure, as an adult now. But today, my parents would probably hold Tupac as the gold standard in comparison to some artists today. Funny how that is.
Hi CalenderGrl, now here you go, got me listening to Tupac, at this age. I’m ashamed that I so harshly judged this young man. While you were fighting with your parents, my son was fighting with me. I realize today, that my abhorrence was rooted in being churchified, at the time. Have done a lot of growing since then, and would definitely consider Tupac “the gold standard.” I listened to both songs. “Brenda’s” story was heartbreaking. Outstanding for me, besides his creativity, was that he actually enunciated his words. So many rappers and singers, don’t consider the listener nowadays.
'Diva, I'm so happy you took time to listen to those songs! That's fantastic and I'm glad you liked them!! The video of Brenda's Got a Baby is good too. My parents were all about Motown. They didn't like the rap *trend* at all. Rap has changed a lot since I was a kid and I even find myself judging rap today. I guess that's me aging. 😂 Now my parents have a slightly different appreciation for older rap artist that they didn't have when they first came out. I wouldn't say they know all of their songs, but they do know of some mainstream songs from the 90s. Which is fine by me because that was my favorite time for rap. I can agree with you about today's music. I have a handful I take interest in and I keep them on rotation. But many of the newer artists I usually find out about because of Ari.
Well, if YOU are learning from Ari, then YES, CG, you’re moving on up. Here’s a kicker for you, my favorite became “Candy Shop” and “P.I.M.P.” My kids would ask, “What are YOU doing listening to that, after telling us for years, we couldn’t?” I simply copped to being a fraud. However, I only discovered the songs (love the beat) years later, during Pitbull reign—love all his music. The great thing about these revelations is seeing your own growth. Wishing you and your parents wellness, on this Memorial Day.
Well 50 songs are what I've labeled as dance rap. His songs are played at all the clubs, weddings, gyms, malls, etc. So it's not surprising you love those songs. Pitbull is the same. They get you moving. Everyone loves a good dance track. I learn about many younger artists through Ari. I would have never known about them otherwise. So he''s keeping us all informed. I do like that. I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! I hate it's over. I'm already looking forward to the 4th of July. 😊
Me, too! These months are my favorite time of year. I imagine for most. And yes, music keeps us young and energetic; Ari keeps us learning and growing. Great talking to you, CG!
All the songs that you mentioned are my favorites😃 Tupac was indeed a great artist😊
He really was! And he was so young. I think he was 19 with Brenda's Got a Baby.
And hope maketh not ashamed. 👍🏽
Olddiva, you said so much of what I wanted to say. My son is Oakland raised, loves rap, plays drums and raps. I didn't appreciate the rap music. My son made me listen, because you can't turn off the tunes in a car full of teenage guys. I have come to appreciate some of it. And, this post by Ari has made me want to get more acquainted with Shakur's works.
The lyrics resonate with me as much as they can considering I’m a fortunate white man, with a reasonably functional brain, born into relative privilege. What far too many in this country fail to realize…and who may be clinging to their religion and their guns…is that change is a constant throughout the arc of time. To their chagrin, nothing stays the same. Ever.
In a peripherally related aside, consider the Constitution…that revered and sacrosanct document to which far too many refer in defense of their personal arsenals. Note that it removes access to booze then, amid a national uproar, restores it…all the while maintaining our right to own a firearm or twenty. Liquor over life.
In our current environment, amid relentless and seemingly preventable tragedies, how does that continue to make sense to anyone capable of rational thought??
Why have we not had enough confidence in ourselves who are currently alive to trash the old Constitution and write a new much better Constitution????
George, you said all, "A man with a reasonably functional brain". Unfortunately alot of of these people don't have one. They will never have a rational thought, sad but true.😑
Precisely my point, V.
😂😂😂
Wow! Where do I start? First of all, I have to check out your series on protest songs. I love that you paired Tupac's song with Hornsby's song- both of which I grew up listening to. In fact, two of my sophomore students decided to use Tupac as their subject for our "Tragic Hero Hall of Shame". The objective was to argue how one individual (a real person not a character) represents the aspects of a tragic hero. They were fabulous! I often listen to Tupac's song in the car on my way to or from work. Second- I like your line: "Shakur’s lyrics suggest anyone conceding “that’s just the way it is” will be feeding an environment that makes change less likely."
This is a strong point that I try to share with my students by applying it to our campus and the world at large. We can't surrender to the hopelessness around us, no matter how difficult. Thanks for giving me more for reflection and I blame you for activating the lesson plan side of my brain just as my summer vacation has begun. Cheers!
Wow, to quote another rap artist of that same era, "You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far". I certainly would not have thought there would be classroom discussions on rappers and rap music as a young kid. It makes me very happy to hear! I would have loved to witness the student's work on Tupac. Thanks for being so open to creating that lesson plan! Respect!!
Agree with V, teachers are the best—don’t get the justice due them. You are greatly appreciated!
Gina, thanks for your service to the children. Enjoy your summer vacation, you have earned a well deserved rest!!!🌸🌼🌹😎
Happy Fri-YAY, Ari!
What a week it has been, eh?
Bruce Hornsby and Tupac Shakur are indeed two distant strangers. This song from both artists definitely have a message. These messages are to inspire us to do better actions for ourselves, the people around us, or for the planet that we live on. These words are to help us change something for the better.
Do Tupac’s lyrics resonate with you today?
Yes Tupac’s lyrics resonates with me. Tupac is one of the most visionary thinkers to express what is going on around him. I just thought about this: his song, Changes is a protest anthem…I forgot about this song when you asked us our favorite protest song in previous newsletter.
Ari, you must be exhausted from reporting the horrible event of this week. Thanks for your insights, special reporting and this newsletter. Keep shining light 💡on the truth🙂
Have a nice weekend, Ari and Cheers 🍾🥂
Tupac as a *visionary thinker*. I really believe this to be true!
Yes, I could hear it in his voice (the exhaustion). I think we're all exhausted and fed up and sometimes it's forgotten that news anchors and journalists are regular people just like us. I appreciate his candor so much!
Hi Sandra,
The "media" gets blamed for a lot (and sometimes they truly deserve criticism), but thank goodness for journalists like Ari who report the news and the facts, even the excruciating details. We are reminded of their humanity when they tear up or just break down crying along with the rest of us. Praying for their strength!! 🙏🏽
🙏
Thank you for linking the song to your post. Your words moved me, but even mores Tupac's video and knowing he was tragically killed at such a young age. Somehow you have to hold on to hope, and FIGHT to make the change come true.
Glad you could see his work, and thanks for your sentiment
His lyrics are eerily relevant now as they were back then. When he talks about longing for a more innocent time “that’s just the way it is things will never be the same” he is capturing the hopelessness that so many of us are feeling right now. I was never familiar with his music until now, and I am struck by the sweetness and sadness of this song. And of all the emotion I have felt this week, I’m going to sit with this for now.
It feels almost callous to say have a wonderful weekend, folks, but please try. 💔❤️
Hi Ari, I find it so heartbreaking to listen to Tupac, and hear the lyrics that truly resonate today. Will things ever change? Probably not. All these politicians continue to stop legislation that could bring things forward. But they keep moving in the opposite direction.😢
Thanks Ari, be safe this weekend!!!🙏🎹🎼🎤
It’ll get better, V, we just have to stay in the fight. I hear your dismay, it matches mine. Gotta “keep on pushing.” Stay well, be safe. Let’s watch happy movies this weekend and sip 7Ups. That’s my high.😂
Let us all live in hope and take it one day at a time, enjoy the moments we get🙏
Yes I will be having my drink of choice tonight. Fresh limeade, with a splash of orange juice and cranberry juice, with lots of crushed ice. Now I'm looking for a happy movie or two. 💗😊
Enjoy🤗👍
Hi and happy Memorial Day! The way I feel is it's really up to us now. We have to fight and vote to see the change we want. We can't just leave it up to politicians to do it without our voice and pressure. I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday!!
Hi C.G.!!!😊 Hope you are enjoying this Memorial Day Holiday!!!.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Was watching the Memorial Day Concert on PBS last night, it was such a touching tribute to our American heroes. They have fought for our freedom, and their families have lost so much. They did this for US!!! Now we need to continue to fight to save our democracy and keep the freedom we have been blessed to have for 245 years!!!🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Have a good rest of your day!!!!💗🎹🎤🎼😀
Hi Diva, Eve, Harriett, & Sandra 👋 Thank you ladies for lifting me up tonight. It's been such an emotional week. I was giving up hope for change. But I don't want to let them win. We will continue to fight for the rights of everyone. God bless you all, have a safe weekend!!!🙏🌹🌼🌸💗🇺🇸
You are most welcome, V. Have a safe long weekend as well.❤️
Hi V,
Things have changed. How do we know? Well one way is that some folks want to take the country *back*. Keep hope alive! 🤗
I like this
Hi Ari - Sadly, I have no words at the moment. My head & heart are spinning from the events of the week. Haven't slept much. Trying to pick out the truth of how & why it all happened. Going to try to get out of my head this weekend by attending memorials and parades , & visiting the graves of family members who served our county on another Memorial day. Hope you gather with family & friends this weekend - Stay Safe. SCF
Happy Friday Ari, the lyrics resonate with us now. I find it interesting how songs & movies can have a long lifetime. Not sure that’s a good thing though. I think change is possible, it’s just a slow slow process. Wasn’t Obama’s campaign slogan about change🤔? We can do better. Anyways…. Good Shabbos!
Yes, President Obama's campaign slogan was about change. And I believe that was truly his desire. But as you mentioned, it's a slow process sadly. As Ari pointed out in Hornsby's lyrics, "well, they passed a law in '64, to give those who ain't got a little more, but it only goes so far because the law don't change another's mind. It's 2022, and it's clear that the law didn't change the minds of those who never wanted Black people to vote in the first place. So now, we're still fighting and we can never stop fighting.
Hi Ari good afternoon, today it is hard to find the words l live in hope that change will come, stay safe everyone, enjoy your weekend 🙏
The way of this world is to take out what you are afraid of. We see it happening now. White folks are afraid of losing their privilege thinking people of color are taking over. Tupac was straight up telling his truth and people didn't want to be confronted with it because it made them see the ugly in themselves. That made him dangerous, that made them scared of his power to ignite the people. That made "them" take him out. Yet he lives on with his songs, his poetry, and his fighting words for justice in our society. Yes, his lyrics resonate and are very relevant today. We can't ever resign ourselves to saying or believing, "that's just the way it is!"
Loved this piece. Have a great holiday weekend. Be safe, get some rest, and thank you for being strong in reporting the horrific events of this week. My heart goes out to you.💝🥰
This, absolutely this!
Hello Kim,
I'm broken just *listening* to the news. Feel for those who have to *report* it. 🤢
Hello Ari,
Yes, these lyrics resonate with me today. Change is a process that can feel painfully slow, halting, uneven--or even appear "backwards" at times. Yet, I KNOW "thing'll never be the same" 'cause I've personally heard speeches, listened to songs, and met individuals, sometimes for a brief moment, who have left such an imprint on me that I can never be the same. (I believe we likely have all experienced this at at one point or another in our lives.)
In a similar vein, once we experience any level of forward movement as a society, I tend to agree with Tupac that "...things’ll never be the same,” tho they may feel hopeless at any given point in time. E.g. women, having experienced governance of their own bodies for 50 years will never quietly accept anything else. Same for African Americans, LGBTQ individuals, religious minorities, disabled persons, etc. etc. That's just the way it is. Things will never be the same. And, they shouldn't be. ❤️
Change is only going to come when the Silent Majority raises their voices to all of the injustice and inequality in the country and vote in people who will fight for and create real change. The Silent Majority encompasses all races, nationalities and religions. Once they are vocal and working together, rather than staying home silent, real change can come. That is my belief!
Tupac’s music rings true today. I know about him because my son loved listening to him. My son loved rap. Unfortunately my son died of a stroke at 36. Going through his things I found his CDs and there was his Tupac CDs. The events of this week has made my heart hurt. I know the deep sense of loss these parents are going through. Yes there is a hole in your heart it never closes. Somehow you manage to do the simple things but it’s difficult.
The reference to Tupac and the recent events made me think of my son. At least I know he will not be a victim of gun violence. That alone speaks volumes.
Dear Lucy,
Your closing paragraph was powerfully moving. So sorry for the loss of your son. May he ever rest in peace and may you find strength and comfort in your loving memories of him.🙏🏽
Thank you