I’m Not Your Negro

I’m Not Your Negro "is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Raoul Peck. Based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript Remember This House and narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, the film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin's reminiscences of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr."

 Wikipedia

An immensely empowering film. It elevates humans to the level of political, social, spiritual and cultural awareness of human conditions. A must see film..

Read and watch:

11 James Baldwin Quotes On Race That Resonate Now More Than Ever

“No label, no slogan, noparty, no skin color, and no religion is more important than the human being.”

August Wilson and my connection to Berta, Barta

I have always had a profound emotional and intellectual connections with African-American music such as Blues and Jazz. It was through August Wilson’s plays such as The Piano Lesson where I discovered the depth of blues.  The songs resonated the memories of my childhood on the rooftop of our house in my home town during the summer time where I observed the religious ceremonies and absorbed the musical rhythm and songs which were naturally and harmoniously performed by the regular, working class people… 

Berta, Berta took me to hearts and bones of the prisoners and I sang with them as if I was one of them.

O Lord.. Berta.. Berta... O Lord gal oh-ah
O Lord.. Berta.. Berta... O Lord gal well now

Go 'head and marry. Don't you wait on me, oh-ah
Go 'head and marry. Don't you wait on me, well now
Might not want you when I..I go free oh-I
Might not want you when I..I go free well now
.... O Lord gal oh-ah
O Lord Berta Berta O Lord gal well now (Raise em up!)

Listen and watch

Prison Songs - Early In The Mornin' 

Negro Prison Blues andSongs

Lightning- Long John(Old song by a chain gang) 

Original Black Betty