by SCOTT C

I awoke early Tuesday morning to hazily catch the end of a newscaster reporting on the unfortunate death of Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. An activist in her own right, she stood shoulder to shoulder in protest, marching with her husband years ago, and created initiatives like Atlanta’s Center for Nonviolent Social Change later in her life. She was the one who spearheaded the campaign for years in the U.S. to observe a national holiday on her husband’s birthday, Jan. 15, now known as Martin Luther King Day. Although we take the month of February to remember and celebrate the important contributions of black people, this year we’ll have to remember that Coretta Scott King dedicated not only a month, but her entire life to fighting for human rights, while speaking out against poverty and apartheid.

Tonight, Feb. 2, McGill’s Caribbean Students Society, African Students Society and Black Students Network will be opening up the floor for a series of discussions on issues that affect the black community. Black in a Positive Light is open to anyone who has something to say, and you can say it at one of the two sessions. Tonight will be a talk about African-Caribbean relations, while next Thursday, Feb. 9, will be an open-ended discussion about the greatest black contribution to mankind. Now, if you immediately thought of the pimp cup, I don’t have to point out that you should probably stay home. If you have any questions about either of these nights, e-mail Latoya Morgan at latoya_morgan_18@hotmail.com for more information. The talks will take place at McGill’s Bronfman building, 1001 Sherbrooke W., room 151.

Check out Fredy V and Black Soil when they perform live this Sunday at the Main Hall for their special Black History Month event. Look for the usual spirited contributions from Rawnia, Blackbird, Ras Shawn, Kaie Kellough, Kaya Kindu and the one and only Master Zibz. The show starts at 8 p.m., but it’ll only cost you $7 if you come at 7 p.m., while after that it’ll run you $10. Take a minute and check out www.fredyv.com if you don’t know what I’m talking about. Fredy will also be featured this month on CKUT 90.3 FM’s new show, Artist in Residence, on which Montreal artists are interviewed, select tracks, perform live and generally showcase themselves from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays for the entire month.

Seven reasons I will always be the villain in this story:
1. Gadji-Gadjo “Le Vol” (Local)
2. J Dilla Donuts (Stones Throw)
3. Four Tet “Sun Drums and Soil” Sa Ra remix (CDR)
4. Blu Rum 13 ft. Luke Vibert “Earthbound” (Elephant)
5. Moka Only “Conquering” (CDR)
6. Goapele “Good Love” (Sony)
7. Madlib “Through the Window” (CDR)

I AM FAR FROM BULLETPROOF... fathead@videotron.ca

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