In the Words of ___
Nina Simone (1933 – 2003),legendary artist— civil rights activist, singer, songwriter, musician… Black woman, whose passion parted seas.An artist who understood their power, and identity, as political by default. I continue to be inspired by her boldness, her bravery, limitless talent, her unconditional love of Blackness’ core (its spirit), and so much more. Nina Simone (and it feels almost illegal to regard an ancestor so informally), has me heavily reflecting— as an artist, as a writer, as a seer and healer who lives in/by truth. I share with you, a quote of hers from an interview, circa 1960s:
"An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. As far as I'm concerned, it's their choice, but I CHOOSE to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when everyday is a matter of survival, I don't think you can help but be involved.Young people, black and white, know this.That's why they're so involved in politics.We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore. So I don't think you have a choice. How can you be an artist and NOT reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist."
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Blogging is as layered as time itself. As we move through, we expose nuance after nuance. Writing while present, blogging is the mirror— reflecting writers, reflecting the times. And my… my, my, I know alignment and magic, are both real and infinite, by this particular quote of Nina Simone’s being the truest of true, still, in 2025.
No bullshit, I have been fearful of what my blog will reflect— my depression? My descent into madness? Or,in all seriousness, every single rise? It’s everything, everywhere, all at once. And I am, an artist reflecting… My reflection says, I don’t write about doom. I write about truth, choices (of my own), and free will (that is actually freeing). The major lesson of reflection: You absolutely have to be careful being a bright light. Be, especially cautious in this era, for me. And for you too, if you’ve found yourself right here in this moment.
I’m here to say Life With Fascism, is the shit-show that it sounds like. I’m here to say that I am grateful for the words, standing on all their feet. All toes down. Fighting for oxygen— through cursed, generational wreckage, fighting against the soulless for civil rights in a world so f*cking cruel. I am here to say that I am grateful for every minute that doesn’t feel like fighting— and how, even while I am swinging, my arms are still open for abundance. Asé.
