Latest news with #SoundsofBlackness
CBS News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Minnesotans remember late actor Malcom-Jamal Warner for activism as well as talent
As the mourning continues for Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a Minnesotan who knew him says the teen star was much more than just an actor. Comedic scenes, and serious ones too, Warner captured attention and seized respect. WCCO anchor A.J. Hilton was a fan of Warner's work on the Cosby Show. "The Cosby Show was the first show that had a Black family, an affluent Black family, that was living everyday life," Hilton said. "I know those moments because it reminds me of home, reminds me of me and my family." It's a sentiment echoed by many, including Gary Hines of Minneapolis-based Sounds of Blackness. "He played that role to the nines, as we say in the business, and was so impactful with it," said Hines. He soon realized the admiration was mutual when Warner approached him in Los Angeles at the NAACP Image Awards. "He said, Gary, I love Sounds of Blackness. Me and my family, everything you mean, especially to our people and to all people, really. Because he was very, very socially conscious and aware. A really, a happy warrior," Hines said. He was a warrior on a mission for awareness, as he showed in 2023 when he performed his poetry for the Minnesota Orchestra — and he did that with Minnesota stars by his side, posing with Justice Alan Page and Jevetta Steele. Hines says he believes Warner would want to be remembered as "an activist and someone who spoke up for justice and equality." "In the spirit of Harry Belafonte, activist before actor. I'm sure he would insist upon that," Hines said. Not only was Warner a poet, he was also a musician, winning a Grammy for best traditional R&B performance in 2015 for the song "Jesus Children."
CBS News
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Minnesota's Sounds of Blackness celebrates 54 years of musical magic
The Twin Cities-based group Sounds of Blackness is celebrating 54 years of performing this month. "Thankful," the group's newest song, is nominated for a NAACP Image Award. "This NAACP Image Award is extra special because the song 'Thankful,' written by our own Jamecia Bennett and Buddy McClain, is in honor of Amir Locke, who was tragically killed a couple of years ago," said Gary Hines, the groups musical director and producer. Bennett, the group's lead singer, says she led with her heart when writing the lyrics to "Thankful." "We have to go in and find that in ourselves to bring that out and still give the world hope," Bennett said. Hines has led this group for most of its 54 years and says he is proud that the ensemble still stands as a cultural speaking voice for Black America. "From day one, Sounds of Blackness has had as our goal not only to praise God by inspiring people of all backgrounds through Black music, but also to be in the vanguard of the movement for social justice and equality," Hines said. He says Sounds of Blackness is part of — and heirs to — the legacy of singers who have paved the way in the quest for social justice. "Artists have always been in the vanguard of that movement, whether it was Billy Holiday with 'Strange Fruit,' protesting lynchings. Whether it was James Brown with 'Say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud,'" he said. Now focused on spreading a message to the next generation, Sounds of Blackness is using all genres of music — gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop, country and rock & roll — to reach for the nation's soul. Bennett says she is proud to continue the group's original mission. "It is definitely big shoes to fill to continue to minister because that's exactly what it is," she said. "To continue to minister this message of hope and love and being grateful and thankful for everyday of our lives. But also being aware and woke on what is happening today." The NAACP Image Awards airs Saturday at 7 p.m. on BET.
