In 1975, the Isley Brothers released an
album entitled “The Heat Is On”.
The
PUBLISHER’S
Pen
It got much airplay in Detroit and I re-
member the first time I heard the word
“Bullshit” in a song on WCHB. (Some of
y’all may recall that thumpin’ bass line on
“ Fight the Power! ”) Over 40 years later,
all of it still resonates.
What’s worse is time creeps on and
where are all these politicians that folks
swear up and down are about the busi-
ness of the people?
I had to go to Downtown Newark to visit
some folks at Newark Symphony Hall. It
happened to be raining cats and dogs
that particular day and I was about 30
minutes ahead of schedule. So, I saw
this construction awning nearby and
ducked underneath it to gather myself.
Just outside of that was a hooded bus
stop. There, an elderly brother stood
wearing a track suit. He asked me if I
was waiting for the bus. I told him I
wasn’t. But, I noticed all the buses
traveling up and down Broad Street and
mentioned it to the elder. He, in turn,
asked me if I worked for Mayor Ras
Baraka’s City of Newark.
I told him that I did not. Next thang you
know, he starts telling me about all the
changes he’d seen in the City over the
past 60 years. Then, he expressed his
absolute disdain for former mayor Cory
Booker.
I won’t print what this elder shared with
me. But, it rang a bell. The best way to
share the message is to implore you to
tour the Downtown area in your own
communities.
Notice all the “Luxury Apartments” signs?
They didn’t come without compromise.