Commentary

Our way of life, with its generally accepted societal norms and expectations, has been stressed and strained unlike that of any other time in recent history, resulting in a spreading anxiety and uncertainty about what our collective and individual short- and long-term futures have in store.

Since its inception nearly two-and-ahalf centuries ago, our nation has revered and celebrated the powerful democratic principles contained within our founding document — the Constitution of the United States of America.

“TO THE VICTOR BELONG THE SPOILS OF THE ENEMY” This quote, or at least some paraphrased version of it, has passed through the mouths, pens, keyboards and camera lenses of millions of people from nearly every position and profession for literal centuries since it was coined some 213 years ago.

My first journey into song this winter was as a visitor to the class I attended on Beyoncé’s music on Jan. 29, at the Berklee College of Music.

The National Football League team that created and marketed the saying the “Patriot Way” has proven, once again, that they may not be the family organization they claim to be. The sudden firing of head coach Jerod Mayo is the latest example of how the team conducts its business.

As 2024 closed and we ring in the New Year, it is imperative to reflect on the significant strides made in one of Boston’s key economic drivers — the hospitality sector, particularly regarding representation and inclusion.

We want to think about our linkages in culture, our rituals and how we are always needing to remember our heritage. If we learn to value these narratives, they may bring us to who we are and who we are becoming.

You might not think of it but, the Blues, the most original contemporary Black music known the world over, is probably the most consequential original music artistry ever created and performed in all of history. Kind of crazy to say, but it’s true!

As our gem and gravity center, Black popular music culture used to be the place where we found answers and joy, a balm in our Gilead. A Stevie Wonder song, or a hip-hop anthem like “Headed for Self-Destruction” was a map. Aretha sang about “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

Bernice Johnson Reagon, a civil rights activist who co-founded The Freedom Singers and later started the African-American a capella vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, passed on recently at the age of 81.

One question of interest in culture today is, how do we see ourselves? With all the speculation around pundits and polls and those seeking profits, it seems clear that we must ask ourselves what we can each do to commit to our own sense of worth by committing to uphold a just set of values.

I see culture as fluid and history as an expanding people map, moving through interaction and the creation of rituals and customs to mark a civilization’s expanding territories in time.