One Nation Under A Groove

Funk, soul and rhythm of the same kind. Through out history racism and slavery has been a key factor in society and social communications, during the 20th century non conforming towards segregation revolutionised human rights for everyone.  In the 60s funk started its origins, with the 'God Father' of funk and soul, James brown.  during 69' the song Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud was released, encouraging the black power movement and freedom. 

'My son don't have to say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud. He don't have to be called those crazy names.'

 Everyday people brought Sly and the Family Stone, with an unforgettable base line and an amazing group of musicians that work perfectly in sink. They were one of the first 'interagtion, multi gender' groups at the time, then also playing at Woodstock Festival 1969 at early hours in the morning, and apparently were one of the best acts at the whole festival!

Then came George Clinton and P-Funk, with a more free and psychedelic vibe. The groove was still going but with a more abstract and crazy 'be however you want to be' attitude. 

'Style is whatever you want to do, if you can do it with confidence.'

His shows featured flying space ships, people dressed in alien costumers from another dimension and never ending songs. Even still today traces of funk are still in our music from artist to A Tribe Called Quest, Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams, and it wouldn't have happened with out it.. True soul.

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sly_and_the_Family_Stone

http://www.brainyquote.com/

Theo Williams

SO, My first post on here was about Lauryn hill and how my essay was inspired by my friend Theo. He entered the photos into 'The young photographer of the year ' award run by The Clothes Show.   He really captured the brief, the beauty of the model, and magical essence of himself

On Tuesday Theo won the award !! And is now 'Young photographer of the year'

It took hard work to create these pictures that are truly inspiring, and as Lauryn hill once said 

'You don't know how much artists go through to make it look so easy. It's all in the practice.'

Lauryn Hill http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lauryn_hill.html

http://www.theowilliams.co.uk/kiara#4

Ted Polhemus

The research continues...

Street style creates sub-culture, which creates fashion.

Looking at one of the theories for my essay 'bubble up' promotes the authenticity of street style and how it originates.  Ted Polhemus quotes

'A remarkable social and cultural inversion has occurred in the last fifty years: where once culture was the monopoly of the upper classes, it now, more often than not, bubbles up from those on the ‘wrong side of the tracks'

 his books are very interesting and allow you too compare original fashion trends with current, brilliant imagery which keeps a retro vibe.

this anthropologist re-opens theories which link in well with my current project on black female empowerment and my last post on Lauryn hill. supporting the 'bubble up' theory and backing up evidence behind my research. His books include sub-cultures from the begging of the 20th century such as punks, ragga muffins, skinheads, hippies and many more.

source http://www.tedpolhemus.com/main_concept6%20467.html

Black Female Empowerment

This week I have been in the process of research! In preparation for writing an essay (exciting). So, it didn't take me long to be inspired, it began with my friend Theo, and a photoshoot which he did in London (which i assisted marvellously, of course). The theme of the shoot was Power and femininity, which was inspired by the one and only Ms Lauryn Hill. 

For more shoots http://www.theowilliams.co.uk/kiara#0 

Being a strong influence to women all around the world, Ms Hill isn't just a voice for the little people but also represents the bigger image, for instance helping out in non profit organisations to change the behaviour of youths in urban areas. 

'For the past several years, I have remained what others would consider underground. I did this in order to build a community of people, like-minded in their desire for freedom and the right to pursue their goals and lives without being manipulated and controlled by a media protected military industrial complex with a completely different agenda.'

Lauryn Hill

this sparked my ideas, making a more in-depth look into black history, which is truly inspiring.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lauryn_hill.html#J28tzQkgpEo3Iylt.99