I watched a movie the other day, “Hustle and Flow,” (Craig Brewer, Director; John Singleton, Producer) which is a story of a small-time pimp and drug dealer in Memphis, Tennessee who wants to make it big as a rapper. As I watched it, I noticed that despite not having anything obviously in common with the character, I could relate to his sense of urgency to change his life conditions. Have you ever watched or read a story that seemed to speak to your feelings about your life situation? This connection is available to all of us if we give others an opportunity to know who we really are. I digressed. Let’s continue.
Among other things, this story reminded me how various forms of the Blues served as a musical vehicle for Blacks in the American South to express their pain and deepest emotions about life during and after slavery in the United States. Similarly, it also reminded me of the Afro-Latino roots of so many dances like the Samba, Merengue, Cumbia and Salsa – all of which served as a form of emotional release and expression for African slaves in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. The same is true for Afro-Latinos coping with years of turmoil and economic uncertainty across the region in the last century.
Spirit is the foundation of all cultures descended from Africa
For my generation, Hip-Hop and Reggaeton has served as the modern equivalent of the Blues, especially in urban communities. Others may prefer Soul music or even dancehall.
Regardless of your preference, it is the Spirit of these art-forms that keeps us relating to the rhythm (body), the lyrics (language), and the ethos (emotions) of what is being expressed. And this Spirit is the foundation of all cultures descended from Africa! But how often do we try so hard to assimilate with others that we reject who we are and adopt ways of being that do not honor this foundation of Spirit? Is there any wonder why we sometimes self-medicate, or feel shame about our people? In my opinion, it is this underlying Spirit that connects us all - as human beings - and allows us to relate to each other with empathy, compassion and respect for one’s circumstances - without judgment. It is how we were created!
This primary principle of Ontological coaching is also captured in the saying, “We coach from the mud on our feet”. This means we relate to each other from our pain and uncertainties, which provides access to our souls (and ultimately, joy). Hip-hop, Merengue, Samba, Cumbia and Salsa each demonstrate how sadness and struggle is transformed into joy through emotional, verbal, and physical (body) expression – by acknowledging to ourselves and others how we feel. The catch is that if you do not share your pain or uncertainties with others, you limit the extent to which you can enjoy relationships of depth and significance.
Your happiness relies on your willingness to share who you are with others, today, so that they may remind you of who you are tomorrow.
In this manner, our families, communities, and friends help us stay true to ourselves, even when we want to escape into fantasy or denial.
In the spirit of the hustle, we must name our passions, share them with our families, friends, and communities, and allow others to hold us accountable to being our authentic selves. It is simple to understand, but not necessarily easy to do. But, that is what the spirit of the hustle and flow is all about.
This forum will only work for you if you participate. Please send your responses to what I write to marcus@blackandbrownnews.com. In weeks to come our conversations will be informed by your examples, thoughts and questions.
I appreciate your courage and participation in BBN’s Coach’s Corner! Here’s to a healthier and more productive Black and Afro-Latino communities.
Your BBN Personal Coach,
Marcus
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