Category Archives: Kool Cats And Hip Chicks

George L. Lee was born in Jamestown, New York on July 27, 1906.

The Museum Of UnCut Funk remembers and honors Mr. Wilson Pickett. We would like to thank Ms. Veda Pickett Neal, the daughter of legendary soul singer Wilson Pickett, for sharing her memories of her father with us.

 “I left because I didn’t feel that Black people were going to get their due, and I still don’t.”  Nina Simone 1997

Family, this will be my final installment, for my thoughts on the Black Panther Party (BPP).  COINTELPRO – is a code word aka acronym for Counter Intelligence Program – in reference to the BPP.  It’s objectives was the neutralization of black extremists groups, prevention of violence by said groups, and the prevention of coalition of black extremists organizations.

This is a tribute to family members of the creators and contributors to The Museum Of UnCut Funk (TMOUF) that have served this country.  On this day, we recognize and acknowledge those in our family, whose memory we cherish everyday.

What’s happening folks, it’s S.D., your favorite OG (older gent) here!  Reflecting on some of my favorite musical artists of the 70’s (1970-1979).  It was during these times that I personally enjoyed the natural development and maturation of some already known R&B acts.  In addition to being introduced to new musicians from the “DISCO” era.

Fifteen days ago, October 15th, marked the 48th anniversary of the Black Panther Party (BPP).  This is the second installment of my reflections on the revolutionary black nationalist and socialist organization.  The BPP was able to flourish in urban cities like Baltimore, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Winston-Salem.

Let’s reminisce a little… I’m an O.G. (older gentleman) and as I recollect, I remember the 70s being my favorite decade, and I will tell you why. The music, the club scene, the dances, and so on – and I could just go on, and on. Why this particular time, rather than some others was more enjoyable to me personally, is easy to explain.

Greetings Friends, Funk-A-Teers and Lovers of R&B… Take a trip with me as we STEP INTO THE FUNK, acknowledging the genius of my musical hero and namesake, Stevie Wonder.

In October 1966 in Oakland, California, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale established the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Membership in the original Black Panther Party reached 10,000 by early 1969.

The LEGENDARY Bernard “Pretty” Purdie took time out from his travels, recording sessions and lecturing future musicians to sit down and talk about his amazing career. The Museum Of UnCut Funk is honored to have had the opportunity to interview Bernard “Pretty” Purdie.

I recently had an opportunity to speak with Leo Sullivan, one of the pioneering Black animators who helped lead the revolution of positive Black animated characters during the 1970’s. I interviewed Leo for close to an hour, spoke to him after the interview for a little longer. He was gracious, humorous and introspective. His bio and interview are below. It was an honor to speak to this Animation Legend.

The eight-page color comic section produced for the Pittsburgh Courier is the only attempt I’m aware of to do a color comics section in a Black paper.* Although the Courier’s section, produced by the Smith-Mann Syndicate of New York City, did have an all-Black cast of characters, quite a few of the strips were drawn by whites.

The Museum Of UnCut Funk is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

The Museum Of UnCut Funk is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

The White House announced that Bayard Rustin, the trailblazing civil rights activist, will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

1950s beauty Helen Williams was the first Black female fashion model to break into the mainstream. But it was the French, rather than the Americans, who embraced her.

Tina Allen is no longer with us but her sculptures can be seen around the world.

The Museum Of UnCut Funk discovered this article by Jane Stucliffe. We have emailed Ms. Stucliffe for an interview but have not heard from her as of yet. We hope you enjoy her essay.

We celebrate the 84th birthday and the official holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting some of his famous speeches and interviews. While we remember the man, let’s also reflect upon his words. You can also read the text and hear King’s delivery of his famous “I Have A Dream” speech here.