Musicians play politics

I was honored to work with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas at the Record Plant in Hollywood and help him with the "Yes We Can Video" inspired by Barack Obama's speech. 

In less than one week, over 6 million people went to Dipdive and over 2 million people saw the video on YouTube! Will feels that in times like these, it is important for all of us to make political statements.

Will is making a difference with his art, and I think he is to be honored for his willingness to take a stand. In this day and age, that shows real courage.

I can remember back in the '50s when the brilliant blind vocalist Al Hibbler went to the South in support of voter registration. He got arrested and was ridiculed by the town's law enforcement establishment in the town where he was demonstrating. Nonetheless, his courage and commitment was out there for everyone to see. It is because of people like him that we overcame Jim Crow.

Click here to hear will.i.am tell me what it was like to create "Yes We Can."

Comments

[joaquin lopez]

Hi Kareem,
I am the guy who picked you up at the Airport in Mazatlan a few years back. Is too bad i didn't get to continue our conversation on Mexican history. Did you write anything on the blacks who fought in the Battle of El Carrizal during the Mexican Revolution? if so, how can I get a copy? I am currently working on the influence of blacks in Mazatlan. Did you know that up to the 17th Century Mazatlan was known as Mazatlan de los Mulatos?