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Beauty, Love and Justice: Living A Coltranian Life

This column focuses on the lives of people searching for and finding a human connection inspired by the life and music of the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane. Trane was a spiritual, gifted jazz musician dedicated to loving people through his heart which exquisitely came out of his instrument. I have come to discover that there are presently many people who are influenced by him even decades after his passing. This column will make an attempt at answering the question: "How does one live a Coltranian life?" I define this as a quest to live in truth, with a love for humanity, a strong bounce back when life knocks you down, a dedication to a calling and or passion, and without a doubt the unwavering desire to courageously be who you were meant to be, not just an echo, but an original masterpiece.

BEAUTY, LOVE AND JUSTICE: LIVING A COLTRANIAN LIFE

Terence Blanchard: Music, Social Justice and Raising Awareness About Violence Against Black People

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A few years ago, I was applauding as the cast of Motown was taking their bows on Broadway when I recognized a mother's face sitting across my row. Without question or trepidation, I felt compelled to say something, hopefully comforting, to Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin. In addition to my heartfelt condolences for the tragic violent death of her son, I told her about my Kids for Coltrane work, and she smiled with warmth and an appreciation hearing ...

BEAUTY, LOVE AND JUSTICE: LIVING A COLTRANIAN LIFE

Preach Brother Preach: James Cone, Founder of Black Liberation Theology Lights Up the Lessons Taught by James Baldwin and Colin Kaepernick

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"Every human being is an unprecedented miracle." --James Baldwin In a world of everyday people, we indeed find extraordinary courage and determination. In each of us are gifts we can give to the world to transform, uplift and sustain beauty, love and justice. The men and women who answer this call to be Coltranian forces for good nourish this earth. These are the people I am on a journey to meet, learn from and write about.

BEAUTY, LOVE AND JUSTICE: LIVING A COLTRANIAN LIFE

Tender and Fierce Blessings: Malcolm, Coltrane and My Mentor Nat Hentoff

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Dear Nat, It has been awhile since I wrote. You are heavily on my mind. I must say I miss the ability to reach out to you when I had something magnificent to say about my Kids for Coltrane Project in Education. Sharing other positive news in education such as George Lucas's online magazine Edutopia and the amazing research coming out of Harvard's Project Zero was nourishing. Working out my personal deep frustration with certain aspects of the ...

BEAUTY, LOVE AND JUSTICE: LIVING A COLTRANIAN LIFE

John Turturro: A Soulful Truth Teller

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John Turturro is one of those rare human beings who was born with a defiant grace. He is sure and stern about what moves him. His confidence radiates with a love that springs straight from his core. I think that is why he has high-quality friends and fans from all over the world. His art form as a thespian brings a sacred miracle it seems to me through each of his performances. This great and acclaimed actor has a willingness ...

BEAUTY, LOVE AND JUSTICE: LIVING A COLTRANIAN LIFE

Dr. Cornel West: A Real-Life Superhero

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This column focuses on the lives of people searching for and finding a human connection inspired by the life and music of the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane. Trane was a spiritual, gifted jazz musician dedicated to loving people through his heart which exquisitely came out of his instrument. I have come to discover that there are presently many people who are influenced by him even decades after his passing. This column will make an attempt at answering the question: “How ...