Gwendolynn’s Apprehension
Hope you got to jazz June and be yourself!
“Pieces of a Man” by Mick Jenkins has always been one of my favorite albums. I appreciate his love for the word and the culture. I only found out recently that his song “Gwendolynn’s Apprehension” was referring to Gwendolyn Brooks smh which also is just more proof of his ball knowledge. If you don’t know, Gwendolyn Brooks is an important poet and author of her time speaking on the everyday life of her community in Chicago. Makes sense considering they were both raised there.
Both Gwendolyn and Mick have always emphasized to be yourself. There’s no need to do something or like something just cuz someone else does. People will try to convince you that you need to have all these superficial things to be successful, but if that’s not your bag, then don’t grab it. Do what you feel calls to you.
“We Real Cool” was a poem born in the middle of the civil rights movement and even though it’s just a simple description of kids having fun and living life to the fullest, I think it’s more. The school system wasn’t giving any critical information at the time and even now they’re trying to deny or justify slavery, so why should the kids go? In an interview Gwendolyn talked about being the first black author to win a Pulitzer Prize and also said that it’d be cool if black folks created their own prizes and awards and recognitions. $100,000.00 gathered for a black community member from other black folks. I really like this idea. I never really care for the Grammys nor Oscars. I don’t even know who votes in those, but I do feel like those awards never really mean anything, at least not to me anyways. When I write I only really look to express myself, maybe someone will understand and that is always great - to relate to the human experience but if they don’t that’s okay too. At least I was given the time. Til’ soon.
After diving into the connection between Mick Jenkins' insightful track 'Gwendolynn's Apprehension' and the legendary Gwendolyn Brooks, I found myself reflecting on just how powerful their shared messages truly are. It’s not just about appreciating great art; it's about internalizing the wisdom they offer for our own lives. Beyond 'We Real Cool,' which the article touches upon, Gwendolyn Brooks' impact runs incredibly deep. Her collections like 'Annie Allen' and 'A Street in Bronzeville' are absolute masterclasses in capturing the nuances of Black life in America, particularly in her beloved Chicago. She had this incredible ability to make the everyday profound, transforming ordinary struggles and joys into timeless poetry. Reading her work, I often feel a sense of shared humanity, a reminder that our experiences, no matter how specific, echo universal truths. It’s why her words continue to resonate so strongly, even decades later. One of the most striking things I learned, thanks to this exploration, is her powerful quote: 'Do not desire to fit in. Desire to oblige yourselves to lead.' Wow, right? In a world constantly pushing us to conform, to chase trends, or to seek external validation, that message is a breath of fresh air. It's a call to authenticity, to find your own path, and to contribute something meaningful from your unique perspective. For me, this isn't just abstract advice; it's a daily challenge. How often do we dim our own light just to blend in? Brooks reminds us that our true power lies in embracing our individuality and, from that place, inspiring others. This brings me to another point the article raises: Gwendolyn Brooks' vision for Black community-led awards. Her idea of gathering $100,000 to recognize a fellow Black community member, independently of mainstream institutions, is revolutionary. It speaks volumes about the importance of self-determination and creating our own spaces for validation and celebration. I’ve always felt a bit disconnected from big industry awards, wondering who decides what's 'best.' Brooks's approach is about intrinsic value, about community upliftment, and about honoring contributions that might otherwise be overlooked by dominant cultural gatekeepers. It’s a powerful model for building and sustaining cultural capital within our own communities. Mick Jenkins, through his music, brilliantly carries this torch forward. His album 'Pieces of a Man,' which the article mentions, is a testament to this very idea of authentic self-expression and cultural pride. Just like Brooks, he delves into complex themes of identity, systemic issues, and the quest for truth, all while maintaining a deeply personal and artistic voice. Listening to tracks on 'Pieces of a Man,' you can hear echoes of Brooks's commitment to portraying reality with poetic precision. It's a beautiful continuation of a legacy, showing how different art forms can converge to deliver essential messages. Both artists, in their own unique ways, push us to look inward, question the status quo, and ultimately, to be unapologetically ourselves. It's a journey, but with guides like Gwendolyn Brooks and Mick Jenkins, it's a worthwhile one.
