Black Rhapsody

First Pressing - Private Pressing By: Ed & Harriette Robinson, Philadelphia, PA. Notes from the Gatefold: Building a strong foundation through corrective history - Ed Robinson "Live" On a cold, snowy February morning, 2400 girls sat impatiently in the auditorium of William Penn High, an all-black school in the angry ghetto of North Philadelphia. Dr. Edward W. Robinson Jr., a conservatively dressed, middle-aged business executive, was introduced as an expert on black history. without a dashiki, sandals, or shades, he hardly looked the part! Brother ED strode to the podium, and, in a voice filled with admiration and respect, began. " My beautiful young Queens...." There was a moment of shocked silence. then realizing the regal greeting was really meant for them, the Queens applauded delightedly. Brother Ed had come to rap, and rap he did! The royal descendants sat spellbound as they were ushered a few years back to the songhai empire, the birthplace of their forefathers and foremothers. They cried bitterly on learning how millions of there forbears were beaten, ravished and slain as they were snatched from african cities which led the world in culture, riches, and education just three centuries ago. They sang feelingly as familiar spirituals were traced to their oppression fighting origins. Their minds were "blown" as Brother Ed demolished pseudo-scientific "theories" of black inferiority and white superiority. The rape of a continent, mass murder, distorted history books, the continuing fight for black survival, the effects today on black and white americans - Brother Ed ran it all. And documented it! The message is clear and relevant to young, old, rich, poor, black, white - when you distort the history of all. Brother Ed, in his memorable rap at William Penn High, points all of us in the direction of the truth. Fortunately, that unforgettable program was recorded. The William Penn High Queens and Brother Ed share with you "The Black Rhapsody" © Copyright 1970, Edward W. Robinson, Jr.