The River Ain't the Only Thang Runnin' Deep Around Here

Here we are on the first day of February already, also the first day of Black History Month, which might have skipped my notice if I hadn't just finished reading the local library's monthly bulletin. Despite my lily-white heritage, I do have a deep interest in African-American history, as demonstrated by many of my favorite reading and movie-watching choices over the years. I've always been inspired by stories about overcoming adversity. If that theme is prominent anywhere, it's in black history, where so much has been accomplished--and there's still so much to be done.

I was reminded of that last fact earlier this week on the night of the State-of-the-Union Address. Because President Obama was a few minutes late starting his speech, a Facebook friend referred to him as "arrogant." I know from the trend of her other posts that what she really meant was "uppity," and I'm still steamed about it. Don't like his policies? That's fine by me; we can agree to disagree. But I detest racism, no matter how someone tries to pretty it up.

Okay, enough ranting. I'm glad you're here, regardless of which side's Kool-Aid you've been drinking--mine or another flavor.

Today also happens to be Saturday, time for a Saturday Song Selection. (I totally forgot about a song last Saturday, because I totally forgot that last Saturday was a Saturday.). The old spirituals seem well suited to this particular post, so I'll choose one of the many that touch my heart. I dare you to listen to the first few bars of this and see if you can remain unmoved by the soulfulness of it.

The song is "Deep River," performed by Mahalia Jackson.

Thanks to StudiosHawaii for posting the video on YouTube.

Click here to read the lyrics.