By Dr. Benjamin Chavis
NNPA Columnist
Whitney Houston
The entire world community will continue to be positively impacted by the unprecedented, creative and spirit-edifying eloquent contributions from the gifted-voice and artistic genius of Whitney Houston.
While we affectionately mourn her passing with the greatest of sorrow and condolence, we should take this moment forthrightly to affirm the living legacy of Whitney and not be tempted by those who only want to only focus on something negative. As a truly iconic singer, actress, model, philanthropist and committed servant for the empowerment of those who know what the struggles of life are all about, Whitney Houston touched the vortex of the soul with a voice that was blessed by God to uplift and inspire the masses of millions of people throughout the world.
It is unfortunate that we live in a society that routinely under values the cultural and expressive significance of people who have given so much of themselves through their respective art forms to help others grapple with the vicissitudes of life. Arising up out of the historic African American church tradition in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney was destined for greatness in the world of music as she labored and shared her talent across America and to the global community.
New Hope Baptist Church in Newark was the place where she began her faith-journey and a career of outstanding success. Her mother, Cissy Houston, is the renowned gospel singer, choir director and spiritual leader. Her cousin is the renowned Dionne Warwick and her godmother is the renowned Aretha Franklin. Our prayers will continue to go out to the entire Houston family and especially to Whitney’s young eighteen year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina.
Whitney Houston in her short 48 years became a living legend in both R&B and popular music. But she was more than a star in the music and entertainment industry. Like so many others in R&B, soul, jazz, the blues and gospel, Whitney Houston also gave of herself repeatedly to help people become empowered. She gave to numerous charities in Newark and across the nation. In fact, Nelson Mandela and the Mandela family considered Whitney as a member of their extended family because of her longstanding support of empowerment in South Africa and in other nations. In spite of the tragedy of her death, Houston’s star still shines and will always shine in the hearts and spirits of people everywhere who have a passion for freedom, justice, love and equality.
One of my proudest moments was at the NAACP Image Awards in 1994 when Whitney Houston was awarded one of the NAACP’s highest honors for her trailblazing achievements and accomplishments. Literally a whole generation of younger artists today is still being inspired by tremendous voice of Whitney that transcended more than five octaves with the highest quality of tonality and vocal power.
Jennifer Hudson sang a soaring tribute to Whitney at the Grammy Awards and LL Cool J rendered a heartfelt prayer at the beginning of the Grammy Awards ceremonies. Jennifer Holliday stated, “Whitney always showed that she cared about people. She was a very caring person.”
When someone that we care about dies, it always appropriate to remember the good that was done through the life of the departed. We, therefore, recall and remember the good works and great accomplishments of Whitney Houston.
Let us work now to also make a positive and a productive contribution to the uplift of all of humanity. For all who have been inspired by Whitney Houston, let’s pledge to keep her family in our prayers and to continue to push forward to make our world a better place. Long live the spirit of beloved Whitney Houston.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr is President of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and Education Online Services Corporation and can be reached at www.HSAN.org