Category: Opinion

COVER STORY: **From the Soul of Chicago: Why July Will Always Be House Music Month**

Posted on by GO BANG MAG



What’s good, Lovers of HOUSE?

Pierre Andre’ Evans here, Owner & Publisher of Go Bang! Magazine, coming to you live from the very heart and soul of where it all began – CHICAGO!!!

As I sit here, watching the sun rise over this magnificent city, my mind is buzzing with the rhythms, the memories, and the sheer undeniable force that is House Music. And as July draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on why, for us, for the culture, this month will always be synonymous with the very essence of our sound.


You see, for many, July is just another summer month – barbecues, beach days, and fireworks. But for us Chicagoans, especially those of us who came up in the fertile ground of the late 70s and early 80s, July holds a special significance. It’s not an officially declared holiday, mind you, no city ordinance or presidential proclamation. But in our hearts, in our bones, July *is* House Music Month.

Why July?

Well, it’s deeply rooted in the history of the legendary “Chosen Few Picnic.” For over three decades, the first weekend of July, (now the second weekend, because of the NASCAR race being hosted in Chicago that weekend) has been dedicated to this phenomenal gathering, a reunion that transcends generations and geographies. It started as a small get-together amongst friends – Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Andre Hatchett, Tony Hatchett, and Alan King – the very pioneers who helped shape this sound. It was about community, about celebrating the music that brought us together, and about sharing that energy with those who understood it.



From those humble beginnings, the Chosen Few Picnic exploded into an international phenomenon. It became a pilgrimage. Over 40,000 people from all corners of the globe descend upon Jackson Park, drawn by the irresistible pull of the beats, the camaraderie, and the undeniable spirit of House. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like it. Stepping into that park, feeling the bass vibrate through your chest, seeing tens of thousands of people united in movement and joy – it’s a spiritual experience. It’s a testament to the enduring power of this music we call HOUSE!


But it’s more than just the Picnic. July in Chicago just *feels* like House Music. The long, warm nights beckon you to the dance floor, whether it’s an intimate club night, house in the park, or an impromptu beach party. The city itself seems to pulse with a different kind of energy, a celebratory vibe that perfectly aligns with the uplifting nature of House. You hear it emanating from cars, from open windows, from pop-up events that materialize out of nowhere. It’s in the very fabric of our summer.


 

 

 

 

For us at Go Bang! Magazine, documenting this culture, this phenomenon, has been our life’s work. We’ve been there for the countless spots that served as the crucibles for this sound. We’ve seen the evolution, the shifts, the new waves and the old school coming together. And through it all, the core message of House has remained the same: UNITY, LOVE, and the POWER OF THE GROOVE!!!



House Music isn’t just a genre; it’s a feeling, a philosophy, a way of life. It’s born from the struggles and triumphs of a community. It’s about finding freedom on the dance floor, about letting go of your inhibitions and connecting with something larger than yourself. It’s about the communion of souls, moving as one to a beat that transcends language and background.

And in July, all of that feels amplified. The air is thick with anticipation for the Picnic, but also with the everyday echoes of House that permeate our city. It’s a reminder of where we came from, of the giants who paved the way, and of the vibrant future that lies ahead.

So, as we bid farewell to another incredible July, let’s carry that energy forward. Let’s keep those speakers thumping, those bodies moving, and those hearts open. Because for us, the spirit of House Music isn’t confined to one month, but July serves as a beautiful, powerful annual testament to its enduring legacy.

Keep on groovin’, Chicago. And remember, the beat lives on.

I WANNA SEE ALL MY FRIENDS AT ONCE!!!!

GO BANG!!!!!


Peace,
Pierre Andre Evans
Owner & Publisher, Go Bang! Magazine

Andre Pierre “The Dancing Machine”

COVER STORY: The Black & Brown Gay Community’s Influence in the Formation of HOUSE

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of: GRAYAREA.CO

In honor of Black History Month, let’s give props to the Black & Brown members of the gay community and one of their many contributions to the world… HOUSE!!!

House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities of Chicago and New York City in the early 1980s. It is characterized by a four-on-the-floor beat, repetitive synthesizer bass lines, and vocals that often express themes of love, unity, and self-expression.

House Music: A Soundtrack of Liberation and the Power of the Gay Community

House music – its pulsating rhythms, synth-driven melodies, and themes of love and togetherness – has been a driving force in dance culture for decades. But the roots of this beloved genre run deeper than just its infectious beats. House music is fundamentally intertwined with the history and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men of color. Its origins tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the undeniable power of marginalized voices shaping a sound that would reverberate across the globe.

In the Heart of the Disco Backlash

To understand the genesis of house music, we must revisit the turbulent era of the late 1970s. Disco, with its flamboyant celebration of sexuality and its embrace by the gay, black, and Latino communities, became a target of a cultural backlash. This culminated in the infamous “Disco Demolition Night” in Chicago, a spectacle of homophobia and racism that sought to destroy this empowering musical movement.

Sanctuary in the Clubs

Against this backdrop, underground clubs like The Warehouse in Chicago and the Paradise Garage in New York became vital sanctuaries for those marginalized by mainstream society. These spaces – primarily frequented by black and Latino gay men – fostered a sense of belonging and freedom of expression that was all too rare. DJs like Frankie Knuckles, “The Godfather of House”, Ron Hardy, and Larry Levan began experimenting with stripped-down disco, incorporating electronic elements and drum machines to create a raw and fresh sound.

Innovation and Expression

House music was a form of liberation, a musical response to the oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It embraced elements of gospel, soul, and funk, often incorporating uplifting vocals preaching messages of love, unity, and self-acceptance – themes sorely needed in the face of the AIDS crisis unfolding at the time.

House music also became intertwined with the rise of voguing and ballroom culture, providing a soundtrack to these vibrant expressions of queer identity and creativity. These scenes offered a safe space for individuals to explore gender, sexuality, and self-expression in a supportive environment.


From the Underground to Global Phenomenon

House music eventually crossed over from its underground origins to international acclaim. Its hypnotic rhythms and inclusive messaging attracted an ever-expanding audience, shaping global dance music culture for decades to come. The genre’s influence can be heard across popular music, from pop to hip-hop to electronic dance music subgenres.


Lessons of Resilience and Artistic Power

The story of house music is one of resilience. Born out of a desire for safe spaces, community, and self-expression, it became a powerful force for change and acceptance. It’s a reminder that marginalized voices, when given the room to create and express themselves, can shape culture in profound ways. The story of house music is, and always will be, the story of the LGBTQ+ community finding their voice and their place through music.

House music’s legacy continues to inspire and empower. Its spirit of inclusion and celebration welcomes everyone to the dance floor, regardless of background, identity, or orientation. That spirit is perhaps the most important lesson of all – the enduring power of music to bring people together and create moments of pure joy.

                                                                                                                                                                          

Freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com. In addition, he’s an Author, Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Model, Poet, Dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Business/Literature: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GO BANG! MAGAZINE

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

On November 24, 2019, I accepted an offer for my dream job with a radio station, as a freelance writer and social media manager. This was my first time fully pursuing my dream of being self-employed, so I took a leap of faith and accepted the position, as a side hustle to my main job. I could work from home as well. Everything was going well on the dream job. I felt that the job was secure and it was paying twice the pay as my main job. I continued doing both jobs and on December 20, 2019 I went on vacation from my main job.

From December 20th throughout the holiday season, I was on cloud nine, loving my new career. While on vacation from my main job, I had time to really think about what I wanted to do. I decided that I was sick of my regular “9 to 5” and I should pursue my dream full-time. My new dream job was a part of the iHeart Media family.

On January 6, 2020, when I returned from vacation to my main job, I submitted my letter of resignation, effective immediately. I was fully self-employed. Unfortunately, the next day, my dream job let me go, due to a massive and nationwide iHeart Media lay-off. Last hired, first fired. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Yesterday, I had two jobs and today I have NO job! Fortunately, I was eligible for Unemployment Compensation.

Since I’m home and got free time, I decided that now that I am unemployed and have plenty of free time, this would be the best time to go on a vacation. What better place to go, to lift my spirits, than New Orleans, Mardi Gras, on Fat Tuesday! So that’s what I did…me and my homie. From February 23, 2020 thru Wednesday February 26, 2020 I had a ball. This time included Fat Tuesday, February 25th. I had a great time, but I found that the people and the city were too slow for me. I’m high spirited and swift-minded and I found the city to be too laid back for me. So, I won’t be retuning there.

When I returned home, I learned of the Coronavirus and that it was spreading very fast in New Orleans. Luckily, I’d left just in time and didn’t really interact with many people, because I wasn’t feeling the city, as I stated already. All of my loved ones and friends reached out to me to make sure that I wasn’t sick. I wasn’t. Thank God!

Now it’s March 2020. On March 11, 2020 the Novel Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. On March 13, 2020 a national emergency was declared in the United States concerning the COVID-19 Outbreak. The world has been shut down and everyone is locked down in their homes. WTF!!!

Now back at home during this time off, and with me already being a published writer, I wanted to kick it up a notch and start my own online magazine. I have always wanted to do that, but never had the time to invest in starting it. NOW I HAD THE TIME! The world is on lockdown! I pivoted from being an author to being a publisher.

The purpose of my magazine would be to enlighten my readers with stories, people and events that are making POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD, highlighting known and unknown individuals and events.

So, on April 1, 2020 I launched the first issue of my magazine, GO BANG! Magazine, (www.GoBangMagazine.com) with NO START UP MONEY and NO publishing EXPERIENCE. Having worked with historic and iconic media outlets such as The Chicago Defender Newspaper, N’Digo Magapaper and the Soul Train brand, I was fully groomed to start my own. All I had was a vision, passion and a dream! I would now be the CEO, Publisher, Senior Editor and Journalist, as well as the Promoter and Publicist.

April was just one month after COVID-19 was categorized as a pandemic. As I said, the world shut down, so the timing of my magazine couldn’t have been better. Everybody was at home and had nothing to do. Why not read GO BANG! Magazine?


September 2020 marked GO BANG! Magazine’s six-month anniversary. At this point, GO BANG! Magazine had been received overwhelmingly great across the planet, not just here in the United States. GO BANG! Magazine is global and includes readers in United Kingdom, China, Nigeria, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Saint Lucia and United Arab Emirates. WOW, WOW & WOW!!!

I’m told that the public loves the in-depth interviews and the people that I select to interview. Many of the interviewees have commented on how they love the way I conduct the interviews, which are via email, the questions asked, and how they are allowed to fully express themselves, with no restrictions.

November 2020, I accepted a job with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership as a Lead Contact Tracer. I had always wanted to help rid the world of this deadly pandemic, and now I had the chance. This was a work-from-home position, so it wouldn’t interfere with publishing my magazine. My Contact Tracing duties include: leading 16 Contact Tracers in contacting individuals that may have been exposed to COVID-19 thru close contact with a COVID-19 infected individual and provide them with information and guidance to interrupt/reduce the ongoing transmission of the disease by obtaining symptom information, advising them to self-quarantine and to monitor their health, assisting exposed individuals in getting tested, connecting individuals to resources and support during self-quarantine and self-isolation.

March 2021, I initiated accepting promotional ads and offering sponsorship packages to individuals and businesses. As of now, ads are my focus. In the near future, as the world opens back up, I will focus on GO BANG! Magazine sponsored events, and therefore my focus will be more on soliciting sponsorship packages.

April 1, 2021: Celebrating ONE YEAR of publication, GO BANG! Magazine has achieved what many other media outlets haven’t.  April 1, 2021 marks the ONE YEAR Anniversary of GO BANG! Magazine!  In that one year, GO BANG! Magazine has become the reliable source for in-depth interviews and an internationally global successful medium.  The magazine has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and everyday individuals.  It proudly boasts, having readers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Italy, Nigeria, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Saint Lucia and several other countries.   

In addition to that,  GO BANG! Magazine is now offering reasonably priced monthly AD SPACE  and seeking SPONSORSHIP opportunities for businesses and/or individuals interested in sponsoring upcoming events produced by the GO BANG! Magazine brand. 

In addition to the magazine, I have also launched a newsletter which creates a database of my readers and followers. I have sister sites of the magazine on all social media platforms as well. With all of these platforms, it has given me an audience to promote and sell merchandise, as well as fundraise. I have created promotional facemasks, hats and shirts with the GO BANG! Magazine logo on it! The items have been received positively by the public and sales have been great!

I am proud, amazed, thrilled and thankful for the first year of GO BANG! Magazine and I look forward to more years to come.

What I have learned during this wonderful journey is that you must be creative, be persistent, trust yourself, have faith, hang in for the long-haul, be flexible and always be willing to learn more about your field of business.

I had a DREAM…
COVID-19 Pandemic gave me TIME…
GOD gave me the GIFT to……

GO BANG!…

I DID!



Thank you ALL for your past, present and future support!!!!



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for: SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

COVID-19 Vaccine And The Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Photo courtesy of Twitter @TylerPerry

Video Property of TylerPerryStudios / Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M56q6TIJ890

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

In the midst of a world health crisis, Perry sits down with top medical experts Carlos del Rio, MD Executive Associate Dean, Emory School of Medicine at Grady Health System, and Kimberly Dyan Manning, MD Professor of Medicine at Grady Health System to address the public’s concerns and fears about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The half-hour special provides helpful and factual information for viewers looking to protect themselves and their families from this unprecedented crisis. Tackling issues head-on, Perry asks the hard-hitting questions to help the community gain insight into this new vaccine.

“COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community A Tyler Perry Special” joins BET’s roster of informative specials that address the impacts of COVID-19 on the Black community and answers questions about the vaccine.

“COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community A Tyler Perry Special,” is Executive Produced by Tyler Perry for Tyler Perry Studios.

 

2020: A Year Like No Other!!!

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

There is a single word that serves as a fitting representation of 2020: resilience. Very few periods over the course of modern history have tested our resilience and shaped humanity, culture and politics the way 2020 has. From a global health pandemic, racial injustice and an increasingly volatile climate to complex geopolitics and a divisive U.S. election, the impact of this year will be felt for decades to come.

‌Our ability as a society to adapt, innovate and grow on a global and local level has been extraordinary. From innovations in science and medicine that accelerated a COVID-19 vaccine to the social awakening of citizens and corporations taking action in support of Black Lives Matter to communities rallying together to fight natural disasters to the largest turnout of voters in the history of U.S. presidential elections, this year has demonstrated our humanity, scars and all, and what it truly means to be a global citizen.

A year in review might suggest that the moments are behind us. What 2020 has shown is the events that defined this year will last a lifetime. Here is a snapshot.

‌January

The year kicks off with some of the worst wildfires in Australia’s history, destroying over 12 million acres of land. The World Health Organization announces the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, and the first COVID-19 case is confirmed in the U.S. COVID-19 will go on to kill over 1.6 million people worldwide by year’s end. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins. Basketball icon Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others die in a tragic helicopter accident. A Ukraine-bound plane crashes shortly after taking off from Tehran airport; Iran’s government later admits it mistakenly shot the plane down. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their intention to step down from the royal family.

‌February

The United Kingdom finally exits the European Union in what has been coined Brexit. The Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in a stunning Super Bowl comeback. Parasite becomes the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. The Senate votes to acquit President Trump at his impeachment trial. Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, is fatally shot after being pursued by three white civilians in Glynn County, Ga., and solidarity events are held across the nation. Harvey Weinstein is convicted on multiple charges in a high-profile court case. Joe Biden wins the South Carolina primary, notching his first win in a run that will eventually gain him the Democratic presidential nomination.

‌March

The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic and lockdown begins in countries around the world, triggering a global economic reaction that causes the worst single-day point drop for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The highly anticipated Tokyo Summer Olympics are canceled. Racial injustice remains at the forefront of people’s minds as Breonna Taylor is killed by police during a botched raid in Louisville, Ky. The first COVID-19 relief bill is passed in the U.S., helping millions of people and businesses. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19. Tom Brady signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a legendary run with the New England Patriots. Tiger King hits Netflix and becomes a quarantine smash. Yahoo celebrates 25 years.

‌April

Nova Scotia suffers one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada’s history. Much of the U.S. is in lockdown mode, with New York hit the hardest by cases of COVID-19. The pandemic has a disproportionate effect on diverse communities, with Black people, Asians and Latinos affected the most. It continues to hit all economic sectors, with unemployment numbers at 14.7 percent in the U.S., the highest rate and the largest month-over-month increase since 1948, when data was first collected. Yahoo Life, a new vertical focused on all things mental health and wellness, launches. Verizon Media donates $10 million in advertising inventory to help mental health organizations. The highly anticipated mobile streaming service Quibi launches, only to shut down six months later.

‌May

George Floyd is killed after a police officer kneels on his neck for an extended period, setting off worldwide protests and a racial justice reckoning. Political protests calling for democratic leadership and economic reform begin in Belarus, and separate protests erupt in Hong Kong after China votes to impose strict national security legislation. Costa Rica is the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage. Cyclone Amphan hits India, causing significant damage and becoming one of the costliest cyclones recorded in the North Indian Ocean. “Murder hornets” become a new fascination as they reach North America for the first time.

‌June

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declares the country “COVID-free.” China’s economy bounces back into growth following a record Q1 slump. Global protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing escalate as citizens call for police reform and justice. Verizon announces a $10 million commitment to organizations focused on social and racial equality. The Supreme Court rules against the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program in a 5-4 decision. India wins a two-year seat on the United Nations Security Council.

‌July

The Trump administration considers banning the social media app TikTok, setting off a debate on whether the app poses a security threat to the U.S. Allegations of a toxic workplace emerge at The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Glee actress Naya Rivera drowns in a California lake. Beloved TV host Regis Philbin dies. The NBA resumes its season in a “bubble” at Disney World, and Formula 1 announces it will resume racing, beginning with the Rolex Grosser Preis von Osterreich. The first four weeks of the Indian Premier League experience a sizable surge in viewership, even surpassing the viewership of the English Premier League.

‌August

Joe Biden announces Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his VP running mate, making her the first woman of color on a major-party ticket. California wildfires rage, fueled by dry heat and extreme temperatures, showcasing the volatility of climate change. Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, is left partly paralyzed after police shoot him seven times in the back in front of his three children. A huge explosion of ammonium nitrate stored at a dock in Beirut kills over 200 people. The sudden death of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman shocks Hollywood and fans alike.

‌September

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at the age of 87 from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer, setting off a major political battle over her replacement. Tributes to RBG, as she was fondly called, pour in from around the world to honor the feminist icon. President Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett as RBG’s replacement. Biden and Trump have their first debate, which highlights bitter exchanges and name calling and sets off a meme titled “Will you shut up, man?” in reference to a remark from Biden. Naomi Osaka wins her second U.S. Open title.

‌October

The Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. President Trump and the first lady test positive for COVID-19, in addition to over a dozen others associated with the administration. Two legends in film and music pass away: Sean Connery and Eddie Van Halen. The NBA sets a successful example for a sports comeback as the season ends with zero positive COVID-19 results for players within the Orlando bubble. LeBron James and the L.A. Lakers go on to defeat the Miami Heat to win the NBA championship.. LeBron James and the LA Lakers go on to defeat the Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship.

‌November

With much anticipation, Election Day arrives and more Americans vote — including by mail — than in any other election in U.S. history. Joe Biden is declared president-elect, winning both the electoral and popular vote. The U.S. formally exits the Paris Agreement. Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek dies after battling pancreatic cancer. India resumes international cricket in Australia for the first time since March.

‌December

The first COVID-19 vaccines are administered in the U.K., followed by the U.S. The rollout of the vaccine creates a sense of optimism across the globe as cases continue to surge across the U.S. The Electoral College casts its votes and officially affirms Joe Biden’s victory.

‌
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a year like no other. As unrelenting as the headwinds were, what I saw — citizens and communities across the world exhibiting courage, humility and sacrifice — made me optimistic. Resilience is what defined 2020, but more importantly, it will be what takes us forward.

Event/Opinion: I MARCHED ON WASHINGTON 2020 – “The Comittment March”

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

WATCH THE ENTIRE EVENT courtesy of C-SPAN.org VIDEO:
Click here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?475069-1/national-action-networks-get-knee-necks-rally-march&live=&vod=&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=e7e463ea-0c4e-428f-b62c-b4504254a42e&fbclid=IwAR1fNs64SGk1o_KASgWIBPxfdSWUW-THOI-FJDmRqM1KQuyhUXmmeqtw1bg

 



The National Action Network (NAN) held a “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” rally at the Lincoln Memorial on the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Among the speakers were Vice Presidential Candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King, III. Also delivering remarks were family members of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Ahmaud Arbery. Following the conclusion of the rally, participants marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

I, Pierre A. Evans, had the desire to attend this historic event from the time that I first became aware of it.  In early June, 2020, at  the funeral of George Floyd, Reverend Al Sharpton announced that it would be a MARCH ON WASHINGTON set for Friday, August 28, 2020.  At that moment I knew that I was going! I immediately hit up my homie, Donald Burns, and asked him if he was interested in attending the march with me. He said “HELL YEA!”  We booked our flight and hotel immediately and just waited on the date to arrive.

Once we started our journey on Thursday, August 27, 2020, the first thing that I noticed was that Midway Airport was empty and the plane will filled half capacity.  I didn’t mind either of those changes and welcomed the space and room.  Bear in kind, we are traveling in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We we’re literally putting ourselves in the midst of it by traveling. But the urge and need for me to go was overwhelming.  The last time that I went to DC was to attend the “Million Man March” in the 90’s.  Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I am a human rights activist.

We get to DC Thursday afternoon and begin to kick it!  Basically, we just traveled around the area our hotel (The Homewood Hilton) was in, which was Navy Yard/Washington Nationals Stadium.  There was a lot to see and do.  We did it ALL!

The next day, Friday, August 28, 2020, is March day! The event started gathering at 5:30 am and the speakers started at 9am and continued until about 2pm.  Many of the people and families that have been affected by the unjustice and murders committed against Black/Brown people spoke.  The mood of everyone attending was PRIDE!

Being a journalist, I always document and share my travels with my Facebook family, so I went LIVE several times throughout the trip and took numerous photos at historic locations.  You can see the footage on my Facebook page @https://www.facebook.com/pierre.a.evans

The ceremony went overtime and the march didn’t start until about 2ish, an hour late (CPT) lol. Unfortunately, my phone died before the march started so I was unable to record it but it was DOPE!  You already know it was.  I was afraid that it would get violent, especially with ORANGE MAN being in town for the Republican National Convention (RNC).  I was prepared though.  I’m always ready!  Thank GOD all went well and there was no violence on the day of the March.  Unfortunately, I found out that there was violence a few days later at a nighttime march there.

Saturday, August 29, 2020 was my chill day.  After traveling, waking up early Friday, spending all day on my feet and marching, my 53 year old butt needed to chill and recouperate. #Realtalk So that’s all I did. Chill, drink, sleep and eat….ALL DAY!

Sunday, August 30, 2020 started at 4am with a man beating on my door, turning the door handle, trying to push his way into my room, and say over and over “RICHARD!”  Instinctively, I was ready to kick ass!  I rushed to the door, looked though the peep hole and saw a man, who looked intoxicated.  I said “Wassup? What you want?” He said, “Richard!” I said, “Ain’t no Richard here, you got the wrong room, keep it moving bro!” Again he shouted “Richard” and was trying to turn the knob to get in.  I told him, “I’m bout to call security.” He ain’t give a f*ck, he kept on.

So I called the front desk and told them what happened. To my AMAZEMENT, they told me that they do not have ANY Security at 4am.  I was like DAMN! So, I called the Police.  Long story short, they came in about 20 minutes.  The man was gone, but when the Police arrived they said that he was stuck in the stairway, was drunk and was trying to find him room, which was in the same location of the building as mine, just on a different floor.

Later that day, I went to the Martin Luther King Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial and other historic sites. It’s all on Facebook too and was quite a great experience.  I am part of a Facebook group called March on Washington 2020.  This group kept all of the members informed of everything we needed to know and a place to communicate with each other.  Through that group, I got the chance to bond with a cool brutha that lived in Arlington, VA.  Once arriving to DC, we linked up and he was my second kick it partna! His name is Antonio Pearse.  I told him come to Chicago and I’ll show him around CHItown. A cool brotha and woke!

So, overrall, it was a well-needed trip for me to take.  Many people ask, what did you accomplish?  My response is that it’s not like I came back form the march saying NOW I’M FREE!  No, not at all!  I come back to URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE TRUMP OUT AND FOR ALL OF US TO VOTE, WHETHER MY MAIL OR IN PERSON.  

Youth, YOU ARE THE LEADERS OF THIS TIME NOW AND ALL OF YOU need to turn out and VOTE on November 3rd!

I feel that the march was a way to channel my anger, frustration and rage in a way that allows me to remain a FREE man, not locked up in JAIL!

PEACE & POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com,  NDigo.com,  ChicagoDefender.com,  EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions.  Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

 

 

#VOTETrumpOut

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

photo property of GETTY IMAGES

 

#VOTE  That’s ALL we got! (legally)

DO YOU SEE THIS?
The photo of HITLER has been photoshopped!
Hitler was NEVER holding a book!
There is an agenda!
Controversy is TRUMP’S goal!
GET TRUMP OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE!

Media is circulating a photoshopped pic of Hitler holding a book in his hand to compare it with Trump holding the UPSIDE DOWN bible recently.
Hitler NEVER had a book in his hand!
Don’t Believe the HYPE!

Opinion: GEORGE FLOYD – “Murder… and then Mayhem!”

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

All across America, there were peaceful protest rallies going over the final weekend of May, 2020, as a response to the on-camera murder of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin, a Minnesota police officer. George Floyd was handcuffed, laying on his stomach, on the ground with the officer kneeling on his neck.

Several times throughout this ordeal, Floyd gasped and pleaded for his life saying “I can’t breathe!” He even went so far as to cry out “Momma!” Even with ALL of this, Officer Chauvin never removed his knee from George’s neck. Chauvin even had his hands in his pockets, as if he was relaxing while suffocating George with his knee. Throughout this horrific ordeal, three other police officers stood by, doing NOTHING!

George Floyd died, under the knee of the police officer.  The officer still pressed his knee to the neck of Floyd for another two minutes, after he was dead.  The image of the WHITE police officers, kneeling on the neck of the BLACK man, resulting in death, symbolized exactly what so many Black/Brown Americans feel.  White police officers are killing people of color so casually and so boldly, that it was recorded on live tv!  They have no fear of repercussions for their actions, because for years, they have gotten away with it!

So far, Officer Chauvin has been charged with murder and manslaughter. Many members of society, throughout the country, felt that the charge wasn’t severe enough. Many feel that he should be charged with FIRST DEGREE MURDER, including myself!

In addition to that, there are THREE other police officers that have yet to be detained or charged! Tou Thao, videotaped watching as Chauvin continued to press on Floyd’s neck with his knee, has left Minnesota, his lawyer confirmed Friday. J Alexander Kueng, one of the two first officers at the scene who helped pin Floyd down, is believed to be staying with family in Minneapolis. Thomas K. Lane has left and didn’t tell anyone where he was going, a relative said Friday.

Because of this injustice…some people took to the streets! We have a NEW generation that’s not as docile as past generations. They feel that marching isn’t doing the job and it’s time to fight back and kick ass!

Some people were fed up and felt that the only way to get ATTENTION to the fact that black & brown people are being killed by the police on a regular basis and are RARELY charged with the crime of MURDER, is to hit “The Man” where it hurts… in their pockets.

Downtown Chicago, and several other cities around the country, were devastated with looting, vandalism and fires!

I acknowledge that looters invading the peaceful protesters were opportunist that used this peaceful protest as an excuse to burn businesses and loot stores. I do not approve of ALL the looting going on, especially in the neighborhoods. They are hurting themselves, but they are fed up!

It’s unfortunate that black/brown owned business, like Kimbark Beverage Shoppe in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL and others, are being affected as well. The riots were not well executed, but it got EVERYBODY’S attention. Didn’t it?

For BLACK people…the pot’s been boiling for CENTURIES and the tension has been building because of racial oppression, discrimination and WHITE PRIVILEGE! Well NOW, it has boiled over!

However, the rioting and looting needs to end! NOW that the attention has be received, there needs to be talk and dialog between the powers that be and community leaders. An acknowledgement, discussion and solution to the injustice, discrimination and targeting of black and brown people, by police officers, need to take place!

#EnoughIsEnough

EVERYONE WANTS TO BE HEARD!

PUT YOURSELF IN SOMEBODY ELSE’S SHOES AND SEE IT FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T BEEN HEARD FOR CENTURIES, PEACEFULLY MARCHING FOR EQUALITY & JUSTICE!   THERE COMES A TIME WHEN FRUSTRATION DRIVES YOU TO SNAP!

BLACK/BROWN AMERICA HAS SNAPPED!!!

PS. I’m not gonna even mention that ALL of this is taking place while we are going through a COVID-19 pandemic.  NO social distancing and very few, if any one, had on masks!  Are we headed for anothert SPIKE in Covid-19 cases in TWO WEEKS?

I’ don’t even wanna go there!

Be safe, be strong, be smart! 👊

 

Pierre Andre’ Evans

A Black Man!

 

Poetry/Opinion: JOHN W. FOUNTAIN “Portraits of Corona”

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

“Portraits of Corona”


Grim Reaper—
Across these states,
Doctors orders they are defyin’
But it wont be long
Soon
they will be cryin’
Dyin’
Sickness risin’
Coronavirus lyin’
In wait to claim
Ignorance—
that hisses at the lessons of history & science
Arrogance—
Defiantly spitting
In the face of fact
And truth
And irrefutable proof
About this plague—
That already has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives
Infecting—
Millions worldwide
Staking its deadly claim
Like the Grim Reaper
Peace Breacher
Invisible Angel of Death
Irrespective of people—
White
Or Black
Or Yellow
Or Brown.
Hear the sound:
Of a cresting river of mourning
Amid this affliction
Amid this hell storm of sickness
That shall inevitably run its full course
With such catastrophic force
Of which historians will someday write
And generations shall read
In the light
Of knowing:
That in the midst of this global pandemic
Even as its deadly winds were blowing
That across these states,
Doctors’ orders
they were defyin’
But soon
they were cryin’
Dyin’
Sickness–
risin’
Coronavirus–
lyin’
In wait to claim
Their poor ignorant souls…

The Saints—
And the preacher said, “Come,
For I have heard the voice of the Lord
And we have only but
‘Fear’ to abhor
Not a mere virus
Which shall not penetrate
The House of the Lord
With its sanctified gates”

And if
Perchance
You should take ill, the preacher said,
By His blood
I will heal
And raise you
From corona’s deathbed
Never mind you may be feeble
Or golden in age,
Suffer diabetes, heart disease
Or be in a cancer stage
That make you uniquely susceptible
To the virus’ rage
Causing you prematurely
To go to your graves
Never mind the foolishness
Of scientists
And their worldly advice
Never mind the government
That ordered you to stay inside

“Shall a man rob God?”
The preacher exhorts.
“For we are not of this world
In God we trust”
“Come, let us enter into His house with thanksgiving
And into His courts with praise
For our God is bigger than Corona
Turn to your neighbor,
and give God the praise”

And so,
They came
Like sheep to the slaughter
The virus a ruthless marauder
And church meetings mere fodder
Amid this world pandemic
Of horror
The “Lord’s house” transformed into a super-spreader
Of infectious disease
That lapped like flaming tongues of wildfire
Bringing church leadership to its knees
Claiming bishops and pastors,
and laity alike
Sending shockwaves
Through Zion
And bringing to light:
That, like God, the virus
Was no respecter of persons
Regarded neither saint, nor sinner
Nor foolish assertions;

That lives could have been saved
And tragedy averted
If by faith
and by wisdom
the Watchman
Had only alerted
The sheep
Instead of falling fast asleep
As the wolf
began to creep
And the flock,
it began to eat

So in the end,
the preacher’s epitaph read:
“Here lies a good man
With delusions of grandeur in his head
A man who didn’t have to die
Upon corona’s bed.”

The Angels—
And the angels, masked and gloved,
Performed miracles
Impervious to fear
As they sought to heal them
Shed tears for those
whose eyes affixed longingly to these guardian souls
As if they had halos
Amid laborious last breaths
And the encroachment of cold death
As scripts and ventilators
Ceased in utility
And all of humanity
Gasped at the depravity
Of an invisible enemy
That froze
The world
In suspended animation
But the Angels braved the storm
Fought on
Wearied and worn
Their souls forever torn
By the ones they lost
And the ones they won
After the storm had passed
And returned the sun
And it was clear
That these wingless human souls
Were the most valiant ones
Our Angels

WHAT ILLINOISANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MAY 1 MASK MANDATE

Posted on by GO BANG MAG

Reprinted from: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/

Under the latest extension of Illinois’ stay-at-home order, residents will be required to wear masks in stores and other places where social distancing is not possible.

Beginning May 1, Illinois residents will be required to wear a mask or face covering in public places and in situations where they are unable to keep their distance from others. The new mandate is part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s extension of the stay-at-home order.

Many suburbs already implemented the mask requirement before the governor announced the new policy. The order now applies to all residents and businesses throughout the state.

Is there a certain type of mask I should wear?

What qualifies as a mask is broad. The N95 respirators and surgical masks should be reserved for emergency workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other face coverings for the general public can include bandanas, scarfs or T-shirts. There are resources online from the CDC and others with demonstrations on how old shirts can be made into a mask without sewing. The key requirement is that it covers both the nose and mouth. The CDC notes:

Masks are intended to stop you from spreading the virus to others, not to stop you from being exposed.
They should fit snugly but be comfortable on the face. Ear loops and multiple layers of fabric are recommended.
Masks should not be touched after they are on. They can be removed by ear loops, then you should wash your hands immediately and launder the mask before using again.

When do I have to wear a mask?

Masks will be required in nearly every public setting and all individuals over the age of 2 will have to wear them, provided they are not medically prohibited. The executive order states they are needed “when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance.” This means people are required to wear them when entering any business or indoor public setting. Masks are not needed outside in parks, as long social distancing of six feet or more is maintained.

How is this going to be enforced?

The requirement will not be enforced in a heavy-handed fashion. Pritzker said enforcement will be done at the local level, so it is up to the businesses to ensure their customers are properly protected before entering. Law enforcement does not need to arrest or fine someone who isn’t wearing a mask but should be reminding the community of the new requirements.

Why do we need to wear masks?

The point of wearing a mask is to protect others. The idea is that if one person is an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19, wearing a mask will limit their ability to transmit the virus to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly agrees with Illinois’ order to require masks in public.

Do people in other states have to wear masks?

Illinois is far from being the first state to require the use of a mask in public. Many stores had already required shoppers to wear a mask upon entering. Anyone still looking to travel will also likely find they must wear a mask before boarding a plane.

How long will masks be required?

Wearing masks in public places will likely become common practice for the foreseeable future, not just in Illinois but in most of the world. Experts believe it will be necessary so life can go on with some semblance of normality until a vaccine or cure is developed. A vaccine could be at least a year away, according to the most optimistic predictions.

NEVER MISS A HIT!!!

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