Consciousness Magazine

Charles Wright: From Sharecropper to Soul Music Legend Written and interviewed by Aaron Robinson – Editor When I first heard the 70’s smash hit song “Express Yourself” by singer/songwriter/guitarist (band leader of The Watts 103 rd Street Rhythm Band),   Charles Wright, I felt that I was capable of having a voice to express myself regarding any of my endeavors, such as painting, drawing or writing. Decades after expressing myself in my artwork, I would eventually come across the man who was responsible for recording this song, Mr. Charles Wright himself. Mr. Charles Wright has made a tremendous impact on many people across the world, along with inspiring individuals who have covered, sampled, or used his songs in commercials and movies. Since escaping the harsh life of once being a sharecropper, today the legendary singer continues to live out his career as a successful artist, along with being the author of the new autobiography “ Up From Where We’ve Come” where he talk...

Adina Porter Q&A By Consciousness Magazine Photo Credit: Diana Ragland Adina Porter, one of the hardest working female actresses in the film industry has proven to be a shining star in her own right. Adina has appeared in television series such as The 100, Underground, True Blood, and The Newsroom , just to name several. Consciousness Magazine had the opportunity to speak with this amazing actress about her exciting acting career and parenthood, along with her enjoyments in life. Here is what the talented actress had to share. Adina, you play the role of Indra in season 2 and 3 of CW series The 100 . What is it like playing this amazing character? I have been lucky enough to play the role of Indra on The CW series The 100 for Seasons Two and Three. The show was recently renewed for a fourth season. I hope I'm fortunate enough to return. I think every female actor should have the opportunity to portray a strong warrior; it helps discover how powerful you can be. P...

The exciting Life and Career of Valenzia Algarin Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge More than only a talented and gifted actress, Valenzia Algarin is also a charming, funny, hilarious and a down-to-earth individual. Transforming her life from the stage to the film industry, the amazing actress has appeared in stage shows such as The Piano Lesson and Laundry & Bourbon, just to name a couple. Some of her television credits include "True Blood" “SouthLand” “Cold Case” and “Love That Girl.” Today she has returned in the Second season of the Adult Swim's “ Black Jesus” with an occurring role as Detective Dianne . Valenzia Algarin is also a spoken word artist and music artist. As a role model she continues to make a positive change in young people’s lives with her youth foundation It All Starts With A Dream, where she travels around the country to empower and inspire our youth. I had the privilege to talk to Valenzia Algarin, who is such a wonderful person...

Political comedian W. Kamau Bell new CNN docu-series, United Shades of America Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson – Editor During the month of April, political comedian W. Kamau Bell will host his new CNN docu-series, United Shades of America . The new series will   follow the comedian throughout the country as he travels and explores different groups and subcultures. He adds humor to the show, as well as highlights many diverse aspects of the human race and cultures that are prominent in America.   Over the course of Kamau’s career, he has appeared on shows such as Real Time with Bill Maher, Conan, and The Rachel Maddow Show, just to name several. He was also the star of the FX comedy series Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell . I had the opportunity to interview and speak with W. Kamau Bell regarding his eight-part docu-series United Shades of America and his latest happenings . Here is what the talented comedian had to share with the readers. Aaron...

Seven Seconds to Anywhere Written by Eric Plaut     When John Densmore first joined the Doors (then called Rick & the Ravens) in 1965, he was handed a sheet of lyrics by the band’s keyboardist Ray Manzarek.   As John read through the lyrics, he immediately felt that he connected to them.   It instantly made impression on him.   John knew at once that he was the Ravens’ drummer.   No one else—according to Densmore—would be pounding the skins to this song.   Not Dennis Wilson from the Beach Boys, Ginger Baker of Cream or even the Beatles’ Ringo Starr would be doing the honors. The song Ray Manzarek handed John was Break on Through .   Its writer would eventually become known as the lead singer of the Doors—Jim Morrison.   Break on Through introduced the rock ‘n roll world to the Doors and their self-titled debut album on January 4, 1967.   John’s riffs, as well as pounding the drums with a brush, led off Break on Throug...

  Darnell Jordan [Columnist] 2016 was a hard year for me to enter. I started the year questioning every aspect of my life including career, family, love, health, and death. I powered through my daily obligations, but I felt as if I was walking under a cloud. Two major things caused those feelings. First was the death of my beloved great-uncle Win. He died in Oct 2015 at the age of 90 after a battle with Alzheimers. He was a grand-father figure in my life, and helped my family through a lot of challenges. I learned a lot of what it means to be a man from what he taught me. He overcame a lot in his life, and his work ethic is forever unmatched. In my opinion, men like him simply aren’t made anymore. The second was the death of Chicago legend, Timothy Jones, better known as DJ Timbuck2. He died in December of 2015 from renal cancer at the age of 34.   I’ve admired his work for many years. He practically ran the Chicago nightclub scene, DJ’d internationally for some of...