Aretha Franklin - by Moses

 
       Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, has just died of Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 76 - this August 16th, 2018.

  Aretha Franklin was admired by everyone who knew her.  She won 18 Grammy Awards and was outspoken towards the Feminist Movement, Woman's Liberation Movement, and African-American Rights over the duration of her life.  She recorded top hits 'Respect', 'Natural Woman', and 'Freedom' (or 'Think') among others.  She brought former President Barack Obama to tears in a performance of 'Natural Woman' in 2015.

  Franklin's Father was a Minister, and her Mother was likewise a singer.  Aretha was self taught on piano at the age of 5.  To put things into perspective, Aretha Franklin, a legend, has just passed on into the Heavens.

  Her rise to fame began in the early 60's when she performed alongside legends Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Otis Redding, Dionne Warwick and others in a huge African-American Music scene in Motown (Detroit). She spoke for Rosa Parks and the early Civil Rights movement across America, and was a focal point of Motown.  She was even featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1968. 

  We should celebrate her life for a full year to commemorate her contributions towards humanity as both a person, and entertainer which involved her playing many shows pro-bono for the causes in which she supported.   As a Jew I often face anti-semitism in todays' age.  Jewish people have had a similar diaspora to the plight of African-Americans in America and beyond.  Constant ethnic slights are hurled, sometimes hidden, yet felt.  What I truly feel strongly about is that our history be re-told and NEVER forgotten.