OLD SCHOOL STYLING BACK IN THE DAY

Thursday, August 20, 2009 By Larry D. Coleman, Esq. OLD SCHOOL “STYLING” BACK IN THE DAY (St. Louis, Missouri adolescence recalled) Back in the day, the brothers were clean. That was part of the set, part of the scene. The music was hot, the sisters were cold. The lingo was hip, the spirit was bold. The era was ‘60s, all about change. Anything went, and nothing was strange. Beep-beep, bang-bang, umgawah--Black Power. Too cool to riot, we chilled in “The ‘Lou.” While other cities burned, we jammed anew. Doing the 2-step, the 3-step and the Bop. The Deal, the Dog and the Slop. Sure, Stokely came through on a blaze. But there was also Jimi and his “Purple Haze.” Malcolm had his moment, as did Dr. King. But the crowds came out when James did his thing. “Mama come here quick, And bring your lickin’ stick! Owwww!” Beep-beep, bang-bang, umgawah--Black Power. After Steinberg skating and a White Castle treat Came some Forest Park loving, real discreet. There was the Rocking Mr. G and Bernie Hayes There was the mighty Steve Byrd all ablaze. “Black Radio” rocked all day and all night. There were house parties galore, yet very few fights. The pertinent question was the name of your school. Your answer defined the depth of your “cool.” Beep-beep, bang-bang, umgawah--Black Power. Of course “cool” was relative in attribution. But “jive” was categorical in its diminution. One’s rhythm on the dance floor and even one’s walk Could broadcast one’s status as quick as one’s talk. Nuanced and complex was the social interplay Among St. Louis’ black teenagers back in the day. Looking back at the Arch some 40 years later No adolescent experience could’ve been greater! Beep-beep, bang-bang, umgawah--Black Power. #