Black History

Ragtime Royalty: The Musical Journey of Scott Joplin

Scott Joplin, a pioneering figure in American music, is best known for his significant contributions to the development of ragtime. Born sometime between 1867 and 1868 in Texarkana, Texas, Joplin’s life journey took him from a humble beginning to becoming a celebrated composer and pianist.

Published

7 months ago

October 10, 2023

Oakland Post

Scott Joplin. Wikimedia photo.

By Tamara Shiloh

Joplin’s early exposure to music came from his family, particularly his mother, who played the banjo and encouraged his musical pursuits. He showed remarkable talent at a young age, and his aptitude for the piano soon became evident. Despite facing financial challenges, Joplin’s passion for music led him to teach himself the intricacies of musical composition and notation.

His breakthrough came in the late 1890s with the composition of the “Maple Leaf Rag,” a ragtime piece that would become his signature work. Released in 1899, the “Maple Leaf Rag” gained immense popularity and is considered one of the most significant compositions in the history of ragtime. This piece not only showcased Joplin’s mastery of syncopated rhythms but also marked a turning point in the recognition of ragtime as a legitimate genre.

Joplin’s compositions were characterized by their intricate melodies and the fusion of African rhythms with European musical forms. His music was a blend of catchy, syncopated rhythms and melodic complexity, appealing to a wide range of audiences. Alongside the “Maple Leaf Rag,” his compositions like “The Entertainer” and “Elite Syncopations” further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in ragtime music.

Beyond his compositions, Joplin aimed to elevate the status of ragtime by publishing “The School of Ragtime,” an instructional manual that provided aspiring musicians with a comprehensive guide to playing and understanding ragtime music. This book not only emphasized the technical aspects of playing but also the importance of preserving the art form’s integrity.

However, Joplin’s journey was not without challenges. He faced racial prejudice and financial struggles throughout his life. Despite his immense talent and contributions, he struggled to secure consistent financial success from his music. Yet, he remained committed to his craft, continuing to compose and perform.

Tragically, Joplin’s life was cut short by illness. He passed away on April 1, 1917, at the age of 49. While he didn’t witness the full extent of his influence, his legacy lived on. His compositions and their impact on the world of music continued to resonate through the years, influencing later generations of musicians.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 8 – 14, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May May 8 – 14, 2024

Published

4 days ago

May 10, 2024

Oakland Post

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S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.