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

2 years 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 June 4 – 10, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 4-10, 2025

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2025

Oakland Post

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Remembering George Floyd

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison acknowledges that the Floyd case five years ago involved a situation in which due process was denied, and five years later, the president is currently dismissing “due process. “The Minnesota Atty General also says, “Trump is trying to attack constitutional rule, attacking congressional authority and judicial decision-making.” George Floyd was an African American man killed by police who knocked on his neck and on his back, preventing him from breathing.

Published

1 week ago

June 2, 2025

Oakland Post

Mural showing the portrait of George Floyd in Mauerpark in Berlin. To the left of the portrait the lettering "I can't Breathe" was added, on the right side the three hashtags #GeorgeFloyd, #Icantbreathe and #Sayhisname. The mural was completed by Eme Street Art (facebook name) / Eme Free Thinker (signature) on 29 May 2020. (Wikimedia Commons)

By April Ryan
BlackPressUSA Newswire

“The president’s been very clear he has no intentions of pardoning Derek Chauvin, and it’s not a request that we’re looking at,” confirms a senior staffer at the Trump White House. That White House response results from public hope, including from a close Trump ally, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The timing of Greene’s hopes coincides with the Justice Department’s recent decision to end oversight of local police accused of abuse. It also falls on the fifth anniversary of the police-involved death of George Floyd on May 25th. The death sparked national and worldwide outrage and became a transitional moment politically and culturally, although the outcry for laws on police accountability failed.

The death forced then-Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden to focus on deadly police force and accountability. His efforts while president to pass the George Floyd Justice in policing act failed. The death of George Floyd also put a spotlight on the Black community, forcing then-candidate Biden to choose a Black woman running mate. Kamala Harris ultimately became vice president of the United States alongside Joe Biden. Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison prosecuted the cases against the officers involved in the death of Floyd. He remembers,” Trump was in office when George Floyd was killed, and I would blame Trump for creating a negative environment for police-community relations. Remember, it was him who said when the looting starts, the shooting starts, it was him who got rid of all the consent decrees that were in place by the Obama administration.”

In 2025, Police-involved civilian deaths are up by “about 100 to about 11 hundred,” according to Ellison. Ellison acknowledges that the Floyd case five years ago involved a situation in which due process was denied, and five years later, the president is currently dismissing “due process. “The Minnesota Atty General also says, “Trump is trying to attack constitutional rule, attacking congressional authority and judicial decision-making.” George Floyd was an African-American man killed by police who knocked on his neck and on his back, preventing him from breathing. During those minutes on the ground, Floyd cried out for his late mother several times. Police subdued Floyd for an alleged counterfeit $20 bill.