Today, we honor the remarkable legacies of James Earl Jones and Frankie Beverly, two individuals whose contributions to the arts have deeply influenced the cultural landscape. James Earl Jones, with his resonant voice, embodied wisdom and strength. Overcoming a stutter in his youth, he transformed his challenges into a powerful oratory presence that resonated with audiences across the globe. His career, marked by iconic performances, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound power of words. I wonder how he so strongly pushed the scars of a stuttering child past Jim Crow to stardom. I saw him once in an airport, discreetly hiding from the crowd like a grown robust man with a Mississippi boy to protect. I nodded and didn’t interfere. Perhaps, he and the child within were talking. No one knows the price of true impact! Frankie Beverly, on the other hand, offered us a different kind of artistry—through music that celebrates love and life. His sound transcended genres...