Earlier this morning I read that Aretha Franklin has ultimately succumbed to her illness. With this post I would like to offer my condolences foremost to the family and friends of Aretha, but also to the entire African American community, for whom Aretha was no less than a Goddess . The fact that this community has suffered tremendous losses over the last few years speaks volume about the influence individual members of it had not only in the U.S., but more so all over the world.
With her inimitable style and voice, Aretha had become an institution. Rhythm & Blues, Soul and Gospel will forever carry her energetic vibrancy within them. None of these genres is complete without the name and voice of Aretha Franklin. May she enjoy wherever her essence is now as much as she enjoyed singing and dancing for her audience.
And while the tradition demands to say that she may rest in peace, I personally am convinced that resting is not an option for her. The opposite is true. She will be present in every young African American woman that chooses to follow her footsteps.
Respect.