, anddoctors. African Americans have defied a European society which deemed them inferior.African American’s problems however remain as great as their progress. The drugepidemic is devastating African American communities. African Americans make up 70% ofthe American prison population when they only make up 13% of the total population. Pay equityremains a serious issue for African Americans whoose median income is less than EuropeanAmericans according to census figures. Almost half of African American households are headedby single mothers and childredn, which 46.1 percent of struggle under the federal poverty line onless than $16,029. Health issues are major concern for African Americans. Aids is the thirdleading cause of deaths in the African American community. African Americans die at a higherrate from cancer and stroke. Obesity and high blood pressure affect African Americansdisproprtionately. African Americans today, are sitll overcoming many obstacles.Eryka Badu is the African American female revoluntionary singer of the present. Badu’sdistinctiveness is in her original style and individuality as a artist. With a unique look, wearingAfrican headwraps and ornate jewelry, Badu sings of self-identity and the ills of society. In hersong “Apple Tree”, Badu sings of friendship, self-respect and self-esteem.See I pick my friends like I pick my fruitGanny told me that when I was only a youthI don’t walk around trying to be what I’m notI don’t waste my time trying to get what you gotI at pleasin meCause I can’t please youAnd that’s why I do what I doMy soul flies free like a willow treeDo wee do wee do wee In another song “Other side of the Game”, Badu addresses the trials brought on by crime andproverty in the African American community. Badu tells of her relationship with a drug dealersand her dilema of wheather to stay with him or not. Badu’s song br...
