#BlackSpring in “BALTIMORE" from the forthcoming Nina Simone tribute album

In the 1970’s the legendary artist and civil rights activist, Nina Simone released a song entitled "BALTIMORE." It spoke to the challenges of urban living, particularly for people of color. 

Earlier this year, a group of recording artists, including Nina’s daughter Lisa Simone, Mary J Blige, Common, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Gregory Porter, Alice Smith and Andra Day amongst others, gathered to pay homage to Nina by covering many of her songs for a Tribute album to accompany the first ever comprehensive documentary on the enigmatic singers life entitled “What Happened, Miss Simone”. Available on Netflix June 26.

Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan recorded a chilling rendition of “BALTIMORE".

No one could have predicted the current events leading up to the untimely death of Freddie Gray, an event that lead to civil unrest, riots, widespread protest and the city of Baltimore literally being brought to its knees. 

2015 looks a lot like 1968. Another black man dead in police custody….Another family grieving…Another city in turmoil.