Why? Is It the Color of My Skin?

ABOUT THE ARTISTE:

Prince Joe Eweka, PMP. (“African Joe") is a Nigerian-American currently living in Virginia, U.S.A, and he is a member of the Royal Family of the Benin Kingdom. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Joe was a writer for the Nigerian Television Authority from 1980 to 1989. He immigrated to the United States in 1989. He lived in New York City from 1989 to 1996 before relocating to Virginia.

Areas of Joe’s expertise encompass strategic business development, human services, criminal justice, Law, social policy analysis, research, leadership styles, investigations, security, corrections management, and project management. His current and past memberships in professional organizations include: Project Management Institute (PMI); American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers (ASCAP); National Association of Investigative Specialists; American Criminal Justice Association; National Authors Registry; Professional Investigators & Security Association; Association of Black Criminal Justice Professionals; Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; and International Society of Poets.

Joe was amongst the top 1% of all students in American Universities and Colleges. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Law from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY), and his specialization was "Criminal Law and Procedure". Moreover, he attended Walden University for his Ph.D. program. In addition to other Diplomas (including an advanced-level Diploma) in Legal Studies, Joe also attended another graduate (Master\'s degree) program in Information Systems (with a specialization in Software Engineering) at Strayer University.

He has received numerous academic and leadership awards, some of which include: International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs, International Poet of Merit Award; Poet of Merit Medallion; New York City-wide Outstanding Leadership Award (CUNY); Distinguished Service Award; Outstanding Service Award; Leadership Excellence Award; Student of the Year Scholarship Award; AFRIDEMICS (Highest Award); Thematic Studies Honors Program Award; National Dean’s List Awards; John Jay College of Criminal Justice Dean’s List Awards; Belle Zeller Scholarship Honorary Mention; and Who’s Who Amongst Students in American Universities and Colleges Award, etc.


ABOUT THE MUSIC:

This musical album was co-produced by Joe Eweka (African Joe) and the legendary Doc Holiday. Most of Joe’s songs address the problems in our societies, and they are based on his real life experiences and his strong sense of justice; as well as his disgust against corruption, hypocrisy, terrorism, and racism. For example, despite his numerous outstanding qualifications, he was repeatedly rejected for employment within his professions, apparently because of his color and/or nationality, or strong accent.

Determined not to be a burden on society, he established a limousine business in 1991 (after he had an on-the-job accident)in New York City. The company later became “the best” in a tightly competitive environment in Virginia. Unfortunately, he was illegally forced out of business in 2001 by York County local government, who conspired with Joe’s competitor. Joe was also assaulted by a New York City police officer in 1995 when he went to the police precinct for help. Besides, he was a victim of the notorious racial profiling on the New Jersey Turnpike by the New Jersey State Police in 1998. And he was unjustly and unfairly prosecuted by the Federal Government without being read his Miranda Rights in 2004. These unfortunate events have had negative effects not only on Joe himself, but also on his daughter, who contributed to this musical album. This CD album is an educational and historical material presented in entertainment form.

Despite the seemingly satirical nature of some of African Joe's songs, they are all intended to promote human rights, equality, justice, racial unity and harmony, and the utopian concept of World Citizenship. Although he has been repeatedly victimized by the institutionalized racism within the American society and culture, Joe is forgiving and strongly believes that many white people and law-enforcement officers are good-natured. Examples include the U.S. Probation Officers he has been acquainted with, as well as many law enforcement officers whom he has either worked with in the past, or are formerly or currently his friends; and as evidenced by his white friends, acquaintances, colleagues, fellow scholars, and clients. However, he also strongly believes that until the arrival of that Day (and Time), according to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when every person, regardless of his/her race, color, or nationality, is judged by the merits of the person's character and abilities, there will be no "True Peace" in America and the rest of the World.

As with most Americans and many citizens of other countries, Joe Eweka (African Joe) was devastated by the events on September 11, 2001. Restless about the events, he was unable to sleep for days. He wrote the two versions of “American Spirit” in this album on September 12, 2001, and produced the album with Doc Holiday a few weeks later under the title: "American Spirit." He detests corruption, violence, terrorism in any form, false religion, hypocrisy, oppression of the poor and the defenseless, and any kind of injustice and police brutality. He has also written about love, religion, life, humor, and hope for the future.

Some of Joe’s songs that specifically address such issues include: Mighty Babylon; American Spirit; Blacks & Whites Unite; I've Been There; Why? Is It The Color Of My Skin?; Apartheid; All We Need Is Liberty; Stealing In The Name Of The Lord; Lament; Jealous; Victim of Circumstance; Pick On Somebody Your Size; I’m Feeling Ghetto Fabulous; War In No Man's Land; Religious Robbery; Life Is A Walking Shadow; Money; Love; War Against Discipline; Education And Unemployment; Hypocritical Friendship; Paradise; Those Bullets Must Not Be Forgiven; Give Us A Chance; Give Peace A Chance; Midday Darkness; Beauty In Diversity; My Heart Is In Inferno; Utopia; This World Is Not Mine; Rock My World; What I Know Now; World Peace; Love To Have My Blackness Back; Sun Rays; When Will You Come To My Rescue?; Posthumous Fame; New York; Kindness; We Are Inmates; Bless These Nuts; African Identity; Unforgiving Society; Natty Dread; and some others he has written since the early 1980s. Most of Joe Eweka’s songs were first written as poems.

Joe is currently writing a few books which will be published in a few years. Thank you very much for visiting this page and for purchasing a copy of this album. Your continued support will be highly appreciated!