Color Review: "Morning Sunrise" by Weldon Irvine

“Dear Summer, I know you gon miss me, ‘fore we been together like Nike Airs and crisp tees..” was my introduction to Weldon Irvine’s “Morning Sunrise”, a tribute to joy and light in the morning. Jay-Z’s lyrical juxtaposition against the samples on ”Dear Summer” is the perfect illustration for the balance the black community must assert in order to maintain general sanity. It’s important during a time of uprising and social disarray we remind ourselves to stay balanced. However, in the original, Irvine establishes a sense of serenity, stamina, and ease best represented by this “Pasture Green” hue. As the melody gives way to accepting and harmonious tonalities, this hue has an identical lifestyle.

Irvine released ‘The Sisters’ album, which houses this track, in 1979, the year of many firsts, including Frank E. Petersen, Jr. as the first black General in the US Marines, Hazel W. Johnson as the first black woman to earn the rank of General in the US Army, and Sir Arthur Lewis, the first black person to win a Nobel Economic Prize, and any prize other than peace. Given the assumable progression of the black community, this song serves as a humble opposite to the celebration of black meritocracy. Don Blackman, the lead vocalist basks in the simplicity and peace of nature, and the blessings they foster. As an expression of gratitude for the natural, Blackman and Irvine disregard societal commentary for the pleasure of the living world, especially in the morning.

This ‘Pasture Green’ hue hones yesterday’s balance expressed through societal progression and spiritual gratitude, and today’s necessary balance of activism against white supremacy/capitalism and general self-care/development. Sitting in the middle of green tones with high saturation, this hue is perfect to not only wake up to, but also instantly relaxes and refocuses the rage, aggression, and the negative mental effects of activism. At home, meditating on this hue with direct concentration or setting your background to this hue while typing will keep your emotions balanced and your mind focused.

Outside of mornings, this hue will live perfectly in businesses dedicated to healing, an accent color in children’s bedrooms, home bathrooms partnered with two neutral hues, and websites based around wellness, balance, farming, and holistic medicine.