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Black Music Appreciation 2024: Explore, Embrace, Empower
Introducing 'Explore, Embrace, Empower,’ a guide designed to welcome individuals to participate in culturally driven moments through an array of diverse content, events, and non-profit organizations.
Stew Cornelius
June 05, 2024
🎵 Happy Black Music Month! 🎵
Black music has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of America, with roots that trace back to Africa and branches that extend through blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and more. This genre has been a powerful medium for change, self-expression, and storytelling, influencing fashion, dance, language, sports, and trends while also challenging societal norms and sparking movements. The enduring impact of Black music highlights the transformative power of artistic expression.
To celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month, we've curated a playlist that honors the remarkable contributions of Black artists. This carefully selected collection showcases the rich and diverse sounds that have not only shaped our cultural fabric but also inspired generations.
EXPLORE
This podcast from Radio One takes you on a journey through the history of black music, from Gospel to GoGo, Trap to Soul music, and more, through the eyes of those who lived it firsthand at radio stations across the nation.
Black Girl Songbook [Podcast]
Join author and former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith as she celebrates and uplifts the talents of Black women in the music industry.
Stax: Soulsville USA [Documentary, MAX]
This new documentary series from HBO captures how an underdog record label launched a movement and superstar musicians like Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding.
20 Feet From Stardom [Documentary, Hulu]
In this 2013 documentary, filmmaker Morgan Neville shines a long-overdue spotlight on the hit-making contributions of longtime backup singers like Darlene Love and Merry Clayton.
For Love & Country [Documentary, Prime Video]
Country music has always been Black music. This 2022 documentary examines the genre's past through the lens of a new generation of Black artists claiming space in Nashville and transforming country music in the process.
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song [Documentary, PBS]
A moving two-part series tracing the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America.
Summer of Soul [Documentary, Hulu]
This documentary film explores never-before-seen footage from the biggest Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, spotlighting the men and women of the movement.
Hitsville: The Making of Motown [Documentary, Showtime]
Chronicles the astronomical success and enduring cultural impact of Motown Records.
Chasing Trane [Documentary, Hulu]
This 2017 film explores jazz musician John Coltrane's global power and impact, revealing the passions, experiences, and forces that shaped his life and revolutionary sounds. Commentaries come from Denzel Washington, Carlos Santana, Common, Cornell West, Bill Clinton, and others.
Amazing Grace [Documentary, Hulu]
Amazing Grace tells the story of Aretha Franklin as a civil rights activist and gospel music icon through real, archived footage.
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads [Documentary, Netflix]
Netflix's 2019 original documentary series, ReMastered, investigates high-profile events affecting some of the most legendary names in music, presenting groundbreaking discoveries and insights beyond what’s been previously reported. Devil at the Crossroads examines bluesman Robert Johnson and the mysteries surrounding his mark on American music.
EMBRACE
How Banning the African Drum Gave Birth to American Music [Ted Talk, Youtube]
Black American Music (B.A.M.) [Youtube]
Fela Kuti: Music Is the Weapon [Youtube]
Black Music Month Family Weekend [Event] - Dallas, TX - June 22, 2024,
ATTPAC is hosting this family-friendly event featuring Black musicians alongside Black-owned businesses and food trucks serving ice cream in a bun, Italian ice, and gumbo.
Blue Note Jazz Festival [Event] - throughout NYC, June 1 - July 7, 2024
A hallmark of summer in New York City, this festival is hosted in iconic venues and features world-renowned artists integral to Blue Note and the history of jazz.
EMPOWER
On a mission to make achievement in music more accessible and equitable.
Dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the legacy and future of authentic Black American Music.
Committed to continuing its legacy of providing stellar artistic and educational programs across the disciplines of music, dance, film, theatre, visual, and literary arts.
Emergency care and meaningful employment for artists & free concerts for students, seniors, and general audiences.
Delivering equitable access to music education for students nationwide.
Let's celebrate the enduring legacy of Black music, honor its creators, and amplify the voices that have shaped our musical landscape! 🎶✊🏾
'Explore, Embrace, Empower’ is a guide designed to welcome individuals to participate in culturally-driven moments through an array of diverse content, events, and non-profit organizations.