Black Music: 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.

Author

Stew Cornelius
June 27, 2023

'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.

🎵 Happy Black Music Month! 🎵

Black music has undeniably played a transformative role in shaping the cultural fabric of America. From African roots to blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond, it's been a voice for change, self-expression, and storytelling. It's influenced fashion, dance, language, sports, and trends, challenging norms and inspiring movements. Black music's enduring power is a reminder of the transformative force of artistic expression.

In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month, we put together our own playlist to celebrate the incredible contributions of Black artists to the world of music. This handpicked collection showcases the rich and diverse sounds that have shaped the cultural landscape and influenced generations.

EXPLORE

Celebrate and educate yourself about the rich tapestry of Black music with these incredible resources:

Summer of Soul [documentary, Hulu]

Explore Black music's deep roots and transformative power, from spirituals and blues to jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond.

A captivating and enlightening podcast that delves into Black music's rich and influential history. This podcast takes listeners on a journey through Black music's evolution, impact, and significance across genres and generations.

Finding Fela [documentary, Tubi]

Celebrate Fela's musical genius and infectious rhythms! This documentary delves into Nigeria's political and social climate during Fela's time. It examines his fearless critique of corruption, government oppression, and human rights abuses through his music, which often served as a powerful medium for activism and protest.

EMBRACE

Engage with these enlightening Ted Talks and articles:

Gain insights into the historical context, influential figures, and transformative genres that have shaped the musical landscape of the United States.

How can we understand a culture if its very means of communication have been banned? Chris Johnson examines the role of the drum in African American Culture and American History.

Black American Music (B.A.M.) is the ever-growing sound of Black culture, creativity, and expression through the Black Experience. Join Romel R. Sims as he pours B.A.M. into us with his original Suite "Portraits of Black."

EMPOWER

Make a difference by backing these organizations and efforts:

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.

Emergency care and meaningful employment for artists & free concerts for students, seniors, and general audiences.

Let's celebrate the enduring legacy of Black music, honor its creators, and amplify the voices that have shaped our musical landscape! 🎶✊🏾