Which Comes First?: Race or Gender
Volume 1, No. 15
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I am reading again. I should probably say I am always reading whether it's paper, electronic or audio. This week during my morning walks, I listened to "Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Remi Eddo-Lodge. I did something I don't normally do which is purchase book based on title alone especially an audio book. I don't know about you but my first rule for audio books is to listen to the sample. It is not for the content but whether or not I vibe with the voice of the narrator even if it is the author. I read faster than I listen to books even the times I speed them up. Time is too precious to spend it listening to a voice that grates your nerves like nails on a chalkboard no matter how valuable or entertaining the message.
So I was surprised to discover the author was a black woman who lives in England.. Eldo-Lodge discusses about the history of race issues in England and its colonies as well as the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. One of the things that stood out for me was the lack of written stories for her to research. There were some oral histories but the voices of people of color was silenced and undocumented.
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world."
— bell hooks
CULTURAL CORNER
The idea for Black Music Month was first introduced by Kenny Gamble, a renowned songwriter and producer, along with broadcaster Ed Wright and media strategist Dyana Williams. Their goal was to recognize the profound impact of Black music and musicians on American culture and beyond.
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter officially declared June as Black Music Month, acknowledging the vital role of Black music in shaping American music traditions. The proclamation was celebrated with a White House reception featuring performances by prominent Black artists.
President Barack Obama expanded the scope and visibility of Black Music Month in 2009 by officially renaming it African American Music Appreciation Month. This change emphasized a broader recognition of the cultural and historical contributions of Black artists.
Nancy Wilson (1937 – 2018)
Nancy Wilson's illustrious career spanned over five decades, encompassing roles as a jazz singer, actor, activist, philanthropist, and radio host.
Wilson preferred the term "song stylist" over singer, reflecting her unique ability to interpret lyrics with vivid detail and emotional transparency. She recorded more than 50 albums, maintaining a prolific output of two albums per year for Capitol Records from 1959 to 1970, with her most recent album released in 2007. Whitney Houston aptly summarized her enduring legacy during a 1992 tribute: "Nancy Wilson's artistry has outlived the trends of various decades."
Wilson was also a dedicated activist in the civil rights movement, participating in the historic 1965 Selma march. Her contributions to civil rights were recognized in 2005 when she was inducted into the International Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
SISTERHOOD SPOTLIGHT
Sojourner Truth (1797– 1883): Activist (women and African American rights), abolitionist; author; speaker
Sojourner Truth is more than her most notable speech, "Ain't I A Woman." Which was never in the first record of her full speech which was published within a month after she first delivered it.
She was originally named Isabella Baumfree and was born into slavery in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. She was sold multiple times starting at age 9 and faced abuse for not understanding English. She grew up speaking Dutch. In 1827, she escaped with her infant daughter, leaving her other children behind. An abolitionist family bought her freedom for $20 and helped her start anew.
Truth became the first Black woman to win a lawsuit against a white man, successfully suing for the return of her son, who had been illegally sold. After gaining her freedom, she became a renowned preacher, advocating for faith, women's rights, and the abolition of slavery.
Truth worked with notable activists and met President Abraham Lincoln in 1864, who showed her a Bible gifted to him by Black residents of Baltimore. In 2016, the U.S. Treasury planned to feature Truth on the back of the $10 bill to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage. However, the redesign was never released.
Sojourner Truth until her death advocated for the rights of African Americans, women, and for multiple reform causes such as prison reform, voting rights and against capital punishment.
The African American Music Appreciation Challenge Series:
Week #1: Explore a genre of African American music you are less familiar with.
Choose from genres like blues, jazz, soul, gospel, hip-hop, R&B, or funk. Listen to a selection of songs and learn about the genre’s history and key artists. Share your favorite discoveries on the post for this newsletter on the website, including why you enjoyed them and any interesting facts you learned about the genre.
If you are interested in trying out Audible, click on the link for a 30 day free trial.
Until next time.....remember your voice and stories matters!
