Celebrating Three Blues Queens
Musical royalty, they were all late 19th Century contemporaries who staked out their legendary portraits: the First Lady of Blues Mammie Smith, the Mother of Blues Ma Rainey, the Empress of Blues Bessie Smith.
Article Category: Black Music
Feel the Vibration: Black Music, Wellness & Liberation
By Tracy Chiles McGhee Black music has historically been a source of healing, empowerment, and resistance, shaping both our individual well-being and collective movements for social justice. It has grooved us, moved us, and soothed us through “chill mode” to catastrophes, celebrations, chaos, and cultural shifts. Our music is a balm, forever expanding our relationship…
Beyoncé Makes Room on the Country Music Throne for Other Queens
Beyoncé continues to use her platform to uplift artists from underrepresented communities even though the door was closed on her during her 2016 Country Music Awards performance.
My Life Tells A Story
A recent Howard University grad offers a Zellenial’s take on musical icon Mary J. Blige who recently shared her journey between darkness and light twenty-seven years after her favorite album.
Ma Rainey
“She was a person of the folks,” said poet and literary critic Sterling Brown who sheds love and light in this poem simply titled Ma Rainey.
The Power of My Voice
To demand respect, think, and rocksteady, where reasons to inspire my people to aim higher / Knowing a change is gonna come
Showing Up With the Stars in Paris Noir
Bricktop, the fiery red headed saloon keeper, held court in Paris' "it" scene. Captivating artists and expats helped her build bridges that traversed class, nationalism and cultures.
