By Aaliyah Moore
There’s a saying that goes, “If the love doesn’t feel like 90’s R&B, I don’t want it,” and I mean, who can’t relate to that? I think we can all agree that there’s nothing like the vibes we get from 90’s R&B or Black music, period.
Because of Black music’s impact on this world, the month of June has been set aside as Black Music Appreciation Month. Since 1979, this month has commemorated the contributions of African-American musicians, singers, and songwriters in American culture.
What makes Black music so special?
For one, I believe Black music is special because of how it has reflected the challenges and triumphs we have faced as a people throughout history. Religious spirituals were born in the rural south as African-Americans sought to migrate from the Deep South in search of better social and economic conditions. The hymns that were sung were a way for Black people to express their sorrow, joy, inspiration, and hope. Today, Black music continues to shape every genre and style of music and has a way of speaking to the heart and spirit of us all.
What can you do to celebrate Black Music Month?
Whether your preference is Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Gospel, or R&B, there are so many ways you can celebrate and pay homage to the many artists and writers who have helped to shape American pop culture. On Instagram, there’s a #BlackMusicMonthChallenge that has a different prompt every day. If you’re up for a road trip, Nashville, TN, recently opened the National Museum of African-American Music Museum, and it is the dopest place ever! If a trip to Nashville isn’t feasible this month, you can still celebrate Black music in the comfort of your own home by blasting tunes from your favorite artist.
Even though June is the official month we celebrate it, Black music carries its impact every day. I hope that Black music remains robust and continues to grow stronger in the generations to come.
Aaliyah Moore is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC.
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