Latest news with #BlackMusicMonth
Black America Web
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Pioneer Of Pride
SOPA Images A post that went up on our Instagram earlier this month sparked a bit of controversy in the comments (seen below) when we declared the month of June as an intersection between Black Music Month, Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month and Pride Month. Of course, the issue came down to the latter's inclusion as some still fail to believe that Black culture can be connected to the LGBTQIA movement — yes, homophobia on various levels unfortunately still exists within our community. However, on the eve of commemorating the Stonewall Riots Anniversary (June 28) that sparked Pride Month altogether, we wanted to take a brief look at the Black drag queen that pioneered the movement from its violent inception to marching in the very first Pride Day Parade: the late Marsha P. Johnson. RELATED: Happy Pride Month: Celebrate 10 Black OG Influencers Who Paved The Way [Gallery] Marsha P. Johnson stands as an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and activism. A Black transgender woman and revolutionary figure in LGBTQ+ history, Johnson's contributions transcend time, inspiring generations to fight for equality. Marsha played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Her presence at the uprising—widely regarded as the spark that ignited modern Pride movements—was marked by defiance and solidarity. At a time when queer individuals were criminalized and marginalized, Johnson stood on the frontline, embodying the fight against systemic oppression. Her courage underpinned a broader struggle for freedom, reminding the world that Black queer voices are an integral part of social progress. Beyond Stonewall, Johnson co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside Sylvia Rivera. This organization provided shelter and support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans people of color. Through STAR, Marsha championed the rights of those overlooked by mainstream society, offering safe spaces and a voice to the most vulnerable. Her impact endures as a intersectional icon—her identity as a Black, transgender individual highlights the struggles and contributions of people living at the intersections of multiple forms of discrimination. Today, Marsha's legacy fuels Pride Month celebrations and underscores the necessity of equity in both LGBTQ+ and racial justice movements. Johnson's life was tragically cut short in 1992 under suspicious circumstances, yet her memory remains a beacon of hope and action. Pride Month is a time to amplify her powerful message: equality is non-negotiable, and the fight for liberation requires unity across all communities. Marsha P. Johnson's bravery continues to inspire, cementing her place as a towering icon of resilience and unyielding activism. The article 'Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Pioneer Of Pride' was created with the help of SEE ALSO
Black America Web
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Country African American Artists You Should Know
Black Music Month is a time to honor the rich tapestry of sounds and stories woven by Black artists across genres, including the soulful twang of country music. Country music is a very white, male-dominated space, but don't be fooled by what's in the spotlight; many black and brown faces with talent have made big strides laying the foundation of roots and rhythm for the genre. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. DeFord Bailey started his career as a musician and writer in the 1920s and is considered the first African-American Country music star. Bailey was widely known for his harmonica playing and became one of the first artists to play on Nashville radio station WSM's Grand Ole Opry. It is said that his face was often concealed to hide his skin color/ethnicity during these times of segregation. And then there's Charlie Pride, who started off as a Negro League baseball player but switched careers becoming widely know as country music's first black superstar. Pride had an amazing career, outselling powerhouse stars like Elvis and John Denver. Pride won many awards during his career but in 2000 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. ✕ But we can't talk about African American pioneers in country music without talking about the first commercially successful black woman in the genre, Linda Martell. Martell started her career singing gospel and R&B but soon found her way to country music where her career took off. In 1970 she appeared on many country shows, including the popular Hee Haw, and the Grand Ole Opry radio broadcast, becoming the first black woman to perform on the show. From trailblazers like Charlie Pride and DeFord Bailey to modern icons like Mickey Guyton and Kane Brown, these 10 Black country artists have shattered barriers, redefined the genre, and left an indelible mark on music history. Their voices echo resilience, innovation, and a legacy worth celebrating. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE The article '10 Country African American Artists You Should Know' was created with the help of
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Black Music Month: TikTok Brought These Classics Back
Source: KiddNation / Kidd Nation TikTok is doing a wonderful job of bridging the gap of music and culture between generations. As we continue our Black Music Month celebration, we recall the countless classic songs by Black artists that have had a sudden resurgence thanks to TikTok. There are numerous viral dances or unexpected, relatable trends that have come from the popular social media platform. It is remarkable to witness the power and influence of TikTok's community as they are drawn to the Black songs that have had a significant impact on music and pop culture. The beautiful part about these classic songs regaining popularity is that a new generation of people are learning of their greatness. Surely, the Black artists experiencing an influx of streams and follows are just as happy about the recent discovery. Fans and social media users remember when Brandy and Monica's 'The Boy Is Mine' began to trend on TikTok or when Guy's 'I Like' came about with a fun, new dance. TikTok trends are almost comparable to the way new artists sample classic records. You don't know why you like it, but you innately do. It's a wondrous full circle experience for the artist, the fan and the art itself. TikTok continues to explore the origins, triumphs, and complexities of genres popular in the app today throughout Black Music Month. They aim to shine a light on the artists and creators who entertain and inspire the TikTok community and continue to shift the culture with innovations of their own. With special programming including Diddy, Doechii, Baby Tate, Tai Verdes, Fousheé, and more, TikTok has many more exciting things on the way to continue celebrating this month. Read more about TikTok's Black Music Month initiatives and programming here. While we await the next classic song to resurface thanks to TikTok's many trends, we compiled a list of classic Black tracks that have had a resurgence on the platform in the past year. Take a look at the list below and comment your favorite trend. Black Music Month: TikTok Brought These Classics Back was originally published on Source:cnsamuel What a classic! Even Brandy & Monica had to hop in on the fun. See their video here. Source:melsonpnelson A massive hit had Gen-Z in a trance. Shout out to this classic! Source:shxkiraa This trend in itself is so nostalgic as TikTok users share old photos and videos of their parents to this hit song. Source:officialteddyriley Teddy Riley and the youth are embracing this classic with a popular dance trend. Source:fernandez_fam Go, go, go! These TikTokers are creative with the classics. Source:blesiv A certified hit that will always resonate! Source:blueverything_ The kids are alright, paying homage to classic records and timeless fashion. Source:snoopdogg There's no denying a hit. Even Snoop Dogg's is active on TikTok spreading the Hip Hop Gospel. Source:mariahcarey A forever classic. The celebs are just as excited as the fans, including the hitmaker herself. Source:gabbygonta I mean this song is everything, and so is Michael Bae Jordan. We feel you, Gabby.
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
TikTok Brought These Classics Back
Source: KiddNation / Kidd Nation TikTok is doing a wonderful job of bridging the gap of music and culture between generations. As we continue our Black Music Month celebration, we recall the countless classic songs by Black artists that have had a sudden resurgence thanks to TikTok. There are numerous viral dances or unexpected, relatable trends that have come from the popular social media platform. It is remarkable to witness the power and influence of TikTok's community as they are drawn to the Black songs that have had a significant impact on music and pop culture. The beautiful part about these classic songs regaining popularity is that a new generation of people are learning of their greatness. Surely, the Black artists experiencing an influx of streams and follows are just as happy about the recent discovery. Fans and social media users remember when Brandy and Monica's 'The Boy Is Mine' began to trend on TikTok or when Guy's 'I Like' came about with a fun, new dance. TikTok trends are almost comparable to the way new artists sample classic records. You don't know why you like it, but you innately do. It's a wondrous full circle experience for the artist, the fan and the art itself. TikTok continues to explore the origins, triumphs, and complexities of genres popular in the app today throughout Black Music Month. They aim to shine a light on the artists and creators who entertain and inspire the TikTok community and continue to shift the culture with innovations of their own. With special programming including Diddy, Doechii, Baby Tate, Tai Verdes, Fousheé, and more, TikTok has many more exciting things on the way to continue celebrating this month. Read more about TikTok's Black Music Month initiatives and programming here. While we await the next classic song to resurface thanks to TikTok's many trends, we compiled a list of classic Black tracks that have had a resurgence on the platform in the past year. Take a look at the list below and comment your favorite trend. Black Music Month: TikTok Brought These Classics Back was originally published on Source:cnsamuel What a classic! Even Brandy & Monica had to hop in on the fun. See their video here. Source:melsonpnelson A massive hit had Gen-Z in a trance. Shout out to this classic! Source:shxkiraa This trend in itself is so nostalgic as TikTok users share old photos and videos of their parents to this hit song. Source:officialteddyriley Teddy Riley and the youth are embracing this classic with a popular dance trend. Source:fernandez_fam Go, go, go! These TikTokers are creative with the classics. Source:blesiv A certified hit that will always resonate! Source:blueverything_ The kids are alright, paying homage to classic records and timeless fashion. Source:snoopdogg There's no denying a hit. Even Snoop Dogg's is active on TikTok spreading the Hip Hop Gospel. Source:mariahcarey A forever classic. The celebs are just as excited as the fans, including the hitmaker herself. Source:gabbygonta I mean this song is everything, and so is Michael Bae Jordan. We feel you, Gabby.
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Alex Isley Makes Her Long-Awaited Tiny Desk Debut With Grace & Soul
Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty After delivering a memorable Tiny Desk (home) concert in 2020, Alex Isley has finally stepped into NPR's iconic office space for a full-circle performance that was both intimate and transformative. Read more and watch the performance inside. As part of this year's Black Music Month celebration, which honors landmark albums and artists shaping culture, Isley's in-person Tiny Desk debut felt like a homecoming. It wasn't just for her, but for the fans who've followed her ethereal sound for years. The Los Angeles native and daughter of Ernie Isley from the legendary Isley Brothers, entered the Tiny Desk with quiet reverence, preserving her voice and energy until the lights dimmed and the music began. The result was a meditative and magnetic performance that captivated from the very first note. She kicked things off with 'Mic On,' a vibrant, outside-the-box opener that nodded to her musical lineage and set the tone for a beautiful set. Backed by longtime friend and music director DeShaun Allen, who reimagined her signature tracks with fresh arrangements, Isley's set was both familiar and freshly invigorating. Highlights included lush renditions of fan favorites like 'About Him,' 'Love Again,' and 'Into Orbit,' where her soft, buttery vocals floated over a tight live band and harmonies from vocalists Nelson Beato, Astyn Turr, and Muhsinah. A special surprise came when Masego joined her onstage for his verse on their joint track 'Good & Plenty,' sparking one of the loudest reactions from the crowd. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, amplifying the performance's emotional core. The set concluded with 'Thank You for a Lovely Time,' the final track from her recent EP WHEN , bringing the audience to a quiet hush. It was a tender close to a show filled with thoughtful artistry, intentional arrangements, and soulful expression. This Tiny Desk performance was a moment. One that affirmed Alex Isley's place in the lineage of quiet storm R&B innovators, and a reminder of how powerfully softness can resonate. As Black Music Month continues, Isley's performance stands out as a glowing tribute to the genre's evolving sound and deep emotional well. SEE ALSO Alex Isley Makes Her Long-Awaited Tiny Desk Debut With Grace & Soul was originally published on
