Music/Society Modern Wrld (W3)
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BLM-SocialMovements.pptxThe Sonic Expression of
#BLM (brief) History
What?
Grassroots black liberation movement
When?
Started 2013; national recognition in 2014 (Ferguson; Michael Brown; Eric Garner, NYC)
Who?
Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi
Why? (Event, catalyst)
Acquittal of George Zimmerman for death of Trayvon Martin
Topics? Issues addressed?
Police brutality, Mass incarceration, systematic racism
Musical Examples? Historical? Recent?
A St. Louis County grand jury decided not to indict Darren Wilson, 28 yr old white police officer; ‘hands up’ rallying cry, slogan; never proven that it was true in the case
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Brief History of “Black Sonic Dissent” - Brooks
“Crazy Blues,” 1920, Mamie Smith
“Strange Fruit,” Billie Holiday, Lupe Fiasco
“Mississippi Goddamn” – Nina Simone (1964)
“We Shall Overcome”, “Lift Every Voice”… “Keep on Pushin’” Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, JB, Gaye, Sam Cooke, Bob Marley, Fela, Sly, G. Clinton, …
Gil Scott-Heron “No Knock,” (1972)
“The Revolution will not be Televised” (1971) (anti-capitalism)
Miss. Goddamn – Medgar Evers, Birmingham church bombing
Fred Hampton – black panther killed by Chicago police and FBI in 1969
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History cont.
“Fuck Tha Police” – NWA (1988)
“Fight the Power” - Public Enemy (1990)
“Killing in the Name” Rage Against the Machine (1991)
2Pac – “Trapped” (1991)
“Cop Killer” - Ice-T (1992)
“Sound of the Police” – KRS-One, (1993)
Rodney King beating and video
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#BLM-Era Sounds of Black Dissent
Lauryn Hill – “Black Rage” (2012, re- 2014)
Janelle Monae “Hell You Talmbout” (2013)
D’Angelo “The Charade” (2014)
Kendrick Lamar “Alright” (2015);
“Glory” John Legend feat. Common (2015)
“I Can’t Breathe” Eric Garner Family (2016)
“Freedom” Beyonce feat. Kendrick Lamar (2016)
