In class we have been questioned about authenticity and black music. It is difficult to define what black music is in standard American English. Yet, I think it is derives from a culture of black people who have suffered dearly at the hands of slavery. It roots clearly come out of Africa but it has been mixed with feeling and emotion of black people who seek hope, equality, and justice. Black music began in a spiritual form, as a way of uplifting and encouragement. Black music is a social and cultural statement that expresses our deepest thoughts about ourselves and our people. Black music is black legacy; it is one source that was created by us for us. In many cases the spirit of black music has been a medicine that helped cure our souls of pain and agony. Black music belongs to our society and often black people feel robbed when they hear whites or others imitating our sound.
Yes, there are different sounds of black music but the expression of that music is rooted in where we came from and the culture we created in America. LeRoi Jones’ readings were inspirational to me; they speak to the heart of black people. It is brutally honest to black people about black people. Jones’ words reaffirm that blacks “must lock arms, take each other’s hand, and never stop working until the stone is rolled over the last days of American empire….” Until black people work for the betterment of their own community, families, education, economics and political advancement, the African American culture will be separated.
-- Sharee Seal
