BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Why We Should Exercise Black Joy By Honouring Black Artists This Black History Month
Why listening to Donna Summer’s music unlocks my black joy
As a Black woman, I try to frequently remind myself to laugh and smile, as it is something I can easily take for granted. Whenever Black History Month comes around each February, joy is something I like to add to compliment as I listen through speeches or when reading my favourite Black History poem. It's a conscious thing now, and I see it as a way of honouring our ancestors and the pioneers before us, and what better way to do that than through music?
Music, in particular, has been a powerful medium for expressing the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of the Black experience. Whether it’s through soul, jazz, blues, hip-hop, or various other genres, music has played a significant role in shaping and reflecting the history and culture of the Black community.
Donna Summer, born on December 31, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passing away on May 17, 2012, in Naples, Florida, was an iconic American singer-songwriter renowned as the “Queen of Disco.” Her multifaceted career spanned various genres, including rhythm and blues, dance music, and pop. Inspired by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Summer’s…
