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

Petiri Ira
Momentum
Published in
4 min readFeb 9, 2024

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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…

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Momentum
Momentum

Published in Momentum

Momentum is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts.

Petiri Ira
Petiri Ira

Written by Petiri Ira

Bylines in Screenshot Media, gal-dem, Malalafund, Momentum, ZORA. Contact: petiriira@gmail.com

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