Tracing the fight for racial equality through black music’s rich legacy. When 12-year-old singer Keedron Bryant lifted his voice to poignantly decry the senseless murder of George Floyd in a May 29 Instagram post that’s since drawn nearly 3 million views, the pre-teen joined the countless voices that have been fighting to end racism for the last 400 years.
Music has always played an integral role in black people’s fight for equality and justice. So as that hard-fought struggle boils over onto city streets across the country, this year’s celebration of Black Music Month arrives at a crucial turning point.