AFAM Soundtrack

Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" directly relates to the themes in Harriet Jacobs' Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, the assigned reading for this topic. Both works depict the brutality of slavery, "Strange Fruit" through the horrific imagery of lynching, and Incidents through Jacobs' personal experiences of dehumanization and constant threat of violence. They expose the racist system that viewed Black people as less than human, leaving audiences with a profound sense of grief and horror at the injustices faced by the Black community.

Nina Simone's song "Why (The King of Love Is Dead)" directly confronts the rise and fall of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Written just days after his assassination, the song serves as a lament. The lyrics celebrate Dr. King's message of love and equality, highlighting his peaceful approach to the Civil Rights Movement. The song questions why such a man would be killed and expresses a deep fear that his death signifies the death of his dream. The very title, "Why (The King of Love Is Dead)," embodies this sense of loss and confusion.

2Pac's "Panther Power" isn't just a song, it's a bridge between generations of Black activism. Tupac Shakur's mother was a Black Panther, and the song itself can be seen as a tribute to their legacy and ideals. The lyrics echo Malcolm X's message in "Message to the Grassroots," urging listeners to look beyond simply integrating into a racist society and fight for true liberation. "Panther Power" aligns with the Black Power movement's critique of limited reforms, suggesting a more radical approach might be necessary to achieve true racial equality.

"Prisoner 1 & 2" by Lupe Fiasco featuring Ayesha Jaco aligns closely with Angela Davis's perspectives as depicted in the documentary "Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975" (2011). Davis's analysis of violence aimed at marginalizing black communities and her critique of the prison system resonate with the themes explored in the song. Both Davis and the song emphasize the systemic injustices and societal conditions that contribute to crime, arguing that blame should be placed on the structures that perpetuate inequality rather than solely on individuals. Davis's personal narratives from her upbringing in Birmingham provide context for her broader analysis, while "Prisoner 1 & 2" incorporates personal stories to shed light on the experiences of those affected by poverty, violence, and incarceration. Ultimately, both the song and Davis's perspectives challenge listeners to confront the root causes of crime and to reevaluate conventional notions of criminality, advocating for systemic change to address inequality and oppression.

Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" isn't just a call to arms, it echoes the fight for Black Studies programs. The song critiques oppressive power structures, mirroring Black Studies' challenge to a curriculum that ignores Black experiences."Fight the Power" promotes self-knowledge and critical thinking, aligning with Black Studies' goal of empowering students. Both movements fight for Black voices to be heard, Public Enemy in music and Black Studies scholars in academia. The struggle for a Department of African American Studies at VCU exemplifies this. Black-centered learning fosters pride, identity, and the critical skills needed to combat racism, all vital aspects of Black liberation. While a department is a step towards inclusivity at VCU, further efforts might be needed to ensure Black students feel their experiences are valued throughout campus life.

Tupac Shakur's "Keep Ya Head Up" isn't just a rap song, it's a testament to Black feminism and intersectionality. The song directly addresses the struggles of Black women, echoing Black feminism's core mission of empowerment. It also showcases intersectionality in action by acknowledging that Black women face challenges based on both race and gender."Keep Ya Head Up" exemplifies how Black feminism broadened the Black liberation struggle by centering the experiences of Black women. Intersectionality continues this work in the present day. It recognizes that people experience oppression based on a combination of factors, like race, gender, and class. This allows us to create solutions that address the specific needs of different groups within a larger movement for social justice. Conservative opposition to intersectionality likely stems from a desire to maintain the status quo and a preference for simpler narratives around social issues. It's also potentially linked to anxieties around Critical Race Theory. By highlighting the complexities of oppression, intersectionality challenges these perspectives, which might explain why some see it as a threat.

J. Cole's "Love Yourz" resonates with the natural hair movement for Black women. The song critiques societal beauty standards that often favor white features, mirroring the movement's aim to reject these ideals and embrace natural hair textures. "Love Yourz" goes beyond just hairstyles though, it delves into the complexities of internalized standards and the path to self-acceptance. While the natural hair movement celebrates natural styles, it doesn't shame those who choose to relax their hair. Similarly, the song acknowledges the struggle of conforming to expectations but ultimately encourages finding beauty and worth within yourself, regardless of external pressures. This resonates with the experiences of many Black women who navigate the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards while embracing their own unique identities.

"DNA" by Kendrick Lamar resonates with the findings of the National Research Group's report on Black representation in media and popular culture, which underscores the significant influence of media on society while revealing that two-thirds of Black Americans feel underrepresented in mainstream media. Lamar's song, with its exploration of identity and heritage, speaks to the need for authentic representation, reflecting the experiences of marginalized communities often overlooked in traditional media. While platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer avenues for diverse voices to be heard, concerns persist regarding the perpetuation of stereotypes and the lack of diversity in content creation and promotion. In essence, "DNA" embodies the importance of inclusivity and self-expression in popular culture, signaling the ongoing struggle for greater representation and diversity in media.

The song "Yes We Can" by will.i.am, was crafted in support of Barack Obama's historic presidential campaign, it embodies the optimism surrounding Obama's ascension to the presidency within the broader economic and political landscape. Obama's presidency marked a significant breakthrough in American history, symbolizing progress in race relations and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities through his representation as the nation's first Black president alongside a Black first lady and, subsequently, a Black woman vice president. Despite symbolic strides, Obama's tenure was characterized by navigating complex issues of race, exemplified by his poignant eulogy for Clementa Pinckney following a racially motivated tragedy. Yet, the enduring racial wealth gap underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Black Americans, prompting reflection on the complexities of race, opportunity, and systemic inequality in the United States today.

Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" isn't just a song, it's a anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. The lyrics address police violence and the struggles Black communities face, but the powerful chorus offers a message of hope and resilience: "We gon' be alright." Released at a time of social transformation with the rise of Black Lives Matter, the song resonated with a generation yearning for change. Whether this is a revolutionary moment is uncertain, but the growing awareness and activism offer a chance for a more just future. Continued education, supporting movements for change, and civic engagement are all ways we can work towards a more equal society.