arts/entertainment

PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM Solidarity in social media: Accounts to follow to educate yourself about Black history

BY ERICA WILMATH

Staff Writer

Black History Month is dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments of Black Americans and celebrating their heritage. Setting aside a month to honor and recognize this important history allows us to engage in necessary conversations with one another.

It is impossible to honor and celebrate something you know very little about. It is vital that we not only acknowledge this time created to specifically celebrate Black history, but to also champion individuals who are dedicating their platforms to support the Black community.

Below is a list of reliable social media accounts that offer anti-racism education, social justice initiatives and more ways to get involved.

@nmaahc-

This account is the official account for the Smithsonian National Museum of Afrian American History and Culture. The account has a feature called #onthisday that educates followers on history that was made year-round. They also have a calendar to follow along for BHM and celebrate the history and importance of Black history. The account focuses on sharing inspiring stories and biographies on men and women that influenced Black history and success.

@naacp-

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, established in 1909, uses its social media platforms to encourage people to learn about and appreciate the contributions that Black Americans have made to society. This organization has over 2 million activists and 2,200 branches across the nation. They are firmly committed to removing social, political and economic barriers, ensuring health of all minority communities and educating individuals on their constitutional rights.

@thelovelandfoundation-

The Loveland Foundation was founded by Rachel Cargle, a writer and activist, in 2018. This resource is primarily centered on offering mental health resources for Black youth and helping communities of color heal. This account is used year-round to raise funds for therapy support for women and girls in the Black community. This account is a great way to lend a hand and read stories on present-day history.

@becauseofthem-

Because of Them We Can is an online platform that is dedicated to highlighting Black excellence from the past, present and future. Their Instagram account has a highlight on Black History Month that gives followers access to educational and encouraging videos on BHM success. The account is currently doing a #becauseofthemwecan challenge where they have asked the Black community to share encouraging stories of their ancestors and ways that they influenced their community.

@learningforjustice-

Learning For Justice was created specifically to educate students about taking initiative in a diverse democracy. Its Instagram account is filled with knowledge and historical facts that can equip us to not only celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of Black history, but to use this knowledge to better the future. This organization also has a podcast resource that is free and available through their media platforms.

Black activism, inspiration in music

BY CRAIG CRAWFORD

Staff Writer

During Black History Month, America celebrates the lives, works, culture, passions, energies and art of Black Americans But the fog from last year hasn’t lifted yet. 2020 was a lot of things. It changed the course of life around the world in dramatic and irreversible ways. It reshaped the political landscape in America. It brought things at a simmer to a boil, which resulted in a cultural reset amid racial and political strife. 2020 brought a second wind to the Black Lives Matter movement, following the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Elijah McClain, among others.

At a time when things were grim (COVID-19 had just begun), a resurgence for civil rights took America by storm in a way not seen since the 1960s. And from this uprising came the energy and activism of Black artists, who have poured their energy into expressing themselves, lifting other Black artists up and making music.

While Black musicians did not top the Billboard list of commercial output, the Weeknd’s album “After Hours” was the fourth best selling album last year. It grossed over 2 million album-equivalent units sold, including almost 500,000 pure copies.

Black artists historically have used music to fight against racism and to fight for justice. Famous artists like Nina Simone devoted their lives and careers to Black art and music. This past year saw the emergence of music that was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Here are some anthems that channel the attitude of the civil rights movement from the 60s and some music from the last year in the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Essential Protest Music of the 60s:

“Strange Fruit,” Billie Holiday: a ballad that hauntingly evokes the lynching of a Black man.

“A Change is Gonna Come,” Sam Cooke: a song in solidarity of those fighting for civil rights, reflecting on what has already been done and what is coming.

Essential Protest Music from the Black Lives Matter movement:

“Freedom,” Beyonce ft. Kendrick Lamar: a window into the struggle of fighting for racial justice.

“Alright,” Kendrick Lamar: a full-tilt protest hymn laid over mellow chords and pulsating drums.

“A Long Violent History,” Tyler Childers: a tune about the repercussions of white indifference.