The People’s War Radio Show, Episode #63: To Protect, Preserve, And Perpetuate: Black Music and Black Power

<p>June is Black Music Month.  Black Music Month emerged as a form of resistance to colonial domination of African people, African culture, and the African narrative.  It was created in the late 1970s by the famous music producer from Philadelphia, Kenny Gamble and the Black Music Association. The original theme of Black Music Month was to “preserve, protect and perpetuate black music.”  However, the narrative of Black Music Month has been depoliticized.  </p> <p>Popular news sources have credited President Jimmy Carter with creating the observance.  As well, President Barack Obama rebranded the month, African American Music Appreciation month and noted that amongst other things Black music, allowed Black people in the US to "defend our country's enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all."</p> <p>Our guests on this episode, DJ Eddie Maultsby and Norman Jalali Richmond, give a different narrative.  They uphold the African music tradition as internationalist, anti-colonial, and a source of Black Power.</p> <p>Some topics discussed are:</p> <ul><li>Black musicians during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement</li> <li>Fela Kuti, Peter Tosh, Aretha Franklin, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Eddie Maultsby and the Florida Spiritualaires, Sam Cooke and other musicians</li> <li>The origins of Gospel Music as a form of resistance to colonial slavery</li> <li>The guests also connect the significance of music to their own personal stories.</li> </ul> <p>This episode includes some great samples of music such as:</p> <ul><li>Bob Marley and the Wailers "Burnin' and Lootin'"</li> <li>Max Roach feat. Abbey Lincoln "Freedom Day"</li> <li>Sam Cooke "A Change is Gonna Come"</li> <li>Fannie Lou Hamer "Walk with Me" and "Amazing Grace"</li> <li>Eddie Maultsby and the Florida Spiritualaires  "Ain't No Love Like Jesus"</li> </ul> <p>DJ Eddie is known as Florida’s Blind Boy and the World’s Best Blind DJ, DJ Eddie is the Assistant Station Manager at Black Power 96.  He is born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida an