A Woman’s Tribute to Negro Spirituals

Marian Anderson Singing Songs to Her Rights By: Demi Browder Who was Marian Anderson? Marian Anderson was born on February 27, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was known not only for her contralto, but her bravery to breakthrough racism to show her talent. Growing up Anderson revealed her voice talents early, but unfortunately her family […]

Jazz’s Impact on the Civil Rights Movement

Jazz’s Impact on the Civil Rights Movement Swing jazz was enjoyed by both black and white audiences, which is what allowed the genre to play a major role in influencing the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. With black jazz artists holding the American public’s interest, these artists had control over the music and, therefore, […]

Are you really hearing me?: Unveiling the Double Entendre

Are you really hearing me?:Unveiling the Double Entendre in Negro Spirituals by: Angel Milton Double Entendre? What’s That? The term “Double Entendre” is derived from the French language, translated word for word meaning “double message.” Although “Double Entendre” isn’t used in the French language, the real translation is “Double sens, double signification, double message.” In […]

Marian Anderson: The Voice of the Arranged Spiritual

Marian Anderson: The Voice of the Arranged Spiritual Who is she? Marian Anderson was born on February 27, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her family was extremely faith based and was well connected within the church.Marian herself was involved in the junior church choir where she really found her love for music. Her parents couldn’t afford […]

Can’t Quit The Blues

At the turn of the 19th century – late 1890s – a musical form dubbed “the blues” began to emerge in the Deep South of the United States. This innovative new form of music coincided with the beginnings of ragtime, jazz, gospel music, and barbershop-style harmony. Blues came along as the White resistance to Black […]

Odetta: The Voice of Folk

Written by: Imani Diggs “The better we feel about ourselves,  the fewer times we have to knock someone else down to feel taller.” -Odetta Early Life Ms. Odetta grew up in Birmingham, Alabama during the era of the Great Depression. Despite the times, her community found the joy in life despite their conditions. She speaks […]