Question 4
1969 was a time where African American musicians and political organizations were fighting against the war on Black America. For example, James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone both stood up for African American rights and equality, but took very different approaches to their music and message. Political organizations also took a similar approach to black liberation. For instance, there were militant groups like The Black Panthers and nonviolent advocacy groups like the Student National Coordinating Committee (SNCC). During this time having a spectrum of opinions and approaches to ending racism was essential because it gave anyone who was willing to join the fight someone to look up to and gain strength from. With that said, having …show more content…
For instance, his hits “Don’t Be a Dropout” and “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” gave anthems of pride and educational importance which immensely influenced black culture. This was different than many militant and nonviolent political groups which were addressing black power, but also dividing their own community because they themselves couldn’t see eye to eye. Moreover, James Brown continuously demonstrated how his music and peaceful approach to uniting the black community was extremely effective. For example, the night Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated James Brown prevented Boston from burning down like the other cities. This not only proved his ability to use his music to bring African Americans joy, pride, and unity; but also ease his communities’ …show more content…
It is my opinion that during that time the state of racial injustice and suffering African Americans needed a musical leader/s that weren’t so inclusive with whites. I think what Sly and the Family Stone were proving by being all-inclusive of everyone was meant to benefit their musical sound which sacrificed their credibility when singing about African American struggles. On the other hand James Brown was able to unite blacks and whites with his performances, but by still portraying himself as a strong black figure for his people. For example, He was the first black performer to go to Vietnam during the war. An article in “Next Avenue” states, “James Brown’s willingness to perform for U.S. soldiers in Vietnam had a significant impact on easing racial tensions overseas and at home.” I believe that by James Brown stepping up to the plate in this way demonstrated his unparalleled ability to bring people of all races together and
1969 was a time where African American musicians and political organizations were fighting against the war on Black America. For example, James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone both stood up for African American rights and equality, but took very different approaches to their music and message. Political organizations also took a similar approach to black liberation. For instance, there were militant groups like The Black Panthers and nonviolent advocacy groups like the Student National Coordinating Committee (SNCC). During this time having a spectrum of opinions and approaches to ending racism was essential because it gave anyone who was willing to join the fight someone to look up to and gain strength from. With that said, having …show more content…
For instance, his hits “Don’t Be a Dropout” and “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” gave anthems of pride and educational importance which immensely influenced black culture. This was different than many militant and nonviolent political groups which were addressing black power, but also dividing their own community because they themselves couldn’t see eye to eye. Moreover, James Brown continuously demonstrated how his music and peaceful approach to uniting the black community was extremely effective. For example, the night Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated James Brown prevented Boston from burning down like the other cities. This not only proved his ability to use his music to bring African Americans joy, pride, and unity; but also ease his communities’ …show more content…
It is my opinion that during that time the state of racial injustice and suffering African Americans needed a musical leader/s that weren’t so inclusive with whites. I think what Sly and the Family Stone were proving by being all-inclusive of everyone was meant to benefit their musical sound which sacrificed their credibility when singing about African American struggles. On the other hand James Brown was able to unite blacks and whites with his performances, but by still portraying himself as a strong black figure for his people. For example, He was the first black performer to go to Vietnam during the war. An article in “Next Avenue” states, “James Brown’s willingness to perform for U.S. soldiers in Vietnam had a significant impact on easing racial tensions overseas and at home.” I believe that by James Brown stepping up to the plate in this way demonstrated his unparalleled ability to bring people of all races together and