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SANKOFA: Selections From Songs of Free Men Honoring Baldwin's Centennial

Black Market

2136 Washington St, Boston, MA 02119, USA Massachusetts

42.3315883 -71.0817417

Description

SANKOFA: Selections from Songs of Free Men Honoring Baldwin's Centennial. About the Show: "SANKOFA: Selections from Songs of Free Men Honoring Baldwin's Centennial" is a groundbreaking musical journey led by new renaissance artist and activist DANNY RIVERA, accompanied by co-arranger and renowned pianist GAVIN RUSHING, and featuring collaborations with esteemed artists-scholars L'merchie Frazier, Ife Franklin, Dr. Emmett G. Price III, and the Danny Rivera Quartet comprising Gavin Rushing (piano), Brian Richburg, Jr. (drums), and Michael Gary II (bass). This extraordinary performance, taking place on February 9th, marks the second public unveiling of Rivera's profound exploration of Negro Spirituals as part of his sustained, centuries-long freedom project initiated in 2020. At the heart of "Songs of Free Men" lies a deep homage to James Baldwin, an iconic figure in American literature and civil rights activism, as the show coincides with the celebration of his centennial. Baldwin played a pivotal role in reshaping conversations around race, gender, and blackness in America. His works, marked by eloquence and insight, explored the complex intersections of identity and societal expectations, sparking crucial dialogues that resonate to this day. The performance shines a light on the rich tapestry of Negro Spirituals, reflecting the history of Black Americans who fused their African cultural heritage with the harsh realities of bondage during the transatlantic and domestic slave trades. These spirituals, sung in various settings such as churches and cotton fields, known as "signal songs" on the Underground Railroad, served as a source of strength, resilience, and communication during times of oppression. As "Songs of Free Men" unfolds, it promises not only a musical journey through time and culture but also a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of slavery, James Baldwin, and the resilience of the Black community in the face of historical adversity. About Black History Month: Black History Month first originated as part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who launched Negro History Week in 1926. Woodson proclaimed that Negro History Week should always occur in the second week of February — between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Since 1976, every American president has proclaimed February as Black History Month. Today, other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom also devote an entire month to celebrating black history. The theme of Black History Month 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Beginning with "Negro spirituals" and blues music that brought solace to a life of enslavement in the South, other later popular forms of African-American music emerged in urban jazz in New Orleans and Chicago. This month is vital to remember and honor Black Americans who have left their mark on American history.

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Start: 2024-02-09T19:30:00-05:00

End: 2024-02-09T21:30:00-05:00

Tickets

General Admission 0.0 USD 110