Black Lives (Still) Matter - Even If Your Feed Is Back To Normal
July 12, 2021
Although much about our world has changed over the past year, in 2021, we are faced with the reality that racism and racial injustice in America have not. Inequity still permeates most facets of American life. Although no longer government-sanctioned, bias in everything from housing policy to education and the criminal justice system created conditions that have led to the existence of a permanent underclass in our society. These same conditions, spurred by the murder of George Floyd, boiled over into global protest around racial prejudice in the spring and summer of 2020.
It would seem this kind of large-scale reckoning and increased visibility would translate into real discernable change, the type of change that would yield tangible improvements for those who have had their lives impacted by racism, those who live with the aftermath of centuries of oppression every day. But political polarization has led to very little being done in the way of policy to correct the inequalities that still exist today and virtually nothing being done to remedy past harms.
Your social media feed has likely returned to normal; influencers are influencing, companies are trying to sell you products you probably don’t need, and the media is again focused on the trending topic of the moment. However, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that in 2021 there is still a great deal of suffering in marginalized communities as a result of ongoing racial oppression. So long as racism persists, we must be willing to stand up and speak out against it even if it is all but forgotten by mainstream media and confined to a footnote for leading scholars. There is still a need to uplift the black community and fight for social justice and equality wherever possible. As history has shown us, the fight against racism won’t be won with one grand gesture. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 didn’t end racism, but the architects of the Civil Rights movement never expected it to; the war against racism will be won through incremental change hard-fought by everyday people who decide to dedicate themselves to making a difference.
So how can you be a part of the change? Although less visible now than a year ago, there are still organizations doing the work to disrupt patterns of racism and inequality, and donating your time or money is a great way to affirm that black lives still matter. Making a point to support black businesses, seeking out opportunities to spend money in communities with scarce resources and depressed economies may seem like a simple gesture, but it can mean a great deal. Continuing to educate yourself and those around you about what it means to be an antiracist is another powerful way to combat racism and ignorance in your social circles.
If you are looking for more ways to get involved, here are some links to get you started:
1. Donate to Social Justice Organizations
2. Get Informed on the Issues
3. Support a Black Business
On March 3, 2023, the M3F McDowell Mountain Music Festival in Phoenix, Arizona, kicked off with a fantastic lineup of musicians. The first day saw performances by Maggie Rogers, Polo & Pan, Quinn XCII, COIN, The Knocks, Hayden James, Neil Frances, Becky Hill, Del Water Gap, Neal Francis, Winston Surfshirt, Darius, Jim-E Stack, The Lagoons, St. Terrible (and the Gospel of Nothingness ∆), and Veronica Everheart. Maggie Rogers mesmerized the crowd with her soulful vocals, while Polo & Pan delivered an electrifying performance that had everyone dancing. Quinn XCII's catchy pop hits and COIN's indie rock sound were crowd favorites, while The Knocks kept the energy high with their infectious beats. Hayden James' smooth electronic rhythms and Neil Frances' soulful pop were also highlights of the day, as was Becky Hill's dynamic vocals and Del Water Gap's indie rock sound. Neal Francis' soulful and bluesy tunes, Winston Surfshirt's hip hop and R&B fusion, and Darius' electronic soundscapes were also popular with the crowd.
The venue was the perfect place for Marshmello's electrifying performance, with the large outdoor space providing a perfect setting for his music and visuals. Fans were treated to an immersive experience that combined stunning visuals, mind-blowing effects, and high-energy music that kept the crowd engaged throughout the night. Marshmello's setlist was a hit with the audience, with many fans singing along to his popular tracks and dancing the night away. His shows are known for their upbeat and positive vibe, and Marshmello's music has become a source of inspiration and motivation for many of his fans. The highlight of the show was Marshmello's stage presence, which was electric and captivating. He interacted with the audience and made them feel like they were part of the show. Marshmello's enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and the crowd responded with equal excitement and enthusiasm.
Aoki's set was a mix of his own hits as well as remixes of popular songs that kept the crowd dancing and singing along. His enthusiastic stage presence, ability to hype up the crowd and connect with his audience made for an unforgettable show. The icing on the cake, quite literally, was when Aoki threw his signature cakes into the crowd, Aoki's gesture has become an essential part of his performance and has become a fan favorite over the years. The Talking Stick Resort, with its state-of-the-art sound system, proved to be the perfect venue for Aoki's performance. The combination of Aoki's music and the energetic crowd made the show an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. One of the attendees at the show, Sarah, expressed her thoughts on the experience, "The Steve Aoki show was amazing! I have never experienced so much energy in one place before. When he threw the cake into my friend’s face, the crowd went wild! It was such a fun and unique moment. I will never forget it." Aoki's shows have become a must-see for music lovers worldwide, with his infectious energy and innovative sound inspiring a new generation of EDM enthusiasts. And his show at Talking Stick Resort during Super Bowl Weekend was no exception, as Aoki's electrifying performance left the audience wanting more.
There are many different types of popular music, each with a different effect on people. For example, the notion of pop music is far different from that of folk and classical music. The influence of popular music on culture is not limited to music. It is important to note that the history of popular music reveals how much it has changed the culture. Popular music is influenced by society at the time. For example, the popularity of swing and other dance forms reflects the dominant language of the group. For instance, the demand for dance music led to the development of jazz styles. Big band jazz and upbeat swing forms were created. Similarly, work-songs were popular in early America and became a comforting medium for slaves. The influence of music on culture has varied over time and across cultures. The impact of music on culture is profound. In the early twentieth century, the influence of music on culture was so great that it transformed the entire society. Before the 1930s, the role of popular music in society was limited to the development of a nation. Nevertheless, today, the impact of music on culture has remained undiminished. With a little imagination, one can determine how popular songs have shaped the society of a nation.