Music is often seen as the blueprint to life. From your favorite break-up song to the celebratory tunes of your favorite artists at family gatherings; it all begins with music. Black music in particular has held a source of power in our movement for social justice in our communities. TV One is celebrating the power Black music has played in the movement. A two-part documentary will air on January 18, 2021 at 8 ET /7 CT known as Unsung Presents: Music and the Movement.
Premiering on Martin Luther King, Jr Day this documentary will reflect on the music from changemakers in history. Such changemakers include Aretha Franklin, Beyonce’, Public Enemy, Gil Scott-Heron and Stevie Wonder. The historical documentary will feature special remarks given by Erica Campbell, Big Gipp, Raheem Devaughn, Rev. Al Sharpton and more.
“Music is the heart and soul of Black culture – giving life to our experiences, voice to our stories and growing power out of our pain,” said Cathy Hughes, Chairwoman, Urban One, Inc. The special will highlight first hand accounts, interviews with music artists and the media, footage from memorable speeches, vocal performances and more. “Throughout history, Black music has been a clarion call to amplify the voice of our community and important social and political movements like the Civil Rights and Black Lives Matters Movements,” remarked Robyn Greene Arrington, Vice President of Programming and Production.
Musical references will include but are not limited to:
- “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” which was the Negro Spiritual that provided a distraction to the harsh reality of slavery and a communication tool for the enslaved to escape to freedom.
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin was the soul and funk anthem during the Black Power movement; and
- “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield that demanded change within the political arena and civil rights justice.
Tune into this historical tribute and celebration of Black culture through the eyes of our music. Check your local listings for TV One and visit www.tvone.tv.
Writer, C. Scott, is a mompreneur, blogger, freelance writer, author and self-publisher. Follow her on social media as @curls_coils and @mysweettealife.
