It's Black History Month Y'all!
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
As you all may know, February is Black History Month! Coming from a family of historians, this month has always meant a lot for me. We use this month to reflect on our collective history, and paint the colors of our future brightly! Here at Melody Mart, our goal is to present you all with a clear, personal outlook on our teachers. This month, we are putting the spotlight on all our Black Instructors!
I asked: What is your favorite moment in black music history?
And They Answered
Anokyewaa Oppong- Violin Instructor (Me!)
I have soooo many, it's hard to choose! But one of my favorites is watching the Jackson Five on Soul Train. They set the bar high for music groups after that!
Davis Young- Piano and Percussion Instructor
I’d have to say Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer award for his album DAMN was monumental. This was not only colossal for my favorite rap artist, but new for a rap artist to win instead of a classical or jazz artists!
Canisha Russ - Voice Instructor
This is a difficult question, but I’m going to say Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On album drop. There are so many good activism songs released by prominent black musicians. However, this entire album focuses on civil rights, war, and climate change, making it really unique and powerful.
Daniel Gayden - Drum Instructor
What a great question, I’m going to say Miles Davis 1959 album, Kind of Blue. It’s the album that changed jazz forever and popular music as well!
Ali Campbell - Early Childhood Instructor
I have many favorite moments. I think one that comes to mind is when Marian Anderson, famed contralto opera singer, performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a desegregated crowd of 75,000 with millions of more listening to the radio broadcast on April 9th, 1939. Earlier, the Daughters of the American Revolution had refused to let Anderson perform as scheduled at Constitution Hall because of the color of her skin. With help from Eleanor Roosevelt and Secretary of the Interior Harold Icks, the concert was moved to the Lincoln Memorial. Marian Anderson opened the concert with the song My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.
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