Whenever I think about Black women and their radical creativity in music and other forms of performance art, I always think of the quote by Toni Cade Bambara:
“The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.”
Black women artists are making listeners understand the revolution and make their participation necessary. This irresistible revolution can look many ways, there are multiple revolutions happening simultaneously. Noname is speaking about a specific type of revolution, one that discusses police violence and the empowerment of her community. She makes her audience feel the need to look for even more information.
Megan the Stallion is a revolutionary in her own right. She is leading a revolution fighting for women, specifically Black women, to be able to own their sexuality unapologetically. Being a “Hot Girl” is powerful in a world that looks down on women that dress a certain way, on women who are open about their sex life, on women who celebrate their femininity loudly.
Most importantly, Black women, artists make other Black women feel seen. Hearing stories and narratives of Black women dealing with heartbreak, death, lust, and love is essential to the healing of communities and the affirming of stories. And with the lyrical and rhythmic genius of Meg and Noname, you can enjoy yourself while listening to these revolutionary narratives in the form of songs.
Well said. What I appreciate about Megan Thee Stallion too is her reclamation of this art form, of heralding the past and the present with a sexiness that she embraces and uses, this sexiness a tool as she takes on racism, as she takes on politics, as she takes on the world with no fear. She is as you say fighting for women and she’s fighting for her Black brothers and sisters. To watch her on that performance of SNL and to see how she and her team wove in Breona Taylor, knowing that the audience SNL caters to is a white audience was masterful, she is crafting a narrative that is effective and at the same time, casting as wide a net as possible. Bravo!
I completely agree. Seeing women that have my skin color, my body type, and even the same hair as me makes me feel as though I belong in a world where I didn’t see this kind of representation before. Not only is the music that is coming out during this time causing people to question the system it is also giving women the courage to speak out and accept themselves for who they are. Once you see people that look like you succeeding in life it makes you believe that you have a chance to succeed as well. This is what we need for this generation that is growing up and having the power to change what has never been changed before.
I agree with your stance on the revolution. Being able to be comfortable in your own skin is a very essential skill to have. And leading this revolution is black women artist who make the revolution irresistible. I like the fact that you include Megan the Stallion. I think her unapologetic attitude and the type of energy she sets in motion is something to look at. Regardless of what people say, she is bringing the confidence and energy to her ask and that should be respected. This irresistible revolution is something that needs to happen and hope that this continues to happen.
“Most importantly, Black women, artists make other Black women feel seen. Hearing stories and narratives of Black women dealing with heartbreak, death, lust, and love is essential to the healing of communities and the affirming of stories.”
– I think that this really captures the essence of the class. No one tells our stories like us. Black women writer’s are essential. While we can always split hairs on what is right or wrong in the messages they convey, what can not be argued is the fact that they have a right to share their version of life. Our perspective matters.