From Toya Haynes, Editor of Philly Soul Live
Philly Soul Live would not only be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the recent racial injustices that have ignited protests and activism around our country right now; we’d be downright irresponsible. As the editor for PSL, I’ll be honest: it has been difficult to put into words what I hope would convey our stance in the midst of so many emotions such as sadness, outrage, and fear; Sadness over loss of life due to the recent tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbery and too many to name at this point, outrage over the deep rooted evils within our justice system that are prevailing, and fear for our community. But when it comes right down to it, trying to put my personal emotions aside to come up with flowery words for “brand’s sake” is not the point: Standing with our black brothers and sisters on the side of justice is.
Today is the first day of Black Music Month. There’s a quote that I’ve been trying my hardest to find out its origin that says “They want our rhythm, but not our blues.” We can’t merely be entertained by the talents of black musicians and not honor and acknowledge the hardship and the racial disparities that many of them have been subjected to that have often been a catalyst to their music.
Soul music is black music. Whether it’s Black Music Month or any other month, we celebrate and strive to show our gratitude for the work of African Americans in Philadelphia who are at the forefront of keeping Philadelphia’s rich history of soul music alive. We unite with them in solitude for their rights, justice and safety, along with the numerous artists and entertainment industry allies of all racial backgrounds that are committed to do the same.