Fifty Songs of the Black Experience

Introduction

The United States of America is a capitalist society, which, at least in theory, suggests that everyone has the opportunity to build a successful life. Over the nation’s 244 years, that ideal has inculcated a sense of pride in its citizens. But these is a dark side to capitalism: the pursuit of wealth has led to and continues to contribute to a cycle of oppression of some groups of people living in the United States, beginning with the first ships of enslaved Africans arriving in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. The slave owners and business owners have profited from the contributions of Black people while silencing their voices to maintain the established racial hierarchy that benefits white society. Nonetheless, the Black community created means to tell their stories and inspire later generations. “Music of the Black Experience” highlights these people’s contributions. Accompanying the songs is a narrative of history and insights into lyrics and the events that shaped them. Some songs convey the horrors of marginalization and oppression, while others express pride in Black identity and a desire for racial equality. A few songs were chosen to expose corruption in the recording industry that allowed white-owned labels to exploit Black artists.