Put A Record On: Celebrating Juneteenth
Hopefully you have the day off today, and more importantly, hopefully you spend some of your day reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth in this moment — a moment when the people in power are working hard to undo every attempt (and they are attempts) at creating a more equal and free nation, specifically by further disenfranchising and discriminating against its Black citizens.
Country music and Americana and folk are racist and have been basically since the genres were given those names, in spite of the fact that they are all built by Black music. That's a truth that we've tried hard to hammer home again and again (certainly not one that we take credit for originating), and one that always bears repeating and remembering. To that point: a great way to celebrate the holiday is to contribute to organizations that support Black artists and spaces for Black fans. Decolonizing the Music Room, Fort Worth African-American Roots Music Festival, Black Americana Fest, Biscuits and Banjos, the Black Folk Festival, and the Black Music Action Coalition are just a few doing great work; feel free to add others you know of in the comments.
Another great way is to support Black artists; the most direct way I know to do that is on Bandcamp, where you can often find merch as well.
Here's a brand-new, awesome compilation featuring a number of DRTI all-stars including Lizzie No, Kaïa Kater, Brandi Waller-Pace (founder of Decolonizing the Music Room and FWAAMFest)!
A few more recent and enduring faves, but also literally the tip of the iceberg; attempting to be exhaustive here would be counterproductive. The point is, support the Black artists you love today and everyday.
