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I am tired, I am heartbroken, I am uncertain. And, as a Black man living in this country, I too have felt like I cannot breathe.
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George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Tony McDade. Names you have undoubtedly seen and heard in excess within the first half of this year. All Black lives lost to senseless violence perpetuated by a society that turned a blind eye to racism and injustice. From Trayvon Martin to Michael Brown, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, and seemingly countless others, their lives senselessly lost. Their lives relegated to a hashtag and a protest sign; and this is not okay.
At the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), we are saddened that racial injustice remains so prevalent in our society. And unfortunately, we join the millions of others who are crying out for our nation to acknowledge that the dignity of Black people matters. Black peoples' health matters, their jobs matter, and most importantly, their lives matter!
On Thursday, June 4th, a small group of teenagers led thousands of local residents in a peaceful protest through downtown Nashville to protest racism and police brutality. When NMAAM learned that the group intended to stop in front of the museum as they made their way to the capitol, we knew that we needed to be there to support this group of young activists and reaffirm our position as an institution committed to social justice.
As I watched and interacted with the protestors in front of the museum, I was once again struck with the clarity on why the museum’s mission is so critical for our society and future generations. It’s not simply the building or even the artifacts and exhibits inside, but more so the space where culture can thrive and be shared, which is important.
Our mission at NMAAM is to educate, celebrate, and preserve. Our nation suffers from the idea that the color of a person’s skin, the zip code they live in, or the size of their bank account correlates to the nimbleness of one’s mind, the love they can share, or the value of their life. NMAAM is proof positive that those assumptions are false.
During this unprecedented time, we know now more than ever that Black music can be a positive catalyst for change and a much-needed tool to support healing our communities. We proudly believe and know that Black peoples’ lives Black people are important and carry meaning. And because we still have to say “Black Lives Matter,” our work as an institution dedicated to unifying people under a common banner must continue.
If you love Black music, then I hope you will join the cause because it is not enough to enjoy our rhythm without helping to eradicate our blues. We are grateful for your continued support, and thank you for standing with us as “One Nation Under a Groove.”
H. Beecher Hicks, III
President and CEO
National Museum of African American Music
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