Women,Gender,Sexuality Studies 293G - S- Black Music and Protest

We will explore 150 years of black protest music. From the ring shout and Congo Square, through blueswomen, hard bop, R&B, funk, and 90s rap, through to contemporary artists such as Janelle Monae, Kendrick and Noname, the course will consider how music has been mobilized to empower the subjugated, subvert power, and provide commentary on social injustices. Attention will be paid to the opportunities, contradictions and limitations of black performance?s potential for anti-establishment protest.