Building a Crescendo to Change: How Black Artists Are Bringing Their Voices to Social Issues and Movements

Black music has not only played a significant role in creating many of today’s musical genres — blues, jazz, folk, rock, country, R&B, hip-hop and pop — but it also creates awareness about important social issues. Black Music Month, created in 1979 by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is an opportunity to recognize how Black artists help shape important conversations about society and the world at large. 

In observance of Black Music Month, the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement partnered with the Recording Academy to host Music & Social Change on June 2. Guests included Grammy Award-winning singer Ledisi, Emmy award-winning producer P. Frank Williams (Unsung), award-winning rapper and philanthropist Trae Tha Truth, and the Recording Academy Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ryan Butler. Author Karen Civil (Be You & Be Civil: Tools for Unlocking Your Potential & Living Your Purpose) moderated the panel, and SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director-designate Duncan Crabtree-Ireland gave opening remarks.

The conversation began with each guest artist relaying how they feel current events, particularly the social justice movements taking place throughout the country, are influencing Black artists in the industry. Ledisi spoke about how the pandemic and her involvement in social protests shaped her most recent album and pushed her to find new ways to connect with her fans. 

“I was forced to be more accessible to my audience, which was a very fearless move for me,” said Ledisi. “People don’t know that I’m shy, but this has empowered me as a Black woman. I feel good in the position I’m in; I’m able to help.”

Williams noted ways Black performers are discussing topics important to their community. 

“It’s good to see mental health being talked about in a progressive way [in the industry]. A lot of rappers who talk about partying are now talking about some really significant things,” said Williams, noting that performers are taking more creative ownership of their projects.  

Also discussed was the Recording Academy’s efforts to support Black artists. Butler noted the continuing work of initiatives such as the MusiCares program, as well as other ways the institution is working toward being inclusive, particularly in forming their nomination committees for awards.

“It was important for us to [become] equitable in the awards process, and I’ve watched the Academy shift in giving diversity, equity and inclusion [priority],” said Butler. “We still have a lot of work to do, but I think we’ve shown true commitment to the process.”

As the panel concluded, speakers were asked for their thoughts on how Black performers and other creatives in the community can continue the momentum seen in the previous year. For Trae Tha Truth, what is important is working from the heart.

“I don’t look at [helping] as an entertainer or musician, but just as a human being. And I tell people all the time that at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter the title a person has if you are genuinely doing all you can to help people,” said Trae. 

To watch the full panel, scroll below. For other panels and interviews from the SAG-AFTRA PTEOE, visit sagaftra.org/videos.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.