New archival website, Black Music History Library, launches
Curated by music journalist Jenzia Burgos, the site is organized chronologically and by genre, containing books, articles, documentaries, films and podcasts on a variety of Black music, many of which are free. The archive aims to provide accessible historical resources for all Black music, with a global focus that extends beyond US contributions.
“There are many notable archives doing similar work, yet it isn’t uncommon for some to have a limited view of Black music—one which fuels US-centrism and a preference for vernacular music traditions,” the about page notes. “This collection considers the term ‘Black music’ more widely, as it aims to address any instances in which Black participation led to the creation or innovation of music across the diaspora.”
Electronic and dance music, spirituals, punk, Reggae and El Movimiento are among the more than a dozen music movements, cultural categories and genres listed in the library. Burgos also highlights the work of Black music journalists, historians and musicologists in the selection of materials, in addition to offering a separate resource list of notable writers on the site.
Check out the website below.
