I’ve watched (mostly in silence) all week as people posted their thoughts, vented their frustrations, and tried to rationalize what transpired in last week’s Presidential Election. I don’t blame anyone for that. We ALL are allowed to FEEL.
I’ve tussled with the idea of debunking the various myths people have seemingly assumed to be true (i.e. this is because of non-voters, people didn’t take this election seriously enough, Black women are the driving force of good in this election, “our ancestors” died so that we could vote in this election, voting is a civic duty, 3rd party voters caused this, ect.) and watched the Amen corner give their usual “God is still in control” speeches (as to be expected). I’ve also watched a great number of white folks voice their shock and utter by the results of the election. (I’m guessing they believed that because President Obama was voted into office 8 years ago that racism, hate, bigotry, and intolerance was a thing of the past?)
I want to address ALL of that, but what would it accomplish? At the end of the day, even when equipped with adequate knowledge, people are only going to believe what they want to believe.
Instead, I’ll just use this as an opportunity to post some of my favorite songs that I’ve been using as a way to get by not only today, but day-by-day. Hopefully someone appreciates this. :)
“Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, and life to everything. It is the essence of order, and leads to all that is good, just and beautiful, of which it is the invisible, but nevertheless dazzling, passionate, and eternal form.”
This isn’t a playlist or meant to be played in any particular order. Just 65 random songs that encourage, inspire, and heal. HAPPY LISTENING!
James Brown — Soul Power
Zapp & Roger — Be Alright
The Emotions — Flowers
Donny Hathaway — Sack Full Of Dreams
̶K̶e̶m̶ , India.Arie — Headed In The Right Direction
D’Angelo & The Vanguard — Till It’s Done (Tutu)
Nadia Washington — Hope Resurgence
Keni Burke — Risin’ To The Top
Avery Sunshine — I Got Sunshine
Ledisi — Alright
RAMP — Daylight
Isaac Hayes — Ike’s Mood
The O’Jays — Message In Our Music
Cody Chesnutt — Everybody’s Brother
Donnie — Our New National Anthem
Joi — Sunshine and The Rain
Nina Simone — Sinnerman
Carolyn Malachi — Free Your Mind
Sly & The Family Stone — Sing A Simple Song
The Commodores — Zoom
Aretha Franklin — Lean On Me
Rufus ft. Chaka Khan — Best Of Your Heart
Earth, Wind & Fire — Keep Your Head To The Sky
Bilal — Free
Erykah Badu — That Hump
Eddie Kendricks — People… Hold On
Stevie Wonder — Love’s In Need of Love Today
Maze ft. Frankie Beverly — Love Is The Key
Mary J. Blige — Beautiful Day
Liv Warfield — Fly
Jill Scott — I Keep/Still Here
Chaka Khan — Clouds
Two Tons O’ Fun — Just Us
The Temptations — Ball of Confusion
Teri Tobin — Free
Ohio Players — Is Anybody Gonna Be Saved
Maze ft. Frankie Beverly — Changing Times
The Emotions — Rejoice
Caron Wheeler — Living In The Light
Mary J. Blige — Keep Your Head
Billy Paul — I’m Gonna Make It This Time
Earth, Wind & Fire — Be Ever Wonderful
Labelle — Can I Speak To You Before You Go To Hollywood
Vivian Green — Keep On Going
Liv Warfield — Blackbird
Amel Larrieux — Get Up
Rachelle Ferrell — Peace On Earth
Janelle Monae — Star
Erykah Badu — Drama
Ledisi — Devotion
Robert Glasper — Of Dreams To Come
Minnie Riperton — Minnie’s Lament
B.T. Express — Do It (Til’ You’re Satisfied)
Mary J. Blige — Time
Maze ft. Frankie Beverly — We Are One
Esperanza Spaulding — Black Gold
Erykah Badu — Time’s A Wastin
Barry White — Let The Music Play
Roy Ayers — Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Vivian Green ft. Algebra Blessett, Treena Ferebee, Laurin Talese & Leah Smith— Light The Universe
Jill Scott — Blessed
MFSB — Love Is The Message
Soul II Soul — Keep On Movin’
Angie Stone — Take Everything In
Maze ft. Frankie Beverly — Joy & Pain
