A playlist to empower, celebrate and adore.
Co-creators: Ama Antwi-Saki (Sociology and Human Rights) + Salma Abudagga (Liberal Arts)
"The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” [Malcom X, 1962].
Although a playlist might not change that feeling, through the spirit of goodness, love and encouragement this ‘Bronze Women Empowerment’ playlist offers listeners the escapism, recognition and adoration needed to empower it’s listeners.
Bronze Empowerment Playlist
1. ‘Brown Skin Girl’ – Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, Beyoncé & Wizkid
Our first pick, ‘Brown Skin Girl’ celebrates the beauty found in every hue of skin, curl pattern, and non-western facial features. Listen to this song when you need reminding that you are seen, and that you are beautiful.
2. ‘Peng Black Girls Remix’ – ENNY & Jorja Smith
Our second pick, ‘Peng Black Girls’ an anthem celebrating cultural differences, and non-western beauty standards. This song redefines stereotypes and rewrites the narrative of beauty.
3. ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ – Solange, ft. Sampha
Our third pick, ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ a new classic in black cultural empowerment, our hair is own and not a curiosity to rummage one’s hands through. Listeners of Solange can be reminded of their uniqueness, as well the shared experience of having one’s hair feel ‘other’. Though in this track, there is a unity – we find solidarity in our shared experiences and the solace of being heard, seen and allowed to express our displeasure.
4. ‘Black Magic’ – Kelly Rowland
‘Black Magic’ a Black Lives Matter anthem – rejoicing in Black love, kindness, boldness, rich history, humanity and spirit. Listeners can rejoice in their shared history and dance along to the catchy beat.
5. ‘Put Your Records On’ – Corinne Bailey Rae
“I hope you get your dreams” sings Corinne Bailey Rae, and we share in that hope – as the world evolves to find tolerance, discard prejudice and promote equity. Like a phoenix from the debris, this song is a hopeful jam which gives listeners the chance to dream bigger imagining brighter futures, whilst finding solace in embracing you’re uniqueness – such as the afro, with lyrics such as “go ahead let your hair down”, “gotta love that afro hairdo”.
6. ‘Black Girl Magic’ – Sampa the Great ft. Nicole Gumbe
Next up, we have "Black girl magic", a song that will make you want to own your melanin! Sampa the Great calls out on the "beauty standards that we (black women) cannot fulfill as they’re not made with us in mind" and creates a song and video that embodies black beauty and spirit with grace. Gumbe and Sampa the great allow you to discover your black girl magic, "strong it’s like a magnet, you would think that god is here", as the lyrics go.
7. 'BLK Girl Soldier'- Jamila Woods
Another anthem that exudes black girl magic and charges your protest batteries. Woods alludes to –"Rosa, Ella, Audre, Angela, Soujouner, Assata"– powerful black women in history as freedom fighters in celebration of past activism.The song speaks on the injustices to which black women are subject to– from undue media exploitation without recognition to unlawful police killings– to light the realities that the intersections of race and gender. She delivers the histories and contributions of other African American women through music and adds a beat that encourages listeners to recognize their similar power.