Humanities Washington: They Want Our Rhythm, but Not Our Blues - African American Innovation through Pop Culture (Hybrid)

The freedom often denied to African Americans to move and express themselves has meant that they have had to be especially creative in building their culture. The innovations created under oppression are often appropriated by the oppressor—they want our rhythm. And such culture and creativity has been forged from their everyday struggles—but they do not want our blues.  

Reflecting on music, sports, language, food, and even hair, this talk calls audiences in beyond the rhythm to recognize the blues that made African American popular culture. It serves as a guide to appreciating the art of Black pop culture by understanding how and why African American culture was created, and when and where it appears across multiple platforms of popular culture—never without a unique artisan style. 

LaToya Brackett (she/her) is an associate professor of African American studies at the University of Puget Sound, where she also serves as a member of the leadership team for the Race & Pedagogy Institute. A scholar with two degrees in Black studies, one from Cornell University and the other from Michigan State, she is an interdisciplinarian who centers the Black experience. Brackett lives in Tacoma.

This program is made possible by Humanities Washington’s Speakers Bureau—"Fascinating talks by fascinating people." For more information about Speakers Bureau, please visit https://www.humanities.org/program/speakers-bureau/.

This presentation is available in person at Washougal Community Library, or watch it live at Cascade Park Community Library, or join online. To attend online, please register for the session. The Google Meet link will be emailed to you.

To join online you will need a computer, tablet or phone with a camera and microphone.

Need a reminder? Click on the "Remind Me" clock button above and enter your email or select the "Add to My Calendar" feature.