What songs come to your mind for each of these scenarios? You’re setting up your student house with friends, at a cookout and/or unwinding before a night out. These songs vary by individuals and depend on context. These songs act as soundtracks for these special moments and that make life worth living. My letter aims to answer the question, “why these specific songs?”
Time, in the form of songs & Memory, in the form of visual media are the two elements that shape the Black identity and experience as a Black person and the community that we are in. They work by either complementing each other or in tandem to provide a full picture of a particular moment. You would remember these same songs when you see photos from these experiences, as the music serves as a sonic call to remember these moments, when our memory starts to fail us.
Wih the constant battle against the erasure of black people, our stories and community, it is important that we document our lives and the music that we listen to. They work to provide a full picture of who you are, as a black person as individuals, alone and in our community. Thus, proving that we, as black people, are non-monolithic.
Sometimes, we also forget who we are because life, as usual, happens. We can remember ourselves by reviewing our memories and the music at a point. You can see how much you have grown as a person and through reflection, can stay grounded in your identity as a Black person and community. It can be daunting to take a photo of yourself sometimes but your tomorrow self might need it. We cannot move forward without looking back.
So what do you do as the middle child of the past and future? “Be”
‘To Be’ is to be Present.
In this context, the way to be is in the NOW, by documenting some of your favourite moments or everyday life to the music of the day.
I explored this concept within the Queen’s context in my experimental art thesis, ‘the Black Experience… time & memory’. It was ‘a sunbeamng production’ in collaboration with ams s.i.c. The photo, “UNITED, 2026” at the front features the live sunbeamng session of pick-up band, ‘Wahenga’. The film combines the live session and juxtaposes archival media with present-day media to celebrate black identity & arts at Queen’s university and the larger Kingston community.
So, the next time you are hanging out with the homies, on a short walk, or at a cookout; please take a couple photos, videos because you deserve to be remembered. Whether it is by the community or your future self. YOU DESERVE IT.
Stay blessed, fam! Thank you to QJ for having me.
King-David Olajuwon
Tags
Art, BHM, black history month, community, Music
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