We've Been Protesting

Basquiats x Banksy

Depicts police officers searching the skeletal figure from Basquiat's 1982 painting "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump". The work is a commentary on the racial profiling and police brutality that were recurrent themes in Basquiat's work.

We honor the monumental impact of Miles Davis, a visionary whose album "Kind of Blue" remains a cornerstone of jazz and a testament to African American creativity. Released in 1959, "Kind of Blue" is not just an album; it's a profound expression of artistic freedom and innovation. With Davis at the helm, this masterpiece redefined jazz, inviting listeners into a world of modal improvisation and ethereal soundscapes.

Miles Davis, born May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois, was not just a musician; he was a cultural icon who pushed the boundaries of jazz, challenging norms and expectations. His work resonated deeply within the African American community and beyond, serving as a soundtrack to the complexities of the black experience in America. "Kind of Blue" stands as a beacon of excellence in music and a symbol of the indomitable spirit of black artists.

The album's conception was revolutionary, with Davis leading an ensemble of legendary musicians, including John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Cannonball Adderley. Together, they crafted a series of compositions that remain unparalleled in their emotional depth and technical mastery. "Kind of Blue" is not merely listened to; it's experienced, a journey through moods and melodies that echo the human condition.

"Kind of Blue" has transcended its era to become the best-selling jazz album of all time, celebrated for its profound influence on music, culture, and the civil rights movement. It showcased the genius of black musicians and their pivotal role in shaping American culture, embodying the struggle, resilience, and creativity of the African American experience.

Miles Davis's legacy is a reminder of the power of art to inspire change, challenge societal barriers, and express the deepest truths of our existence. "Kind of Blue" is a masterpiece that continues to inspire generations, a timeless tribute to the brilliance of black artistry.

"In music, silence is more important than sound." ~ Miles Davis

Celebrating Jimi Hendrix During Black History Month: "House Burning Down" – A Song of Social Relevance

Jimi Hendrix, born on November 27, 1942, transcended the bounds of race and genre to become one of the most celebrated musical figures of the 20th century. As we honor Black History Month, it's crucial to reflect on not just Hendrix's unparalleled prowess on the guitar but also how he used his platform to address social issues.

"House Burning Down," a track from the iconic "Electric Ladyland" album, is a profound illustration of Hendrix's social consciousness. Through a blazing soundscape and evocative lyrics, Hendrix paints a picture of chaos and the urgent need for change. "Try to put out the fire with a little water," he sings, symbolizing inadequate responses to systemic issues.

The song, released in 1968, was set against the backdrop of civil unrest and the struggle for civil rights in America. Hendrix, through his visceral music, explored themes of inequality and the desire for peace. "House Burning Down" isn't just a call to action; it's a haunting reminder of the work left undone in the fight against injustice.

Though Hendrix's life was tragically short, his music remains a powerful part of his legacy. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's remember the artists like Hendrix who not only shaped the landscape of music but also stood as beacons of change during pivotal moments in history.

"House Burning Down" continues to resonate as a cry against apathy and a plea for action, echoing the sentiments of a generation demanding to be heard. In the spirit of Hendrix, let us not only listen to the music but also heed its message.

Jimi Hendrix's life and songs like "House Burning Down" remind us that art can be a catalyst for change, and as we celebrate his contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to the values he sang about.

"An artists duty as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times." ~ Nina Simone

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll (1915-1973)

Before Elvis gyrated and Chuck Berry duck-walked, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was setting the stage alight with her electric guitar. Born in 1915 in Arkansas, Tharpe became a pioneering force in music, melding spiritual lyrics with electric blues guitar, creating a sound that laid the foundation for rock & roll.

Her early gospel recordings in the late '30s and '40s, like "This Train" and "Rock Me," showcased her virtuosic guitar style and powerful voice, breaking norms both within sacred and secular circles. Tharpe's 1944 hit, "Strange Things Happening Every Day," is often cited as one of the first rock & roll records. It was her deft blend of spiritual passion and worldly swagger that made her an icon to future rock legends; artists like Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley drew from her indomitable spirit and musical innovation.

Despite her influence, Tharpe's legacy was often overshadowed in a male-dominated industry. Yet, her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 posthumously rectified this oversight, cementing her status as the Godmother of Rock & Roll.

Tharpe's story is one of triumph over adversity, an illustration of the indelible impact one woman's talent and determination can have on the world. Her legacy is a reminder of the roots of rock music and the powerful voice of black musicians in shaping one of America's greatest cultural contributions. Sister Rosetta Tharpe's name and music continue to resonate, a testament to her groundbreaking artistry and the enduring power of her sound.

"Let me say as I've always said, and I will always continue to say, that riots are socially destructive and self-defeating. ... But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality, and humanity. And so in a real sense our nation's summers of riots are caused by our nation's winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again." - The Other America, Martin Luther King Jr.

Ahmaud Arbery (May 1994 - February 2020)

Ahmaud Arbery, age 25, was pursued by 3 civilians while jogging through the Satilla Shores neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia. Once they caught up to him, they shot and killed him.

The circumstances of Ahmaud's death were not initially known and his murder was brought to light months after it took place due to many individuals and organizations working to bring pressure upon government and law enforcement to enquire as to what actually happened. A video recording of the events that was captured on February 23, 2020, was released months after his murder and today, justice served, as all 3 men who where involved in his murder where found guilty of various felony murder charges.

What may not be well known or understood, and what this project tries to bring to light is that Ahmaud's death was just 1, in a sequence of people killed in the first half of 2020. Ahmaud's murder was followed by on March 13th, on March 23rd, on April 19th, on April 22nd, on May 14th, on May 23rd, on May 25th and on May 27th.

once said, "I think that America must see, that riots do not develop out of thin air. Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned, as vigorously as we condemn riots. In the final analysis, a riot is a language of the unheard. And what is it, that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of “white” society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality, and humanity. And so, in a real sense our nation's summers of riots are caused by our nation's winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again."

Today justice WAS served. Today justice was served for . , rest easy.

“No matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger than its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise.” —

On October 27th 2015, Blood Orange released a song entitled "Sandra's Smile" which was inspired by the life of and the events surrounding her death.

"Can you see it in my face? Had enough for today."

Blood Orange - Sandra's Smile (Official Video) Blood Orange - "Sandra's Smile"Subscribe to Blood Orange on YouTube: http://smarturl.it/BloodOrangeYT Follow Blood Orange: YouTube: http://smarturl.it/BloodO...

Sandra Bland (February 1987 – July 2015)

Sandra Bland, age 28, was pulled over for a minor traffic violation on July 10th 2015.

Sandra was initial pulled over by a Texas State Trooper for failure to signal a lane change.

In a series of events that were caught on dashcam, a bystander and on Sandra’s phone, the encounter between the State Trooper and Sandra escalated quickly. The State Trooper asked Sandra to put out her cigarette, to which she responded, “Why do I have to put out a cigarette when I’m in my own car?” He then asked her to step out of her car and told her she was under arrest. Sandra asked repeatedly why she needs to step out of her car and why she was under arrest? After being threatened with a taser, Sandra steps out of her vehicle.

After Sandra steps out of her vehicle, both the State Trooper and Sandra step out of frame but Sandra can be heard screaming and crying. In a video recorded by a bystander, Sandra is laying on the ground. Sandra says that she cannot hear and that the officer slammed her head into the ground. She tells the officer that she has epilepsy and the officer replies, “Good.” The officer then orders the bystander to leave the area.

Sandra was taken to jail and charged with “assaulting a public servant.” Three days after she was taken into custody, she was found dead hanging in her jail cell. Her death has been ruled a su***de.

“Now I know what my purpose is. My purpose is to go back to Texas. My purpose is to stop all social injustice in the South.” -

“We must reassure the future of our youth, so they will never again have to experience the ugliness of racism, bigotry, or prejudice of any kind.” –