“I realized that most White Americans knew very little about our history and our struggle, and were having difficulty understanding the basis for our agitation and our resistance and our complaints. I also discovered that while Black Americans had a sense of the beauty and tragedy of the journey from the time of slavery until now, we were not rooted in the specifics. I thought one way to familiarize people with that history would be through the voices of the great folk artists.” - Harry Belofonte
The first thing that turned me on to folk singing was Odetta. - Bob Dylan
Black American folk traditions are a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. As Harry Belafonte observed, folk music bridges gaps in understanding, offering a profound lens into the history, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans. Bob Dylan’s recognition of Odetta as a transformative influence underscores the enduring impact of Black contributions to the folk genre—an art form rooted in truth, community, and cultural preservation. Today, Black folk traditions remain a vital force, blending heritage with contemporary expression, and shaping the evolving story of American and African American Music music. By uplifting, archiving, and supporting these voices, we ensure that the richness of this legacy continues to inspire and inform, honoring its past while charting a future of inclusivity and celebration
In a time of great uncertainty in the world, the preservation of culture through collaboration will be our saving grace. Black Folk music and culture stand at the crossroads of history, imagination, storytelling, community building, and resistance. In a mission to hold onto what is sacred, while constructing our future, we present the We Black Folk initiative.
We Black Folk (WBF) is a Boston-based movement that encompasses interactive performances and conversations, while providing platforms for underrepresented stories and music of traditional Black Folk arts. Building on the rich contributions of legendary artists like Odetta, Leadbelly, and Tracy Chapman, WBF aims to use media archival to document the storied histories of New England while developing new platforms for creative expression. Over the next 3 years, We Black Folk will curate special events, spark conversations, build a remarkable archive and develop a large-scale Festival - all through an authentic Black diasporic lens.
We Black Folk is made possible through a collaboration between BAMS Fest Inc. (a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing access to Black arts and culture through racial equity, spatial justice, and economic empowerment) and HipStory (a digital media production company responsible for creating unique, innovative, and inspiring art). Through this relationship we are able to combine our networks and expertise for the greatest impact.
We Black Folk is growing, and we want you to be a part of that growth. Through generous funding and support from Mass Humanities, Agora, The City of Boston, Passim, Berklee College of Music’s Professional Music and Songwriting Department, and Dr. Emmett Price, we are able to set out towards our goals. Now more than ever, the preservation and celebration of Black folk traditions are critical. At a time when cultural erasure and systemic barriers continue to challenge BIPOC artists, We Black Folk is a vital initiative reclaiming and amplifying Black folk music’s profound legacy. With your help, we can ensure these stories, histories, and sounds not only survive but thrive, shaping a future that honors this art form’s roots while forging new paths for its evolution.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Venue and Financial Support: Support us by providing spaces for live events or contributing financially to sustain and expand our programming. Every dollar raised directly impacts our ability to collect oral histories, host performances, and empower artists to create without limits.
2. Connections and Collaboration: Partner with us to expand our reach. We are actively seeking connections to higher education institutions, academic programs, press contacts, and marketing professionals to share this mission with a broader audience and amplify our impact.
3. Story and Archive Contributions: Your stories and artifacts matter. By contributing to our archives, you help preserve the cultural legacy of Black folk music for generations, ensuring that its rich history is documented and celebrated. More information on how you can directly contribute to the archive will be made available throughout the season.
Your support is more important now than ever. Together, we can protect and uplift these vital traditions, ensuring they remain an essential part of our cultural fabric. Join us in building a movement that celebrates and elevates Black folk culture in New England and beyond. Visit WeBlackFolk.com or email General@thehipstory.com to get involved.
Let’s create a future where these stories and sounds continue to inspire and connect us all.
​
