Kimberly Rogers’ Post

The Role of Music in Social Movements: A Powerful Force for Change 🎵 Music has always been more than just a backdrop to our lives; it's a catalyst for social change and activism. From the protest anthems of the civil rights movement to the global pop hits of today's social justice campaigns, music plays a crucial role in shaping and reflecting the zeitgeist of our times. Throughout history, music has been at the forefront of social movements, harnessing its power to unify, inspire, and mobilize communities. Consider the folk songs of the 1960s, which echoed the calls for civil rights and peace, or the punk rock anthems that gave voice to disenfranchised youth. Music not only provides a soundtrack to our struggles but also amplifies messages of resistance and hope. In contemporary contexts, artists continue to use their platforms to champion causes ranging from racial justice to climate change. Music festivals and social media have become arenas where artists and activists come together, using melodies and rhythms to create solidarity and drive action. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the role of music in social movements will remain as vital as ever. It has the power to transcend barriers, bring people together, and ignite change on a global scale. Let’s celebrate the transformative impact of music and recognize its potential to inspire action and drive progress. Whether you're a creator, listener, or activist, remember that your voice and passion can contribute to the next great movement for change. #MusicAndActivism #SocialChange #CulturalImpact #MusicForJustice #ActivismThroughArt

I never imagined being referenced in the same headline as Beyonce!   But then I also never thought of myself as part of the story of Black Country Music. But turns out I am by way of my nature as an activist and as a staunch advocate for removing barriers to social and economic justice for those who have been historically excluded from the profits, but who have always been central to the story of American culture. That was the case when I met Black Country Music legend, Cleve Francis, in the mid 90s. He was the one from whom I learned that the banjo came from Africa, and about Deford Bailey, known as the “Harmonica Wizard”, who is one of the first and most influential performers at the Grand Ole Opry. What I learned from Cleve made me proud, and at the same time, incensed that, yet again, we had been erased not just from history, but from the whole dang multi-billion-dollar industry that was built on our musical innovations, and had buried us deep beneath the foundation. So together, Cleve and I founded the Black Country Music Association with a mission to activate on not just telling our story, but also to provide a platform for artists to convene, support and collaborate to find and engage audiences thirsty for our original style of music. A sound that emanated from our own soulful blues birthed on slave plantations.     After three decades of experience as a social justice warrior in music and the arts, a business owner, a business community leader, and consultant to many, I have come to realize that now, at this time, 2024 demands more.   There are new rules. DEI, which undergirds measurable growth and success proven by its impact on company bottom lines across industries in the global marketplace, has become so successful that to remain so we need to gird our loins, as “Nigel” would say. (Shout out to Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada) DEI needs to put on its Harbison and Thebe Magugu and stomp.   New rule #1: Be like Beyonce.   Bring it! We know where we have been, how far we have come, and there is no turning back. It’s time to be fierce, fearless, and relentless in reaching and even surpassing our goals, and remember that we must stay in formation as we are stronger together.   New rule #2: Own it! It’s not about labor. It’s about ownership.   Work sustains your life. Assets raise the quality of it. Ownership empowers you to be able to define what your legacy will be, embed it in your family and community, and lay the foundation for future generations. Invest in your legacy.   New rule #3: As Barack Obama says: Don’t boo. Vote!   We have two forms of power to make transformational change: our dollar and our vote. So spend your money with businesses that support YOU and your values. And vote for people who support YOU and your values. And not just every four years, but in every local election where you live, work, play and pray, where rules are made.   #PathBlazing #DEIgoesJEDI    

Welcome to the July edition of BPI’s Diversity Roundup! 1) UK Music Ltd have released the 2024 Diversity Report, outlining areas of progress across gender and ethnicity while highlighting areas where more progress is needed. bit.ly/3xM5rfV 2) University of Westminster's Black Music Research Unit have announced their symposium on 12th July at the British Museum reflecting on the historical context that defines Black British music bit.ly/3XIe71w 3) The PRS Foundation POWER UP programme have announced the Year 4 Participants. Check out the 40 Black music creators and industry professionals who have been selected to become part of POWER UP’s now 160-person strong network. bit.ly/3RTDppP 4) DONNE | Women in Music have launched their report: Equality & Diversity in Global Repertoire. The report examines music played by 111 Orchestras across the 2023/2024 Season and reveals a stagnation in the diversity of repertoire programmed globally. bit.ly/3RUK3vL 5) Attitude is Everything are recruiting a Head of Commercial Services. Check out the exciting opportunity to join the Attitude is Everything Team bit.ly/3XPnCMm 6) Parents & Carers in Performing Arts have launched the Balancing Act:Take Two report highlighting deepening struggles for parents and carers in the performing arts amid industry uncertainty. Read more of the report here bit.ly/4cokxHG Hailey Willington

I will be speaking at Yale's Schwarzman Center later this month. Come join in, hear about our musical experiences and how they impact our lives and the lives of others. Yale Schwarzman Center Sessions are peer-led gatherings where conversations generate collaborations and move ideas into action. Music can be a source of entertainment, connection, and even therapy. How might different types and genres of music affect us? How do our cultural backgrounds influence our perception and response to music? How do we connect with others through music when performing or composing? Are there universal aspects of music’s impact on the body and mind, or is it subjective? Join Adam Christoferson, Seiyoung Kim, and Jonathan Weiss as they discuss these and other questions. https://lnkd.in/e4iErFvG

Can singing together spark social change? For our March issue, Tahmeed Shafiq explores the ways that music has been a powerful tool for community building throughout history. https://lnkd.in/g2xYVh-c

Hey LinkedIn! If you're new to my profile, welcome! I talk about a variety of topics related to music education, community engagement, community impact, youth orchestra, and musicians. I'd love to hear from you about which topic interests you the most. Feel free to drop a comment and let me know! #musiceducation #communityengagement #communityimpact #youthorchestra #youthdevelopment ✒️

🎶 Amplifying unheard voices: embracing diversity in the music industry.  🌈 Diversity matters: celebrating unique identities and perspectives in music.  How empowering marginalised voices helps inclusive representation: https://lnkd.in/ei8npa5Z #DEI #sonicbranding #representationmatters #branding