1969 was the start of a new age for the Black community.
Although the ability to rally and shine through adversity has always been a key part of Black people’s DNA, the tumultuous and tide-shifting events of the ‘60s led to a turning point in Black identity and consciousness. People in the community were standing up and unifying around a singular concept: We are Black, and we are proud.
Throughout our history, Black people have gone above and beyond to survive in a world that demanded our blood, sweat and tears to get even a glimpse of the American Dream. But this was different. Black people were facing that world and demanding change. And that change needed to happen now.
Much like that transformational decade, today’s Black community is facing another crucial period. With a renewed cry for social justice and political reform, we’re realizing that long-lasting change is possible. Just like then, a new generation of Black folk are standing up and calling for change, ushering in a social movement destined to shape generations to come.
In his cinematic homage to the Black Joy revolution, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson debuts footage from the iconic and long-forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a six-week-long concert series that united a community through music, culture, style and celebration. Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) provides a moving and joyful lens into this key moment of Black life, where so much of life as we knew it was changing.
“These musicians were expressing musically what we were feeling politically and socially.”
During a decade when the Black community suffered so much — the death of beloved political leaders, being on the front lines of literal war and racial discrimination, to name a few — people were in search of change. Younger generations were becoming radicalized to face down white supremacy and demand social and political action.
And today, we have a new generation of Black folk doing the same. With increasing cries for police reform, more Black college graduates and entrepreneurs than ever and the widespread shift in attitudes toward mental health and unbridled Black Joy, it’s safe to say we’re once again at the forefront of a new age.
“The styles were changing, the music was changing, and the revolution was coming together.”
During the iconic 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, Black folks from all over flocked to Mount Morris Park to watch the most influential musical acts of the time put on truly historic performances. And just like the culture itself, the artists’ styles varied widely and beautifully. From the unconventional colors and cuts sported by the 5th Dimension to the platforms, bell bottoms and leather vests rocked by Sly and the Family Stone, it was clear styles were changing.
And the biggest change? The hair. For the first time, Black folks were embracing their natural hair. The afros were getting higher and higher as people were abandoning the hard-pressed, straightened looks they’d adopted in decades prior.
Today, with the rebirth of the natural hair movement, we’re seeing more diversity of styles and the embrace of textures all across the spectrum. And while we’re still fighting against white-centered ideas of “professional-looking hair” in some respects, there’s been a truly positive shift in how we view the beauty in Blackness.
“The power of music is to tell our own stories. We hold a mirror to ourselves.”
It was clear when spectators and musicians alike were looking out at the festival crowds — into what one festival attendee called a “sea of Blackness” — that something historic was taking place. Being with the community was a truly joyful experience. And #BlackJoy is revolutionary.
Whether through soul music, blues, gospel, Latin soul or anything in between, there was a cathartic release in experiencing the music playing to the souls of everyone in the crowd. We are identified by our own music, and that hasn’t changed. Just like so many musical voices of the festival were a bolstering force for young people facing discrimination, today we have artists like ASAP Rocky and Meghan Thee Stallion giving life to their own experiences and those of listeners.
“‘69 was the pivotal year the ‘Negro’ died, and ‘Black’ was born.”
In 1969, a new breed of Blackness was born: one that was proud, beautiful and spoke itself into existence, instead of internalizing the pain and pride that so many tried to strip away. In 2020, we all became conscious of the fact that, while that dream for us was unfinished, we still have the right to experience all that is beautiful and joyful and revolutionary about being Black.
Catch all the iconic looks, music and movement in Questlove’s Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) now playing in theaters and streaming on Hulu.
This editorial is brought to you in partnership with Searchlight Pictures.
