CLEVELAND, OH (June 7, 2021) – In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month (June) and Juneteenth (June 19), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is celebrating Black artists and amplifying the voices and contributions of the Black music community, which have influenced and defined generations. As 2021 Inductee Gil Scott-Heron told us in 1971, the revolution will not be televised.
“The Rock Hall brings together and gives voice to people of all backgrounds and beliefs through music year-round. Find your voice with us through our June programming as we celebrate Black musical trailblazers,” said Greg Harris, CEO & President, Rock Hall.
During June, join the Rock Hall for a Juneteenth celebration, virtual programs, new podcast episodes, curated playlists, exhibit stories, special content, and featured Rock Hall EDU Powered by PNC collections. Visit rockhall.com/events for details.
The Rock Hall’s Black Music Month and Juneteenth initiatives include:
- Reckoning & Requiem: LaVern Baker & Cultural Appropriation: Tune into the Rock Hall’s YouTube channel on June 17 at 7 p.m. EST for Voices in Conversation moderated by Rock Hall’s Chief Curator Nwaka Onwusa and author and songwriter Alice Randall, featuring singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, Grammy-award winner Siedah Garrett, country singer-songwriter and producer Margo Price, and singer-multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell.
- Juneteenth Celebrations: Join a group of powerful and inspiring performers, including Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, Afi Scruggs, Ngina Fayola, All City Choir from Metropolitan School District, and CowPastor from Cleveland Museum of Art, for a free event on Saturday, June 19 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Rock Hall plaza.
- “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment”: Music can create change, inspire, and sustain revolutions and movements. The Rock Hall’s inspiring exhibit shares the stories behind songs and artists that were at the center of movements and Black liberation, including What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye, Fight The Power by Public Enemy, to Freedom by Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few.
- Rock Hall EDU Powered by PNC: To learn, share and discuss, the Rock Hall’s free online education platform is featuring a companion piece to our “It’s Been Said All Along” exhibit and special collections that spotlight music and civil rights, music and protest, early hip-hop, and individual artists from Sam Cooke and The Staple Singers to Aretha Franklin and Bill Withers. Dig deeper with our African American women in rock research guide, our activity packs that pair a Rock Hall Inductee with a current artist (like Prince with Lizzo), and more!
- Induction Vault Podcast Episodes: Every Friday, get unfiltered access to iconic Induction speeches featuring Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae, Diana Ross, Mavis Staples, Bill Withers, Lauryn Hill, and others. Subscribe on the iHeart Radio App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your favorite podcast.
- Curated Playlists: Multiple playlists are featured on the Rock Hall’s Spotify page celebrating the voices of Black artists of yesterday and today.
- Rock Hall Video Vault: From Induction speeches and show-stopping performances to exclusive exhibit and program interviews, head to the Rock Hall’s YouTube channel for featured videos from our vault.
The Rock Hall’s programming lineup continues to heat up as Rock Hall Live! Powered by PNC returns to the Rock Hall’s plaza in June featuring live music by local and nationally touring bands and artists, the Rock Hall’s Resident Rockers, yoga on Monday nights, Fam Jam, food and drink trucks, and more. Check out rockhall.com/events for details.
The Rock Hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended summer hours on Saturdays until 8 p.m. EST in June. Reserve your ticket now at rockhall.com.
About Rock Hall:
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. We value all by embracing talents, perspectives and experiences. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable environment that encourages creativity and innovation by valuing, empowering and respecting all people. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!
