VOICES OF RAGE, HOPE & EMPOWERMENT

Rock Hall exhibit highlights music and social justice

Considering one could argue “Fight the Power” could be the de facto motto shared by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, it was only a matter of time before the downtown Cleveland museum created an exhibit commenting on the current social justice movement and Black Lives Matter protests in response to the killing of George Floyd.

The result is “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment,” which recently opened at the downtown

Cleveland museum.

“Obviously in the climate of what’s happening right now globally, we felt strongly about doing it,” said Rock Hall Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs Nwaka Onwusa, who curated “It’s Been Said All Along.”

“It was a great moment to highlight what musicians have done throughout their careers, amplifying the many voices of rage, hope and empowerment. I’m paraphrasing Nina Simone, but she said it is the duty of an artist to be a reflection of the times. So as a globally renowned institution, we feel that as

well.”

The social justice exhibit features artifacts from Rock Hall inductees reinforcing the stories behind how artists have responded to inequality.

This includes Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” lyrics, N.W.A.’s jacket reflecting the relevance of their single “F*ck tha Police,” Aretha Franklin’s Valentino dress worn during her first appearance at Radio City Music Hall and James Brown’s jumpsuit.

“The majority of items we had in our collection, but we did acquire three new artifacts for the exhibit,” Onwusa said.

“There are handwritten lyrics from songwriter and rapper D Smoke, who recorded ‘Let Go’ hours before the killing of George Floyd.

“We also have lyrics from

Grammy Award-nominated musician Miles Mosely and Grammy Award-winner Fantastic Negrito.

In an effort to enhance the visual aspect of “It’s Been Said All Along,” the Rock Hall exhibit features photos of influential Black photographers Chuck Stewart, Bruce Talamon and Bob Douglas.

There are also photos from Cleveland photographers Emanuel Wallace and David Williams. The latter two captured Black Lives Matter protests recently held in Cleveland. Make no mistake, the revolution will be televised with all genres of music that fall under the umbrella of rock ‘n’ roll providing the soundtrack. Onwusa said anthems empowering people include Tupac’s “Changes,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam.”

“There’s a message in the music,” Onwusa said. “I love the fact anytime you’re looking at history there’s a song that can be paralleled right along with that experience.

“Music is a part of who we are. It’s what unifies us. It’s what connects us globally. The fact is, the power of song, the power of rock ‘n’ roll is that deep.”

COURTESY OF THE TOM & ETHEL BRADLEY CENTER AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE Billie Holiday is shown in 1952. The image is part of “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment,” a new exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

COURTESY OF THE CHUCK STEWART ESTATE Nat King Cole is shown in 1958. The image is part of a new exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.