The Power of Black Art: Using Music and Creativity to Heal and Elevate
Black artists have the power to shape culture, and when we use our music and creativity to heal, inspire, and uplift, we leave a legacy that elevates our communities and transforms lives. We discuss it here!
Omar Cook Performs “Spiritual War”
By: Omar Cook
Art is powerful. Every note, every lyric, every visual we put into the world carries energy. As Black artists, we hold a unique platform to influence minds, hearts, and culture. Unfortunately, mainstream Black entertainment has often been steered toward negative agendas—glorifying sex, drugs, and materialism—rather than uplifting, healing, or inspiring. This imagery and messaging aren’t harmless; they shape how people think, feel, and act.
Music is spiritual. It affects the soul whether we acknowledge it or not. When hate, destruction, or death are the themes we amplify, that energy is released into the world, and eventually it comes back to us. Every song, every performance is a choice. It doesn’t have to be gospel or a political speech, but it should be intentional. Ask yourself: Does what I’m creating benefit others? Does it uplift, heal, or inspire, or does it add to the destruction of our people?
The youth feel the impact the most. They attend concerts, watch videos, and consume music on a massive scale. They are receiving this energy, absorbing it, and it becomes part of the environment they grow up in. As artists, we have a responsibility to be conscious of that influence. The music we create isn’t just entertainment; it’s shaping the mindset and spirit of generations.
Promoting positive, high-vibrational artistry starts with us as creators. It starts with being a catalyst for change and holding ourselves accountable for the legacy we leave behind. I want my art to exist as a source of healing, growth, relatability, and inspiration—something that gives people strength to keep going despite life’s challenges. That is the power of intention in art.
But the responsibility isn’t only on artists. As consumers, we also hold power. Where we put our energy—what we stream, share, and support—determines which artists rise and which messages dominate culture. Supporting artists who inspire and uplift is just as important as creating that content.
The shift starts now. It’s time to check ourselves, both as creators and as audiences. Black entertainment can evolve. Our art can carry the vibration of hope, love, and unity. Our legacies can be measured not only by hits and streams but by the healing and inspiration we leave behind. The question is simple: what energy do you want to leave on this planet, and how will your gifts serve the people?
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Blue Meridian Partners Donates $124 Million to HBCU Alliance
Blue Meridian Partners donated $124 million to the HBCU Transformation Project, enabling the project to advance its mission of fostering systemic improvements in historically Black colleges and universities across the country. We discuss it here!
The President of Norfolk State University, Javaune Adams-Gaston, mentions that the institution frequently lacks the resources required for significant large-scale projects. (JEMAL COUNTESS/GETTY IMAGES FOR MIGHTY DREAM FORUM)
By: Gentel Sharrie
Donations are pouring in to transform 40 historically Black colleges and universities with the goal of supporting employment rates, enrollment, and graduation rates. This funding comes on the heels of a $75 million donation from Blue Meridian in 2020. Blue Meridian initially contributed funds at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to cover operating costs while HBCU institutions were closed. South Carolina State University was among the first colleges to utilize these funds, investing in a customer relationship management platform to streamline enrollment and financial aid applications, a significant improvement over their previous manual processes.
It is important for sponsors to continue donating to HBCUs because during times of segregation and discrimination, these institutions provided African Americans with access to higher education when other establishments excluded them. HBCUs played a pivotal role in educating generations of Black individuals who subsequently became leaders, professionals, and advocates for these colleges. Historically Black Colleges have a longstanding tradition of delivering quality education and producing exceptional graduates. Despite frequently confronting limited resources and funding challenges, these institutions have consistently produced influential leaders, innovators, and scholars in various fields.
Students on the campus of Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP)
HBCUs have historically been pillars of support and empowerment within their communities. They have played a crucial role in uplifting marginalized communities by providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and resources for students who may face financial, social, or systemic barriers to education. HBCUs are important institutions that have played a vital role in providing access to education, preserving cultural heritage, nurturing academic excellence, supporting communities, promoting activism, and fostering diversity. They continue to be valuable contributors to society and the advancement of racial equality and with these donations the HBCUs will continue to rise to the top.
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Black On The Block Has Black Businesses Booming Downtown LA
Black On The Block (BLOTB) was back again this month and this time with the headliner being Tiny Desk king Durand Bernarr. We discuss it here!
Black On The Block Logo
Photo Credit: Black On The Black Facebook
By: Jayla Smith
Black On The Block (BLOTB) was back again this month and this time with the headliner being Tiny Desk king Durand Bernarr. BLOTB is the place for black people to get together to eat, shop, and support each other in peace. This event allures a huge cookout or BBQ feel, which ever function resonates with where you’re from. The food is amazing!
Durand Bernarr
Photo Credit: Gianna Dorsey
There are so many black owned food trucks with a lot of options to choose from on their menu’s. Once you are done with your food- Smirnoff typically has a section with mini samples you can try from. You can try it as many times as you want so make sure you Uber- safety first! Trust me you will be glad that you caught that ride to this go-to event, it is always packed out!
This space is filled with black people from all parts of the world who want to support individual clothing brands and food trucks by our people. If you are craving a place filled with culture in LA- this is one of the places to get into. Happening once a month in Downtown LA, BLOTB always has the best headliners. Live performances have included: Phabo, Tiacorine, Durand Bernarr, and many more– this party passed the vibe check.
Durand Bernarr: Tiny Desk Concert
Everything sold at this event is black-owned and each vendor gets credit where it is due. One thing I love is the essence of unity and community, drawing black individuals from diverse corners of the world to partake in a peaceful and supportive gathering. If you live in LA or just visiting this event is something you definitely want to try out!
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Meet Gentel Sharrie, Head of Media Coverage for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Gentel@247LCTV.com