The Power of Black Art: Using Music and Creativity to Heal and Elevate

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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SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Are Underway

WGA members particpating during a protest during the writers strike.

Photo Credit: Ringo Chiu/ Shutterstock

By: Gentel Sharrie

Step into the glitzy world of Hollywood as we uncover the latest news on the 2023 writers' strike. It's a high-stakes battle between the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, and the big Hollywood producers, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). These negotiations are a clash of giants, where actors' pay meets the growing use of artificial intelligence in writing. 

In a story that could be right out of a movie, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) won big after a long five-month strike against AMPTP. They paved the way for writers to get three times more money than what was initially offered, better pay for their work later on, and safeguards against AI taking their jobs. This win gives hope to everyone in the industry and sets the stage for SAG-AFTRA's fight.

Actors picketing outside Warner Bros. studios in Burbank in July.

Photo Credit: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times

SAG-AFTRA is a group of artists that includes actors, dancers, and stunt performers. They've been on strike since July, fighting to get a fair deal from AMPTP. However, their journey is more complicated because they have different needs from WGA. This is the first time they're negotiating since their strike began in May, which adds extra tension to the story.

As these strikes continue, the entertainment world is feeling the effects. Movies, TV shows, and commercials are all facing delays and problems, changing how Hollywood does business. SAG-AFTRA members are standing strong, ready to make big changes in the entertainment world.

LaNisa Frederick, front, and Danielle Pinnock, two Black actors who are part of “Hashtag Booked,” a groundbreaking online series, dance to the song “Fight the Power” while picketing outside Warner Bros. studios in Burbank in July. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

As we watch this big face-off between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, the choices they make will shape the future of Hollywood. It's not just about getting paid more or having better working conditions; it's also about how computers are used in the creative process. Get ready for some big changes, as Hollywood becomes fairer and better for everyone, all thanks to the determination of WGA and SAG-AFTRA members. Stay tuned because this story is far from over.

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