Yohomo Black History Month Playlist
To celebrate and commemorate Black History Month Yohomo asked four artists/creators/innovators in Toronto’s Black queer community to takeover Yohomo Weekly playlist and serve up a collection of their favourite music. Taking up space is important when you want to use your voice to create space for a group of under represented marginalized people. Black futures are just as important as recalling Black History. Celebrate the Black people in your life everyday, and not just during Black History Month.
I chose the songs in this playlist because I wanted to be able to share stories that resonated with my identity. I’m a Black, Queer, Caribbean woman living in Canada, and my Black is powerful, empowering, strong, and tender. There is so much liberation in providing language to our stories.
My Identity is nothing without recognizing those that have paved the way. Artists like Missy Elliott, and Nina Simone have taught me about what it's like to stand in your creativity and authenticity. Artists like Blood Orange and Keiynan Lonsdale have allowed me comfort through reassurance. They have reminded me that my Blackness, and my queer identity is beautiful, and can exist as more than one thing. I wanted to curate a playlist that spotlights songs by a variety of Black musicians, artists, and storytellers.