The Squid Calendar

June is African-American Music Appreciation Month. African American musicians have shaped what music is today. Countless amazing artists have pushed music forward and created genre after genre of music, over the past 200 years. I would venture to even say that nearly all music made today in America has been influenced in some way by African American music. Read Obama’s official proclamation of African-American Music Appreciation Month

I wouldn’t even know where to start if I looked back at all the black musicians that have made an impact on me, so instead I’ll stick with a few current, less mainstream, artists:

Janelle Monae – A Cybergirl by BettyBroke
The Best Neo Soul Music by LivingInParis
Laura Izibor by Mazzer

Who is your favorite black musician? Feel free to leave a link to a lens on your favorite African American musician.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  MLK propelled the civil rights movement forward.  He inspired millions to stand up for what they believe in, and he did wonders to help people see that change is possible and necessary.

Who is Dr Martin Luther King Jr?
MLK Jr. Lapbook

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:  What are you doing for others?”

And so, today is also National Day of Service.

Kwanzaa has begun. Beginning December 26th and continuing until January 1st, Kwanzaa is a celebration in which African-Americans focus on traditional African values.  It is a time to celebrate self, family, community, history, and the future henceforth.

Learn a little more about The Celebration of Kwanzaa by Gigilee, and then check what you’ve learned on this Kwanzaa Celebration Quiz by Gmill.