GWSS Blog #1

Shiena Carmen
GWSS 241
April 22, 2020

Gayle Wald's article was very compelling to me at the fact that many African American women are not accounted for their contributions in history of the making of styles in music. "Once I had committed myself to writing a biography, it was this fact of Rosetta’s erasure that often kept me going. (That and the sheer delight of talking to so many interesting people, including many other African American musicians whom history had forgotten or had never known.) I became drawn to the mechanisms of historical memory, to the question of how certain figures—primarily racial-ethnic minorities and women—are rendered invisible." (Wald, pg. 158) Most African American women are not credited for their contributions and are often left into the abyss of lost history that should have been accounted for. It's troubling to know that most people are lost into oblivion when they should definitely be put in the spotlight for their unique style and inspirations. 

In the 'How Day of the Dead is celebrated (explained in English and Spanish)' articles, traditions such that are widely celebrated and are highly sacred were passed down from generations to generations, the marking of history that can be remembered because it's passed down to many ancestors. According to the article, "In Latin America, Day of the Dead customs are passed down from generation to generation, but the celebration is a relative newcomer in the U.S. Activists in California began to organize Day of the Dead processions and altar exhibits in the 1960s and '70s as a way to honor Mexican-American heritage. And more recently, Day of the Dead products are popping up at stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Crate and Barrel" This history is able to keep traditions alive because it's well accounted for and credited. Sentimental values posses the intimate and personal relations. 

These articles are relate in terms of highlighting the importance of history as well as passing down these traditions to remember the importance they bring. Sexism during the times of the boosts of jazz, as well as ongoing sexism and oppression made recognition of diverse artists to be remembered. This difficulty in acceptance is what also deprived historical artists from achieving their historical recognition. 

For Wald's article:
Lena Horne- Stormy Weather
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgnj5upihQ
We often don't learn the history of African American and their contribution to music. They deserve their name to be known as well as their music and style.

For the day of the dead in relation to the article. 
Lila Downs - Viene la Muerte Echando Rasero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl7a266GXu8&feature=emb_title
"This song also talks about death and how regardless of color, race, religion, age, or anything, it is something that will reach everyone one of us." 

Citation: (http://www.mexiconewsnetwork.com/en/art-and-culture/songs-celebrate-day-of-the-dead/)

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