Lifestyle | March 7th, 2023
National Women’s History Month
By: Tatyanna McCray
March isn’t just the third month of the year; it’s a celebration for women worldwide. National women’s history month was established in 1987 and initially dated from March 2 to March 8. Such an honorable occasion aims to highlight women’s many wonders and achievements.
Achievements ranging from activism, fashion, academics, and the arts, women have proven to be exceptional at just about anything. With time, musically, many notable musicians, singers, and songwriters have written and recorded some of the most empowering, fun, and insightful music. The ideology of femininity and all things women will be explored musically for this year’s national women’s history month.
Influencing the Sound
FAMU alumnus Elona Jones who holds a degree in African American studies with a minor in music talks of her confidence in seeing herself in the media she consumes.
“It is very empowering to know as a black woman that we are a part of the music industry and that we have had a major influence in several different genres such as rock, blues, and R&B music,” says Jones.
What’s the first song that comes to mind when thinking about women? Who are some of the notable women you think of when you think of women in the music industry?
Perhaps you think of none other than Beyonce’s “Run the world” when thinking of being assertive and ambitious. Or maybe you think of Whitney Houston, Jazmine Sullivan, or Jill Scott if you’re into music that moves you and makes you feel various things from a few lyrics.
Either way, iconic is one of the many words that come to mind describing the trendsetting vibes documented over time. Music is a form of self-expression and how we relate to the artist and each other.
Lyrically, many women have broken barriers and earned nicknames. Names such as “The prom queen of soul, “songbird,” “mother of blues,” “mother of soul,” “mother of rock n roll,” and “Queen of Hip-Hop soul.” Women add a special touch of sensual energy to music—undertones of emotions that are easy to connect with and catchy lyrics that are hard to forget.
- Prom Queen of Soul ~ Whitney Houston
- Songbird ~ Mariah Carey
- Mother of Blues ~ Ma Rainey
- Queen of Soul ~ Aretha Franklin
- Mother of Rock N’ Roll ~ Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul ~ Mary J. Blige
Caniyah Jones, a second-year psychology major, feels that music is an expressible therapy to explain different moods and encourage women.
What We’re Streaming This Month
In honor of National Women’s History month, we’ll be listening to songs written by, performed, and dedicated to women.
Musical ensembles reflect many moods, from happiness to self-love and party anthems. Even songs that provide emotional comfort. This playlist catalog reminds women near and far of the power, style, and grace they possess.
Were you feeling a bit insecure or down? Q.U.E.E.N by Janelle Monae ft Erykah Badu is the perfect song to get you out of a funk and remind you to remain original and authentic to yourself. At the same time, Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky” encourages you to take time for yourself and your mental health.
Need a little spark to add to your flame? Put on Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out” and a complementary “Schooling Life” by Beyonce; you’ll be motivated to conquer the world. Are you lacking affirmations? A little sultry tune of “I’m Her” by Queen Naja ft. Kiana Lede will set the tone and spark that inner confidence.
A fourth-year African American studies major, Starr Draper, explains what music means to her and how it helps her unwind.
“For me, music is life; it’s a breath of fresh air and an escape from everyday life that helps clear my mind,” said Draper.
Always Celebrate
Although this playlist was created for March, per National Women’s History Month’s admirable occasion. These tunes can be played back several times when encouragement is needed.
This playlist can be played throughout the day, at the gym, during a road trip, on a cleaning day, and on a day dedicated to self-love and a little relaxation. It’s okay to take a break, adjust to life and still succeed.
Just remember to follow your own path and find inspiration wherever you may need it, as these women have done so themselves and grown tremendously. Enjoy the fashions, nostalgia, lyrics, and, most of all, the celebration of womanhood.
Link to the playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qimg_q7LbQ&list=PLSC3CHdCGvual1TfVb8W2EwoBTGEGiWAs
