Music and visual artists have created art as a response to unspeakable tragedy and to promote social justice for decades. Beyond the art form, artists have fought for equal rights and opportunity.
Rock Hall Inductees Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Little Richard, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, James Brown and Aretha Franklin were trailblazers in speaking out for the cause of dignity and equality. But it didn’t end there.
In every generation, Black artists have elevated the conversation about race, equality, justice and peace – including superstars like Prince, Public Enemy, N.W.A., Tupac Shakur, Rage Against the Machine, Prince, Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. The message is clear: musical artists have channeled the power of rock & roll to respond to racism all along.
