Nyr’e Jones, Staff Writer 

When words weren’t enough—or weren’t allowed—music became the language for Black expression. In Black culture, music has long served as a voice for the unheard, a source of strength in struggling times and a way of preserving/protecting our history, faith and generational identity. It carries emotions that cannot always be spoken and provides a sense of connection in moments of pain, joy and uncertainty. I’ve witnessed this power firsthand in my own life. In moments of stress or struggle, my mother turns to worship. She doesn’t engage in conversation or venting. Instead, she sings old hymns that have been passed down to her. When she isn’t strong enough for prayer, she murmurs worship songs that plead for God’s mercy and provision. Songs fill the room, her voice humming along mainly. The songs serve as a source of comfort, strength and faith. In these moments, music becomes more than entertainment and sound— it becomes a symbol of hope.  

Times like these are not isolated but are surrounded by much deeper and longer historical moments. Music has filled many tough environments for Black people, being a tool for survival during the darkest period in Black history. During slavery, songs were more than simple melodies, but a tactic to survive in a world that was designed to kill our people. Through them, Black people expressed grief, faith and hope, while holding onto a sense of identity that was trying to be stripped away. Many of these songs carried hidden meanings: guiding each other to freedom or speaking to one another in code. In a world where voices were forced to be controlled, music gave power to reclaim their voices. It transformed suffering into strength, creating a lasting sense of unity, resilience and cultural identity that continues to shape Black life today. 

As time went on, this deep connection to music continued to grow, especially within the Black church. For many African Americans, church hymns and gospel music became central to both spiritual life and community identity. These songs were not just about religion, they were about healing, hope and perseverance. In spaces where people gathered to worship, music created a powerful emotional release, allowing individuals to express joy, sorrow, gratitude and faith all at once. Gospel music, rooted in the traditions of spirituals, carried forward the same themes of resilience and strength, but in a way that brought people together in shared belief and experience. Whether through choir harmonies or solo praise, these songs reinforced a sense of unity and reminded people that they were not alone in their struggles. 

In modern times, music continues to play a powerful role in Black culture, evolving with each generation while still carrying its core purpose. Genres like hip hop and R&B have become modern outlets for expression, allowing artists to speak on their personal struggles, social issues and still hold onto cultural identity. Vulnerability and creativity flow through the music, allowing for connection to be shared. Artists like Kenrick Lamar have performed at the Super Bowl while referencing the supposed reparations, “40 acres and a Mule” and Beyonce with her song “Black Parade,” that praises the culture of Black Americans. Still producing great music, these artists also include perseverance of Black culture and history.  

The power of music in Black culture was also represented profoundly in Ryan Coogler’s Oscar award winning film, “Sinners.” While Coogler used the movie to represent many different themes, music was presented clearly. He uses music not as just background sound, but as a storytelling device that reflects the inner lives of his characters. In moments of grief, tension or reflection, characters often turn to music rather than dialogue, reinforcing the idea that some emotions cannot be fully expressed through words alone. The scene where Slim breaks into song while mourning his friend is especially significant, as it mirrors a long-standing tradition within African American culture—using music to process pain and find release. By incorporating these moments, Coogler highlights how deeply embedded music is within Black identity, showing that it is not just something people listen to, but something they live through. 

Music has always been more than just sound within African American culture—it has been a source of strength, a form of expression and a way to preserve identity through generations of struggle and change. From the songs sung during slavery, to the powerful presence of gospel in the Black church, to the influence of modern music and its representation in film, music continues to reflect the realities, emotions and resilience of the community. Whether in moments of hardship or joy, it remains a constant way to be heard when words fall short and the world tries to silence Black voices. As seen in both personal experiences and broader cultural expressions, music does not simply accompany life; for many African Americans, it helps define and sustain it. Making more out of what has been given to us, letting freedom and unity outshine rejection and control.