Joy as an Act of Resistance: Go-Go, Self-Care, and DC Statehood
The fact is: joy can be an act of resistance (see the poem by Toi Derricotte).
After more than a week of protests, Saturday, June 6 erupted in celebration of Blackness at the newly minted Black Lives Matter Plaza, directly in front of the White House. Amongst the protest was a sound, a very distinct sound of music that you only hear amongst the streets in the DMV: go-go!
But what is go-go?! It’s a beat. It’s a culture.
It’s the sound of DC (see more about #DontMuteDC). It’s a celebration of community, diversity, the power of people. In many ways go-go is a living symbol and celebration of Black DC culture, which is one of my favorite things about DC, and in many ways one of my top reasons for living here. Unfortunately, something that has been pushed out, whitewashed, abused, and silenced by a gentrifying city (cough, cough...systemic white supremacy by another name… and as a white woman, well it’s complicated).
Photo Credit - @ewaldron3
Really though, you gotta listen to get it. I recommend you start with the late Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go. Let the blend of funk, blues, and soul wash through you like the currents of the Anacostia river. Maybe you’ve already heard it’s influence in classic movies like Chef and if not, don’t worry, we’ve made some playlists for you!
DC Go-Go Playlist by Jessica Reid
History of Go-Go: 6 Step Essentials from Washingtonian
Saturday, June 6 erupted in celebration of go-go, Blackness, and local DC culture, at the Black Lives Matter Plaza, directly in front of the White House (twice built by slaves). This is direct opposition to oppression - in this case an eruption of celebration.
Photo Credit - @exposed_dc
Photo Credit - @libbylivingcolorfully
DC Proud
The next time someone tells you DC doesn’t have any culture, let them know they’re referring to Washington, not DC. We’re not the ones electing your senators!
Since we’re not a state, Congress can ban our local laws and initiatives, as any policy the District passes is subject to a 90-day Congressional review period. Yes, we pay the same taxes as you - state, federal, and sales tax, but have no voting rights for senators or representatives in Congress, despite our population of 700,000 (larger than Wyoming).
DC is the definition of taxation without representation, yet another foundational belief our country has not fully lived up to.
Photo Credit - @easternmarketms
Our work is not done and the protests continue on strong.
Let’s keep pushing. Let’s make sure our country reflects our true values. We still have a long way to go, and progress is a shared responsibility.
Joy as Self-Resistance
We’ll talk more about joy as an act of resistance through acts of self-care on Friday, 6/19 (Juneteenth!), at 3pm ET/12pm PT on InstaLive. We’ll interview Ashlynn Bell, speaker, activist, and Ph.D. student about taking care of ourselves while fighting for change.
Join us to learn more and don’t forget to take care of yourself!
