Rhiannon Giddens Instagram – Hi My name is Rhiannon. I’ve been working for almost 20 years on the history of American music, mostly through the lens of the banjo and black string band music specifically, but always with a view of the full story and the fully cross-cultural collaboration inherent in our tunes and songs. I think twice before I post, I consider all angles before I state an opinion, I educate myself as much as I can, and I am happy to change my mind given respectful correction from someone with good faith.
I am in community with other people who also do this work and we are doing our best to stay rooted in truth, avoid hyperbole, and be gracious and generous in our understanding that everyone is on their own path. I think about this work 24-7. I have an eye on the long view whenever I can, so anything that I post is actually merely part of a long line of posts thinking of differing aspects of how the patterns of history continually show up in the present; how the oppressed turn oppressor on every continent in the world and how humanity has the chance to rise above it all – but only if we realize that our salvation lies in the salvation of all, not some.
I am so touched by the numbers of people who post on my page in solidarity and who take me in my entirety – there is so much goodness in the world – it’s just harder to harness than hate in this digital day and age. Folks who do the opposite – I see you and hope you find what you are looking for. I am grateful to be able to do what I do.
This is video from a recent show with the Maestro @tajmahalblues, and he’s teaching us a tune he wrote. It’s generational exchange in action, as he was one of the first elders to support the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and that’s my nephew playing bones – three generations of transfer.
THIS is what I am fighting for, in particular. | Posted on 13/May/2024 20:34:12
