In the face of horrific injustice, Black Americans have long responded to systemic terror with courage, integrity, and creativity. Black music from across the diaspora, from gospel to the blues, jazz to hip hop, soul to samba, reggaeton to afropop, has persisted as a beautiful manifestation of resistance and celebration of our community. While it may not be obvious to some, Black music, perhaps especially jazz music, is vital to the project of Black liberation.

In my own life, music is in no way ornamental, decorative; it is constitutive of who I am. From the very beginning, it was clear to me that a musical mode of being in the world was the most desirable way of being in the world—striving to be melodic, but also being capable of dissonance when demanded. Good music can make you feel like there are new sources of power and dignity available to you. ​​We live in a hyper capitalist society where it's becoming harder and harder to cultivate the capacity to love, to open up, to be vulnerable. Music helps us bridge differences and form the connections that are fundamental to any worthy struggle for justice. One thing the best musicians do well – open up their hearts for the whole world to see and relate to. In their vulnerability, in their creativity, we find strength and community.

Black music is overtly political. Like all Black music styles, jazz is wholly political in its origins and its contemporary manifestations. But devastatingly, much of modern music has become commodified and depoliticized. We must do all we can to resist the co option of jazz and other Black music styles. Musicians are creative, loving human beings trying to make sense of the world before they die, not soulless brands ripe for dehumanization by hedge funds. The genius John Coltrane emphasized the priority of integrity, honesty, decency, and mastery of craft. Activists also know this to be true – any movement that is to achieve lasting change must center the same. Our current moment demands nothing less, and our musicians and artists will continue to be a part of this project for justice. 
From its beginning, WPFW has tried to build a better world one broadcast at a time. This station is the voice for progressive news, public affairs, and music programming in the Washington metropolitan area and, thanks to the internet, the world beyond. WPFW continues to challenge the norms in public media, passionately serving the marginalized in our community. WPFW creates and airs programming which document progressive social change and democracy. In a nation in which we continuously witness those who are most vulnerable targeted and oppressed, where basic civil liberties are under constant threat, organizations dedicated to uplifting truth and justice must be protected.

This is why I am a long-time supporter of WPFW, and now its fundraising foundation, the Jazz and Justice Coalition, and why I implore you to join me in safeguarding their mission. Together, we celebrate, mourn, dance, connect, and fight – that is what love is, and that is what jazz music is to me.