MBE June 24: Music to feel, strengthen, and fight

Today we let the music speak for itself. We start off with “Norma,” the third and latest single from Say She She. It’s a buoyant and billowing protest anthem written when the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision was initially leaked. The all-female trio calls this one "an urgent call to action to support the protection of women’s rights and preserving the right to choose."

Ahead of its time and tragically apt, hip-hop trio Digable Planets speak truth on their '93 release “La Femme Fetal” :

“They don't really give a damn about life

They just don't want a woman to control her body

Or have the right to choose

But baby that ain't nothin'

They just want a male finger on the button

If Roe v. Wade was overturned, would not the desire remain intact

Leaving young girls to risk their healths

And doctors to botch, and watch as they kill themselves

I don't want to sound macabre

But hey, isn't it my job

To lay it on the masses and get them off their asses

To fight against these fascists

So, whatever you decide, make that move with pride

Sid will be there and so will I

An insect 'til I die”

And we find sonic solace in Roberta Flack’s 1969 release “Tryin’ Times,” St. Panthers’ “These Days,” and this week’s exciting release from Beyoncé, “Break My Soul.” Dropping July 29th, this is the first single off Queen B’s forthcoming record “Renaissance”, through which she intends to nurture an escape from this past year's countless injustices, with travel, laughter, and love.