Join Natalie Hopkinson, chief curator of the Go-Go Museum and Café, as she dives into the vibrant world of go-go music, rooted in Washington, D.C.’s Black community. She discusses the new museum’s mission to preserve this unique genre and its cultural significance. The conversation touches on the Don't Mute DC movement, showcasing grassroots efforts against gentrification and the importance of community ownership. Hopkinson’s insights reflect on go-go's resilience and its role in celebrating Black heritage amidst cultural challenges.
The Go-Go Museum highlights the cultural independence of go-go music, ensuring its legacy remains securely in the hands of the Black community.
The museum not only celebrates go-go's history and significance but also serves as a hub for resisting gentrification and cultural erasure in Washington, D.C.
Deep dives
The Essence of Go-Go Music
Go-go music, a unique genre originating in Washington, D.C., is defined as an energetic blend of funk characterized by Afro-Latin rhythms and an infectious beat. Created by Chuck Brown in the 1970s, go-go embodies not just music but serves as a cultural force that communicates the stories and experiences of the Black community. Unlike many other popular Black music genres, go-go music has remained largely independent, with its ownership and direction firmly in the hands of Black artists and the local community. This independence is highlighted as a model for how Black music can thrive without being exploited or commercialized by outsiders.
The New Museum of Go-Go
A new Museum of Go-Go has opened in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., serving to celebrate and educate about this important musical heritage. The museum features 8,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, including holograms of prominent go-go musicians that engage visitors in conversation about the genre's rich history. Additionally, exhibits include an interactive timeline that chronicles go-go’s evolution, struggles with criminalization, and its eventual recognition as the official music of Washington, D.C. The museum also houses a recording studio and a concert venue, making it a central hub for educational and cultural events in the community.
Anacostia's Cultural Significance
Anacostia, where the Museum of Go-Go is located, holds immense historical significance for the African American community and the broader cultural landscape of Washington, D.C. It was a pivotal site during the desegregation of education through cases like Bowling v. Sharp, and it witnessed a significant population of enslaved individuals seeking freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation. The neighborhood has strong ties to prominent go-go bands, making it a natural fit for a museum dedicated to showcasing this unique musical style. This connection to both historical events and cultural movements solidifies Anacostia as an essential area for understanding D.C.'s Black heritage.
The Evolution and Future of Go-Go
Go-go music has seen a remarkable evolution over time, particularly in response to gentrification and cultural appropriation challenges in D.C. The Don't Mute DC movement emerged as a grassroots effort to preserve and promote go-go music in public spaces amidst changing demographics in the city. Today, go-go is gaining renewed recognition, but its mainstream involvement remains cautioned by the community's desire to protect its essence and prevent exploitation. As the genre continues to thrive and inspire younger generations, the museum aims to serve as a catalyst for innovation within the go-go community while ensuring its cultural roots remain intact.
Many of the American musical genres that began in the Black community get taken over—artistically, financially, or both—by white Americans. Go-go, which traces its roots to the African-American neighborhoods in and around Washington, DC, is an exception. Now a new museum aims to preserve and amplify the essence of go-go, and extend its legacy to the next generation of fans. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Natalie Hopkinson, chief curator of the Go-Go Museum and Cafe Washington, DC, and the author of “Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City.” They discuss the museum, the history go-go across the region, and its unique role in inspiring resistance to gentrification and erasure of the city’s Black heritage.
Guest: Professor Natalie Hopkinson, writer and co-curator of the Go-Go Museum in Washington, DC.
Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola
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