Blog Entry #5: "Black Leaves" by KIRBY and its Imagined Alternative's Cultural, Social, and Political Significance
What is "Black Leaves" by Kirby and how is it a reimagined alternative to current cultural, social, and political conditions?
"Black Leaves" is a song by KIRBY that is the theme song to Women of the Moment. Women of the Moment is based on the story of Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. Appropriately, "Black Leaves" is about the struggle of Black people in America, including lynchings, like that of Emmett Till. It's a reimagined alternative to current cultural, social, and political conditions as it goes back to a time in America when extreme racism and segregation was normal in America. It's also a reimagined alternative to that time and current times as it is about the "hope and power" of Black people in America, despite the system working against them.
KIRBY points out through "Black leaves on the Mississippi River" that Black people in America were marginalized and abused through slavery, segregation, and hate crimes. Black leaves also represent current issues with racism in America, such as the lynching of Rasheem Carter.
The term black leaves is a great metaphor, as black leaves on plants come from improper watering, extreme temperatures, or soil with a lack of nutrition; neglect like that of Black people in America. "Black Leaves" is an homage to "Strange Fruit" (most famously performed by Billie Holiday in 1939), and directly references "blood on the leaves" by calling the leaves black. "Strange Fruit" was written by Abel Meeropol as a poem in protest of American racism. Both "Black Leaves" and "Strange Fruit" take "images drawn not from political rhetoric but popular narratives" to create "civic imagination shifts across generations and regions" that the Civic Imagination Project describes.
Currently, Black people in America still face issues with (systemic) racism, so this song is still relevant; especially because (systemic) racism exists due to America's dark history. Additionally, despite the abolition of Jim Crow laws, Black people still face violence and discrimination in America.
"Black Leaves" is a reimagined alternative to historical cultural and social conditions, as it goes against the idea that Black people are "inferior" to White people, through the lines "We've got grit and glory/.../We've got strength like towers/We've got hope and power" (o:43-0:53). "Black Leaves" is a reimagined alternative to current cultural and social conditions through the same lines, which combat the idea that Black people are violent and angry
The cultural and social implications also have political implications, as when sentiments surrounding Black Americans improved during the Civil Rights Movement, it led to harmful laws being removed and progressive ones being placed. This is also relevant to current political actions, as the Black Lives Matter protests have led to changes in police training and reform.
"Black Leaves" also references (Black) women specifically in the lines "God made woman with an iron hand/Raised her up on heaven's land" which is important, because Black women are often overlooked, even in social justice movements (0:53-1:06). This is a reimagined alternative culturally, socially, and politically, because it places Black women in a light that is strong and holy; not overlook-able.
What technological and systemic changes would "Black Leaves" require to become reality? How so?
In order for "Black Leaves" to become reality, the current progressive changes towards equality and less racism would have to continue. This is because as long as racism exists and is a problem, black leaves will too.
Some changes include compensating Black women appropriately in the workforce, better representation of Black people in medicine (both as doctors and in clinical studies), and ensuring that America's dark history is taught to avoid its repetition.
Is "Black Leaves" reflected in current conditions or is it an entirely reimagined condition? What are the conditions?
While there is plenty more to do before the positive sides of "Black Leaves" come to fruition, it is still reflected in current conditions. There are more Black businesswomen, movements to boost Black literacy rates, and fights for food sovereignty. These three examples are part of economic, social, cultural, and political conditions.