Throwback: Happy Black History Month!/Happy Birthday, 78th Rick James!

Today is the first day of Black History Month. Because the current administration is racist, fascist and wants to deny the existence and histories of anyone that isn’t cis-het and white, there are some important things everyone should remember during this month — and every single month: 

• You can’t love Black artists and their work, and not see them as people 
• Black lives — and Black art matters 
• Black culture is American culture 

As we go through the month, I’m going to talk about a collection of Black artists. It’ll be fairly comprehensive and eclectic list — although it won’t be a complete list. Of course, there are some important Black artists, who were also born during Black History Month. A double celebration of sorts.

• Big Boi celebrates his 51st birthday today.

Today is also the 78th anniversary of Rick James‘ birth. James is behind some of the some of the funkiest, meanest songs ever recorded. And he’s a part of some of the most quotable, most beloved comedy skit ever written or recorded.

Happy birthday, legend! And Happy Black History Month!

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