letter from me

Before I understood what I was listening to—I was drawn to work songs, field hollers, and prison songs. How can one not be mesmerized by the marching rhythm alone? Since real history isn't taught in schools, I was probably introduced to it first in The Color Purple and quickly learned this was where jazz and blues were born. Work songs were more than a way to regulate the speed and timing of work—they eased burdens, helped to pass down information of enslaved people to their communities and families, and were used for worship and entertainment. If you're interested in learning more, please check out Black Music Scholars for a handful of articles. Alan Lomax also has a massive archive of the world's folk music, including Negro Prison Songs from the Mississippi State Penitentiary. I would also recommend this playlist by Bryson Whitney, a photographer in New Orleans.

Why am I talking about chain gang music? Well, this issue is about work... jobs... careers. Considering the success of this country was built by slaves on stolen native land and, today, is still reliant on immigrants, prison work, and child labor—I would be remiss to not acknowledge this truth before we discuss our personal experiences. I recognize my desire to be less connected to capitalism could appear vapid in comparison (maybe it is), ... but I believe humans can be complex beings who hold multiple levels of understandings on a topic, have a desire to want to learn more perspectives, while also yearning for more for themselves.

With that, please hit play on that mix tape and dive into some modern day workscapes with us!

ANNI POPPEN | Owner/Artivist of Mowgli Studio | Pitbull Mama to Gertie & Vinnie | Vegan at Keep On Vegan On