2 minute read
The Go-Go Community
from XI8: THE PINK ROOM
GO-GO
On February 19, 2020 go-go music became the official music of Washington, DC.
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On this sacred day for the go-go community Mayor Bowser signed the official bill at the Culture house in Southwest, Washington, DC. This monumental moment has given D.C natives a new voice, and a new wave for opportunities that expand possibilities of what can be achieved in the city.
In early April 2019 a major issue arose as new community members, also known as gentrifiers attempted to mute the go-go sound that has been playing for years outside the Shaw Metro PCS. This demand stirred up the natives of Washington D.C which in return created a movement, and the birth of Don’t Mute D.C campaign. Natives felt compelled to save the authentic sound of the city. After the word got out to community activists like Ronald Moten, Tony Lewis, Natalie Hopkinson and original members of various go-go bands in the city they got together with a plan and then the peaceful go-go protests began.
Finally, the city was united through music and working together for a synonymous community issue, keeping go-go alive. The unity created was then used to legally placelaw, rights and bills surrounding the sound. This movement will be in history books for new community members and natives to learn all about the legendary sound of Go-go.
So what does this mean for D.C and how far will the sound take the city? Well, many natives have been excited about hearing go-go in the airports upon arrival to give an entire feel of what the city represents or implementing the go-go sound into education for children to learn. Ronald Moten, a major catalyst for go-go since the early 1990’s, has plans to open a go-go museum and cafe in the heart of historic Anacostia at Check IT Enterprises which highlight Chuck Brown, notorious go-go bands and go-go memories so the city can always have a replica of the history go-go front the root.
Go-go is the authentic sounds. It represents the history, strength and foundation of the Natives of the District of Columbia. The drums activate our people and the melodies express the creative sensations our city produces.
To support the movement of go-go follow @Dontmutedc @makegogoforever @RonaldMoten