Black history explored through music videos by Marisela Cruz

A collection of documented history and historical figures mark in American slave history

marisela03cruz — 2025-07-03 00:53:30 UTC

For example on page 56 " At the 1843
National Negro Convention, Garnet delivered a controversial speech, “Address to
the Slaves of the United States of America.” In tones that a century later would
be echoed by Malcolm X, Garnet called for the use of violence to overthrow the
system of slavery." This excerpt resembles history not repeating itself but recognizing itself.

Black pride or anti police...or both?

marisela03cruz — 2025-07-03 03:44:48 UTC

Formation recognized police brutality while highlighting black culture in urban areas in America. According to Billboard, "the video itself: directed by a woman; centered around the legacy of pre- and post-diluvial New Orleans."

Taking back racial attacks and repurposing it

marisela03cruz — 2025-07-03 03:51:22 UTC

I found this music video to be multifaceted due to its layered story telling. All though confrontational in messaging it's also a musically inclined reminder about how America depicted black people 100 years ago and other time periods as well. Producing a contemporary rap song visualized with racially targeted cartoon characters is taking back something that was derogatory to black people and taking back black peoples power.

Holding America accountable

marisela03cruz — 2025-07-03 03:59:21 UTC

Childish Gambino delivered multiple messages in one singular video documenting history by demonstrating church shootings, wearing confederate soldier pants, and black students.

The video that inspired it all

marisela03cruz — 2025-07-03 04:01:26 UTC