Sunday, June 6, 2021

Shredding While Black and Female: Juneteenth Rock 'n' Roll Heretics @ Museum of the African Diaspora



Juneteenth multigenerational dialogue on the intersectional journeys of Black women guitarists in rock, literature, and music education, featuring Rock ‘n’ Roll Heretic: The Life and Times of Rory Tharpe! The discussion will explore Black women rocker’s perspectives on confronting racism/sexism/ageism and homophobia in corporate rock, defying cultural and gender expectations in the Black community, honoring unsung Black rock heroines, and lifting up Gen Z Black girl rock musicians.



Praise for Rock 'n' Roll Heretic

A broader commentary about the struggles of Black musicians maintaining access to their music and getting equal respect and rights within the music industry, and society at large. Hutchinson has written a complex story about genuine people and situations but above all, I see this as a story of love, and eventually, acceptance. The intricate, and even difficult, relationships that the characters have with one another are genuine, leaving the reader with feelings as complex as the story itself. Chick Lit Café highly recommends this amazing, powerful and inspiring book.

As with her debut novel, White Nights, Black Paradise, Hutchinson proves herself adept at creating and occupying the mind-set of multiple complex characters while deftly jumping back and forth in time to elucidate on their development...Her novel is a passionate critique of the corporate music industry and its exploitation of Black musicians and appropriation of their work, which falls hardest upon Black women artists.

--David Anderson, Goodreads

If you love fearless, bold, unapologetic strong leads, then Rock ‘n’ Roll Heretic is for you. Paying homage to the great trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, this book is filled with twists and turns that will leave you rethinking rock music as you know it. Sikivu has created a masterpiece that will challenge history and entertain readers for years.
Malina Moye, electric guitarist, international recording artist, and co-founder of the Drive Hope Foundation