We recently talked with David Hoping, the Manager of the Visitor Experience of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, to find out more about their Black History Month music project. Read the interview below to learn more about the CCHR as well as the upcoming project.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Black History Month, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is filling the hall with sound! We are looking for 40 songs, from all forms of African American music, to feature at the museum! Help us inspire local visitors and folks from around the world with your sound and your story!
A3C: In your words, what is the Center for Civil & Human Rights?
DH: Our mission talks about inspiring visitors to take the human rights of every person seriously. To me the Center is the physical representation of a conversation- "Who were some of the women vital to the civil rights movement? What are my human rights? How can I be more involved in the rights struggles of our time?". On our very best days we are almost invisible, visitors leave with new knowledge and feelings they hadn't felt before, along with hope for the future they may not have walked in with.
A3C: Tell us how the Center's music project, "Let Nobody Turn You", came together.
DH: To me Atlanta and this region of the country are the core of our organization. In what capacity I have, I am always looking for ways to bring more and more Atlanta into the building and the organization. This project is a celebration of Atlanta and its artists, as well as a celebration of what I think is a huge milestone in black culture. 40 years ago President Ford and our nation's government made an effort to encourage all Americans to honor black folks and our contribution to the country.
A3C: What are your expectations for the project?
DH: I want a really vibrant mix of music! African Americans have been involved in the creation and development of nearly every major form of American music and it is important to shed light on the whole picture. I also want a vibrant mix of themes and viewpoints. So far we have Jazz, R&B, Folk, Experimental music, all types of things. Keep your minds open, Ours are!
A3C: What advice would you give artists that want to be on the project?
DH: Remember everyone, this is public content! We want a wide range of themes and voices, but we will be putting this music out to thousands of people per week. Folks from around the country and around the world! So please be careful about saying things you wouldn't say at your Grandma's house. Let's call it "radio friendly".