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Stacey’s Post-Election Message and The Power of Music

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Published: Thu Nov 07 2024

Stacey offers a reflection and a call to action to move beyond resistance and into insistence after the re-election of Donald Trump. Then she speaks with Grammy, Pulitzer, and MacArthur Genius Grant winning musician Rhiannon Giddens about the connection between politics and art. Giddens dives into the way categorization divides the music industry, the deep and multicultural history of the banjo, and how she has put her unique stamp on every genre from opera to folk music.

Summary

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams Episode: Stacey’s Post-Election Message and The Power of Music
Release Date: November 7, 2024

1. Stacey Abrams’ Post-Election Reflection

In the opening segment, Stacey Abrams addresses the audience’s likely feelings of frustration and fear following the recent election results. She reflects on her personal and familial history, highlighting the significance of her nieces and nephews being among the first generation since Reconstruction to experience a rollback of civil rights. Abrams emphasizes the critical role of elections in driving societal progress, recalling the unified resistance that emerged after the 2016 election and the ensuing efforts that led to landmark achievements like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Roe v. Wade.

Notable Quote:

“Sometimes it works. Sometimes elections like the one we had on November 5, those elections come around and we forget the progress that we've made and we only remember the pain.”
— Stacey Abrams [00:31]

Abrams underscores the necessity of not only resisting oppressive measures but also insisting on proactive change. She calls for accountability at all governmental levels and encourages listeners to engage in their communities, whether it's addressing local zoning issues or advocating for accurate educational materials in schools.

Notable Quote:

“We must insist on a government and leaders that respect us and our needs... insisting on speaking up when we see wrong or when we need more.”
— Stacey Abrams [05:29]

2. The Power of Music in Activism

Abrams transitions to the episode’s central theme: the transformative power of music in activism. She introduces the episode’s focus on how music serves as a medium for storytelling, protest, and motivation. The conversation highlights how music can encapsulate complex emotions and inspire collective action, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion with guest artists.

Notable Quote:

“Music is a powerful tool. In an instant, it can change your mood, your perspective, or your life.”
— Rhiannon Giddens [08:10]

3. Conversation with Rhiannon Giddens and Selena Gomez

Rhiannon Giddens’ Artistic Journey

Rhiannon Giddens, a renowned musician and co-producer of the documentary Soundtrack of Change, shares her transition from a structured operatic background to a more liberated approach in folk and protest music. She discusses the challenges of breaking genre boundaries and the importance of preserving and highlighting African American narratives through music.

Notable Quote:

“Understanding our stories better if we want to figure out what happens next.”
— Stacey Abrams [25:20]

Giddens elaborates on her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and her dedication to unearthing and celebrating the rich history of Black women in music. She emphasizes the necessity of cross-cultural collaboration and the detrimental effects of artificially segmented musical genres.

Notable Quote:

“Music is supposed to bring us together. Music is something that's supposed to heal us.”
— Selena Gomez [29:09]

Selena Gomez on Music as Universal Activism

Selena Gomez joins the conversation to articulate her belief that all music is inherently political, serving as a universal language that can foster empathy and unity. She recounts her experiences writing operas that tell marginalized stories and advocates for artists using their platforms to effect positive change.

Notable Quote:

“Everything is political. Life is political, right?... That's not the end. That's not the end result of what art should be.”
— Selena Gomez [43:32]

Gomez discusses the emotional impact of music, citing specific songs that have shaped her worldview and activism. She highlights the role of music in natural disaster responses, urging listeners to support local initiatives and donate effectively to aid long-term recovery efforts.

Notable Quote:

“We have to become a choir... we can all catch a little bit of that person instead of one of us getting smashed underneath.”
— Selena Gomez [49:52]

4. Call to Action

Abrams and her guests conclude the episode with actionable steps for listeners to engage in activism through music and community support:

  • Support Local Initiatives: Direct listeners to reputable organizations and local groups in need, especially in disaster-stricken areas like North Carolina.

  • Promote Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Encourage the blending of diverse musical genres to foster unity and understanding.

  • Engage with Music as Activism: Urge artists and listeners alike to use music as a tool for storytelling, protest, and healing.

Notable Quote:

“If we're talking about activism in trying to make our country a more equitable place for more people, we have to become a choir.”
— Selena Gomez [49:52]

5. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content

In her closing remarks, Stacey Abrams emphasizes the ongoing responsibility of individuals to foster change between election cycles. She promotes the documentary Soundtrack of Change and encourages support for independent musicians and local festivals that celebrate Black music and culture. Abrams also invites listeners to submit questions and engage with future episodes focused on election insights and community-building strategies.

Notable Quote:

“At assembly required, we encourage the audience to be curious, solve problems, and do good to learn more.”
— Rhiannon Giddens [51:48]

Summary

This episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams delves into the intertwined roles of political activism and music in shaping societal change. Stacey Abrams provides a poignant reflection on recent election outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for sustained activism and community engagement. The conversation with Rhiannon Giddens and Selena Gomez highlights the enduring power of music as a vessel for storytelling, protest, and unity. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the guests illustrate how music can bridge cultural divides, preserve marginalized histories, and inspire collective action. The episode concludes with empowering calls to action, urging listeners to support local initiatives, embrace cross-cultural collaborations, and utilize music as a tool for activism.

Notable Quotes Overview:

  • Stacey Abrams [00:31]: “Sometimes elections like the one we had on November 5... we only remember the pain.”

  • Stacey Abrams [05:29]: “We must insist on a government and leaders that respect us and our needs...”

  • Rhiannon Giddens [08:10]: “Music is a powerful tool...”

  • Selena Gomez [29:09]: “Music is supposed to bring us together. Music is something that's supposed to heal us.”

  • Selena Gomez [43:32]: “Everything is political. Life is political, right?...”

  • Selena Gomez [49:52]: “If we're talking about activism... we have to become a choir.”

  • Rhiannon Giddens [51:48]: “At assembly required, we encourage the audience to be curious, solve problems, and do good to learn more.”

No transcript available.