Interview with Midnight, Co-Creator of the Soulaan Nomenclature. скачать в хорошем качестве

Interview with Midnight, Co-Creator of the Soulaan Nomenclature.

The thumbnail is the Soulaan Flag which is initially created and designed by Maroc Wallace in collaboration with Dwayne (Midnight) and T-Roy, underwent a significant revision after an internal review by the Soulaan Council. This council, comprised of leaders and cultural historians within the Soulaan/Soulaani community, recognized the potential to enhance the flag's symbolism, prompting discussions and debates that ultimately led to its finalized version, officially unveiled on September 14, 2024. Soulaan meaning: “Soulaan” is a term that originated by three co-creators and gained attention on TikTok in 2020. It means "Soul American," with an additional "A" for "Autochthonous American". It is used to describe Black people descended from chattel enslavement in the United States. Just as we see with Foundational Black Americans, there are influencers who proudly identify as Soulaan. Take Monaleo, for example. She first captured the spotlight when her breakup anthem, "Beating Down Yo Block," went viral on TikTok, earning widespread acclaim for its relatable lyrics and creative sampling of Houston's own Yungstar. That 2021 hit launched her into stardom, paving the way for tracks like "We Not Humping" and a collaboration with Flo Milli. Fast forward to 2025, and Monaleo has released "Sexy Soulaan" on September 26, further cementing her place in the culture. It was dropped shortly after her highly publicized all-pink wedding to fellow rapper Stunna 4 Vegas. Music video: The music video, filmed at a block party, features the Black American Heritage Flag alongside flags from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti. Lyrical themes: In the song, Monaleo addresses her "Soulaan" identity, drawing on Hoodoo traditions and demanding reparations for Black Americans. The lyrics aim to create a space for Black Americans in the culture. With all the celebration around the music video, there is also intense scrutiny. Some feel that our culture is constantly borrowed from, leaving us with little that is truly our own. The presence of other flags alongside the Black American Heritage Flag, created by Melvin Charles and Gleason T. Jackson in 1967, has sparked debate. Many feel that whenever we create something meaningful, others are quick to attach themselves to it. This is especially sensitive given how some immigrants benefit from the hard-won rights our ancestors fought for, often without sharing in that struggle. Midnight provides his view of what this kind of representation in a music video mean for us? WAYS TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT GRASSROOTS JOURNALISTS: 1. Make a Meaningful Contribution: Show your support by donating to the platform via Cash App: $EMPRESSEDLIFE. Every contribution counts! 2. Amplify Their Voice: Share their insightful articles and work with your family and friends. A simple like or thoughtful comment can make a world of difference. Follow them across social media platforms to stay connected and support their important mission. 3. Engage and Encourage: Join their live panels and be an active participant in the conversation. Your encouraging words can significantly boost their confidence and remind them that their message is resonating with the audience. Together, we can help keep independent journalism thriving! If you are an FBA, join the conversation on TikTok by subscribing to the platform. Turn on notifications so you never miss a chance to share your voice when she goes live. Thumbnail design by Ishmyel Freedmen and is the property of Bx Network. All rights are reserved for intro, outro, content, and images, including the thumbnail.