They Want Our Rhythm, But Not Our Blues: African American Innovation Through Pop Culture

The Clark County Historical Museum is excited to present “They Want Our Rhythm, But Not Our Blues: African American Innovation Through Pop Culture,” a thought-provoking lecture by LaToya Brackett presented through the generous support of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau . This event is part of the CCHM Speaker Series and will explore the profound impact of African American culture on popular culture, from music to sports, language, food, and more.

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
Location: Clark County Historical Museum
1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 978660

Admission: FREE

Event Details

African Americans have long faced the oppression of freedom and expression. Yet, they have consistently demonstrated remarkable creativity, building a vibrant culture from the struggles and barriers they faced. Their innovations, born of necessity and resilience, have shaped mainstream pop culture—but often, these contributions have been appropriated by those who do not fully understand or embrace the hardships from which they emerged. “They Want Our Rhythm, But Not Our Blues” explores this dynamic, asking us to consider how African American culture is shaped by both the joys and the pain of its people.

LaToya Brackett’s presentation will dive into the intersections of African American culture across music, sports, language, food, and even hair. This lecture calls on the audience to look beyond the rhythm to recognize the blues that lie beneath, appreciating the rich, layered history of Black pop culture. Through this exploration, LaToya will shed light on how African American culture is not just an influence but a vital and complex part of modern pop culture, represented through unique artistic styles and expressions.