(Photographs courtesy of Darrell Stoney)
By Ashleigh Fields, AFRO Assistant Editor afields@afro.com
Self-proclaimed “guardians of go-go” are working to enshrine the legends and life-style of a musical style birthed in Southeast D.C.
Ronald L. Moten and Natalie Hopkinson, Ph.D., are co-founders of “Don’t Mute D.C.,” a corporation created in 2019 with a aim of spearheading protecting clauses that forestall gentrification from eradicating the staple sound of town. Now, the 2 have partnered to interrupt floor on a particular museum that chronicles the affect and affect of go-go music.
“Fifteen years in the past, in entrance of 4,000 individuals on the 2009 Go-go Awards, I introduced plans to construct a Go-go Museum in Washington, D.C. as a result of we wanted to get respect for our music and likewise be sure we protect our tradition,” stated Moten, a fifth-generation Washingtonian. “We began elevating funds in 2019 by way of a fundraiser we did with WPGC and folks got here out to donate. That day we raised $18,000.”
Since then, Moten and his workforce have been working with authorities officers within the District to finance their efforts to “decriminalize” and “destigmatize” the tradition surrounding go-go in D.C. The go-go museum will characteristic reveals with music, archives and an area for performances along with a recording studio that can be open to the group. Moten has additionally vyed to create a cell museum which may maintain as much as 28 passengers, has a come out DJ sales space and a hydraulic efficiency stage on its rooftop. It is going to additionally tote a hologram to honor Anwan “Huge G” Glover who based the Yard Band.
(Photographs courtesy of Darrell Stoney)
“The Cell Go-go Museum stemmed from the go-go float we now have sponsored in Ward 8’s MLK Jr. parade for the final 10 years to assist appeal to bigger crowds. Throughout winter months, it’s freezing outdoors, notably in January, throughout the MLK Jr. parade, which makes it arduous for District residents to take part,” stated Moten. “With our new Go-go Cell Museum, we’ll now be capable of convey our music, tradition and historical past into our faculties, festivals, and communities throughout all 8 Wards all yr spherical.”
“Altogether the approximate value for the undertaking is $2 million. We’re utilizing grants and donations to assist our efforts to profit Wards 7 and eight by way of our culinary arts and inventive economic system packages,” stated Moten.
The workforce hosted a ceremony for the undertaking’s groundbreaking on Nov. 15 with performances from the Yard Band and a particular look from Spike Lee, Mayor Muriel Bowser along with council members Trayon White (D-Ward 8), Kenyan McDuffie (D-At-Giant) and Robert White Jr. (D-At-Giant) onsite on the brick and mortar location of 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE.
“Go-go is the historical past of D.C. and the historical past of D.C. is tradition coping with go-go. It goes again to our ancestors. Music has all the time been a therapeutic factor for us,” stated Robin McKinney who serves because the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the realm. “Go-go is a significant a part of historical past that at one level they have been attempting to cease. Folks fought to maintain Go-go as a result of it was part of our tradition. You’ll be able to’t say D.C. with out saying ‘Go-go’ and ‘mumbo sauce.’”
McKinney stated the museum is essential not solely as a result of it permits patrons to mirror on the previous however serves as an avenue to show the youthful technology about those that got here earlier than them.
“Lots of people don’t learn about go-go, my daughter is 16 and she or he’s by no means been to a go-go live performance,” stated McKinney. “As quickly because it opens, my daughter can be down there. Someday when she goes off to school she might have to come back again and report on go-go’s affect on the city group right here in D.C. Chuck Brown began off singing blues and that’s how he was capable of join with James Brown, that’s how we join by way of rap with Salt ‘n’ Pepa.”
Moten’s aim has been to make the historical past of go-go accessible to the youth for years to come back. The museum is about to open in 2024 and appears ahead to welcoming go-go followers and educating music lovers internationally.
“We thank everybody who contributed and the perfect is but to come back,” stated Moten.
