The story of Alexander Hamilton is one of triumph over adversity during a time of slavery. As one of the founding fathers of America, this story is set to a time when America was still a colony of Britain. The story of Hamilton originally biographed by historian Ron Chernow was later adapted into a Broadway musical by Lin Manuel Miranda which premiered in 2015.

Lin Manuel Miranda’s modern interpretation of the life of Hamilton through music heavily inspired from HipHop, R&B, soul and pop and a cast of diverse actors, has been a contemporary depiction described as “America then, as told by America now”.

In the Lin Manuel Miranda adaptation of Hamilton, it tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant who manages to get into a prestigious college. It is then that he meets the man who is soon to become his nemesis Aaron burr and his other friends who are to join him in the fight against colonisation. We follow the journey of Hamilton’s life from youth to marriage his rise in politics as an immigrant in contrast to the story protagonist Aaron burr a scholar who also rises in politics but with shifting affiliations and convictions. Song by song we learn the events that occurred in both of their lives during the founding of America.

The show became a Broadway smash hit winning 11 Tony awards and nominations in several other categories. As it gained acclaim across the world and a huge fan base the show toured in theatres across the globe. If you didn’t get to see the show in theatres the first time or you would like to re-watch it with the original cast, Hamilton is coming to your to TV screen this July 3rd on Disney+

Now more than ever, the Hamilton story has never been more inspiring or relevant. At a time when youth need to stand up and fight for change in what they believe in be it climate change or racial and gender equality, the Hamilton story is a light on the power of youth to make a change.

Watch the trailer for Hamilton, coming to Disney+ on July 3rd.

Words by Precious Njoki

Graphics by Katie Janes

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Beyoncé has given the people an anthem of cultural pride just when the world needs it most.

Following the unlawful death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been sparked across the world. With all 50 states and 18 additional countries protesting for racial equality, Beyoncé has been a leading supporter of the movement. She has used her social media presence as a means of activism, encouraging people to sign petitions to get justice for others who have died at the hands of police brutality. In an open video message, she pleaded with her followers to be a part of this movement, and to help the families of the victims.

When Beyoncé surprised fans with a new song in the final hours of the 19th of June, she was bookmarking Juneteenth into history.

Juneteenth is the celebration of slaves being emancipated on the same date, in 1865. The song- named “Black Parade”- is a call to action for African Americans, as she lyrically encourages them to be proud of their roots, of where they come from. This is especially potent when she sings “I can’t forget that my history is her-story”. The song is rich in cultural references, coming from all over the continent of Africa. From the “Ankh” symbol that comes from Egypt to the West African goddess of love and femininity, “Oshun”. This broadens the horizons of who can relate to the lyrics, and who can emotionally connect with the song.

Check out Beyoncé’s New single above

When you listen to it, it’s almost overwhelmingly full of pride and emotion. It feels like a community breaking through and refusing to keep quiet about their culture anymore, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The essence of it reminds me of writers such as Toni Morrison and Grace Nichols, who both wrote about being proud of their roots, and embracing their history. When posting about the single on Instagram, Beyoncé wrote “Please continue to remember our beauty, strength, and power.” Black Parade” celebrates you, your voice, and your joy”.

Alongside the song came the BeyGOOD Black Business Impact Fund. This new campaign is made to support and promote black-owned businesses and elevate them during these hard times. The fund will be administered by the National Urban League. Alongside this announcement on her website came a directory of black businesses, ranging from Art and Design to Restaurants and Bars.

While the BLM movement continues to take over the world in a wave of justice, it’s important to help independent owners.

The song is so rich that I could spend hours analysing every word or image included in it. It is the perfect song to release and is exactly what people needed right now. Empowerment, freedom, and pride.

Words by Abigail Forrest

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Beyoncé Releases Surprise Single “Black Parade” to mark Juneteenth celebrations appeared first on Voir Fashion.