![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
The end of an era
I just got back from a Sweet Honey in the Rock concert.
That was the last Bernice Johnson-Reagon Sweet Honey concert. Ever. Anywhere. She's leaving the group. I didn't know this until the day of the concert, and I think it's a good thing I didn't; her saying goodbye still made me tear up.
I've been to Sweet Honey concerts since I was old enough to remember -- the group is slightly older than I am -- and I think the group will persist without her. Ysaye Maria Barnwell has a force of personality as strong as Bernice Johnson Reagon, and they will survive. But it's truly a changing of the guard for this "unifying, communal force against oppression".
I have been lucky to witness such an inspiration -- artistically and politically. If they come to your town, don't miss 'em.
That was the last Bernice Johnson-Reagon Sweet Honey concert. Ever. Anywhere. She's leaving the group. I didn't know this until the day of the concert, and I think it's a good thing I didn't; her saying goodbye still made me tear up.
I've been to Sweet Honey concerts since I was old enough to remember -- the group is slightly older than I am -- and I think the group will persist without her. Ysaye Maria Barnwell has a force of personality as strong as Bernice Johnson Reagon, and they will survive. But it's truly a changing of the guard for this "unifying, communal force against oppression".
I have been lucky to witness such an inspiration -- artistically and politically. If they come to your town, don't miss 'em.
Sweet Honey
The era of Sweet Honey
Their website, as of tonight, shows a picture of 6 women that do NOT include Bernice. It's a notable omission, although her name appears in the website text as "founder".
I hope that Bernice is finding plenty to do with her time (?). It won't be like her to just pick up her feet and coast.....