May 4: Charles Stephenson in Virtual Teach the Beat session at Phelps ACE High School,
Charles Stephenson, co-author of The Beat! Go-Go Music from Washington D.C. and a cultural and political activist, visited Dr. Hall’s D.C. History class and Mr. Green’s Music class at Phelps ACE High School on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
The students had recently discussed why go-go music was not connecting with a younger generation that preferred other genres of music, like hip-hop and R&B. Mr. Stephenson shared that go-go’s roots started in the school, where students had access to instruments that they could use. He shared, “The relationship between go-go bands and D.C. schools and the government brought the music closer and more accessible to everyone.”
It was this proximity as a young person in D.C that helped him develop a deeper understanding of music. In fact, Mr. Stephenson shared with students that he became the manager of Experience Unlimited (E.U.) based on the relationship that band members developed at Charles Hart Middle School.
Mr. Stephenson’s stories of how go-go was instrumental in the school system led a student to share that she is starting a go-go band with her friends, and she asked what is the best way for them to get recognized within the city. He shared that now more than ever, it is important for bands to engage with social activism and local organizations that are doing community building events. This will not only provide bands with an audience, but allow the band to become an integral part of improving the lives of the residents of D.C.
Through a question and answer period with Phelps administrator and Teach the Beat program specialist, Jonas Strickland. During which Charles Stephenson answered a few questions from students.
Student question: Is there anything you want to do with go-go to leave a legacy behind that you haven’t done yet or can’t figure out how to do?
Stephenson’s answer: My dream is that musicians and artists get more involved in social justice issues. I was energized by seeing the bands reflecting what is happening in the community. Especially in response to 2020, seeing bands and go-go music as part of Black Lives Matter protests and engaging in voter registration.
Student question: What inspired you to start or keep doing go-go music?
Stephenson’s answer: Experience Unlimited concentrated on issues to engage the community. We used the popularity of go-go as a way to educate members of the community to issues that mattered to us. For example we supported a Malcolm X Day celebration. When Betty Shabazz arrived from her limo she said “Malcolm would have loved this.” Go-go played an instrumental role in the community.
Student question: What is your favorite go-go song?
Stephenson’s answer: Go-Go Swing! There were so many elements in this song. Chuck Brown, pulling in elements of Duke Ellington. Classic!