The Black History of House and Techno

The history of house music and techno are both deeply rooted in foundations laid down by Black artists and musicians, many of whom have yet to receive the recognition and credit they are due. With this in mind, Sam and I decided to compile a list of articles and documentaries that speak truth to the history of Detroit techno, featuring also an article from our friend Grace (aka Nagini), who was featured on last month’s Peace Portal broadcast, which talks more specifically about the history of house music in Chicago.

To truly understand the roots of Detroit techno is to recognize The Great Migration, beginning in 1917, when African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban Northeast and Midwest; it is to understand the Detroit race riot of 1967; it is to understand the role that Motown Records played in Detroit’s music community; and it is to understand the development of the automobile industry of Motor City into the 1970’s; all of which you can read more about in the articles linked below.

Full article: click here