Watch Solange Perform at the Peace Ball
On the eve of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Solange Knowles joined several others at the Busboys and Poets’ Peace Ball at the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C.
During the event, which was attended by activist Angela Davis, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, and actors Ashley Judd and Danny Glover, Solange performed a set of tracks from her critically-acclaimed 2016 effort, A Seat at the Table.
Video clips of the set emerged online, featuring renditions of songs like “Cranes in the Sky,” “Don’t Touch My Hair,” and “Weary.”
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Davis introduced Knowles to the stage with a message about resistance, notably poignant on the eve of Inauguration Day.
“In our resistance, we need art,” she said. “We need music. We need poetry. You’ve witnessed some amazing examples of creativity on this stage, Esperanza Spalding, and all of the other performers. Now, you are about to witness a performance, by one who will help us to produce the anthems of our resistance. Put your hands together for Solange.”
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Following the event, Solange took to Twitter to share some thoughts on the experience. “Thank you Peace Ball & The Smithsonian African American Museum for giving me the honor of performing last night. My heart is full as moons,” she wrote. “Thank you to the inimitable teacher…the astounding Angela Davis for introducing me last night. Your words will stay with me forever. Mom.”
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Trump was sworn into office during a ceremony this morning, as protestors gathered around the country. In New York, the We Stand United rally took place, with appearances by celebrities like Cher, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert De Niro, among others.
Musicians have also voiced their concerns about the incoming administration. This morning, for instance, Joey Bada$$ released “Land of the Free,” a song about Trump’s presidency. “Donald Trump is not equipped to take this country over,” he raps on the track. “Let’s face facts.”