The banjo is deeply rooted in Black culture, originating from African descendants who contributed significantly to American music. Hannah Mayree, co-founder of The Black Banjo Reclamation Project, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that Black individuals not only play the banjo but also created it. Their mission includes inspiring the Black community to pursue careers in lutherie, a skilled labor field currently underrepresented by Black individuals. The project focuses on cultural heritage, employable skills, and self-determination in addressing issues related to the instrument's history and relevance.
The banjo is almost as symbolic of U.S. culture as the Washington Monument, and, just like the obelisk, it was created by people from the African continent.
Not only do Black people play the banjo, but it comes from Black people. The hope, Mayree says, is that person might even be inspired to seek a career in building and repairing other instruments.
Being a luthier is quality skilled labor. While their organization is all about sharing music and celebrating heritage, they're also focused on the development of employable skills.
American music, quote-unquote, is something that Black people are responsible for, so that's why this became an initiative and a campaign to bring these skills back into the Black community.
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