“Finestra!”: Jamila Woods’ Baldwin Shatters Privilege and Celebrates Culture

“You don’t know a thing about our story, tell it wrong all the time”-Jamila Woods Artists are the main source for preserving history and amplifying voices. I lack the statistics on the amount of art in this world that discusses topics such as racism, gentrification and the systemic dismantling of public education. What I do not lack, is the ability to recognize my story when I hear it. Jamila Woods’ Baldwin is a song of my story, and likely your story too. Let’s take a picture walk, shall we? 1. Baldwin. James Baldwin to be exact. The video opens with a quote that I read as a call to action.

Jamila wants us to know upfront that what is ours is ours for the taking. Our ancestors have paved the way, mommas and daddies have made a way… pick that crown up and lift that chin up. This here, this is our story. Her very first line is going out to every mouth that has spoken ill of Black folks and marginalized people of color. “You don’t know a thing about our story, tell it wrong all the time.” Okay, now we not only know who she’s talking about, but who she’s speaking to. Colonizers, listen up. Black folks, celebrate & listen. Word. 2. Font is everything. As soon as we see Jamila’s name, we know where she’s taking us.

Oh, okay sis. We setting the scene in Hogwarts, huh? Black Hogwarts, honey. We about to get these lessons, some books & somebody gonna get read. Baldwin shows us that magic is more than just a notion… The magic is in Black folks thriving while surviving. J…