Jenzia Burgos has announced the launch of new website The Black Music History Library. With over 1000 named resources including books, articles, documentaries, series, radio segments, and podcasts, some of which are linked to sites with free access, the site documents Black music and the Black origins of music across multiple genres from the 18th century to now.

“There are many notable archives doing similar work, yet it isn’t uncommon for some to have a limited view of Black music – one which fuels US-centrism and a preference for vernacular music traditions,” explains the library website. “This collection considers the term 'Black music' more widely, as it aims to address any instances in which Black participation led to the creation or innovation of music across the diaspora. Plainly speaking, that means just about every genre will be included here.

“Black artists have often been minimised or omitted entirely when it comes to the discussion, practice, and research of many forms of music. This library seeks to correct that”.

All materials featured are vetted by Burgos, with attempts to highlight Black authors as central to the process. Resources are sorted by genre or regional origin: spiritual, Caribbean roots, classical, punk, disco, and more. Find it online at blackmusiclibrary.com.