On a warm summer night in South Dallas, the parking lot at the South Dallas Cultural Center overflowed with people, purpose, and pride. It wasn’t just an event—it was a cultural gathering, a community statement, and a moment of reverence for the sounds that have shaped generations. In celebration of Black Music Month, DW partnered with cultural curator and community connector Cimajie Best to present “The South Got Something to Say,” a sold-out conversation and celebration of Southern hip-hop and its undeniable impact on the broader Black music legacy.
Black Music Month, officially recognized by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 and reaffirmed by President Biden in 2021, serves as a national call to honor the contributions of Black artists to America’s soundtrack. It’s a time to not only reflect on the music that moves us but also to uplift the communities, cities, and creators that gave it birth. For Dallas—a city rich with rhythm, innovation, and untold stories—Black Music Month is an opportunity to reclaim space, celebrate cultural identity, and ensure that Southern voices are not just heard, but respected.
While Dallas Weekly has covered and honored Black Music Month for years, this year’s event had a distinct flavor—a deeper intentionality. Instead of centering mainstream narratives, “The South Got Something to Say” was a love letter to Southern creators, the cultural keepers who’ve shaped hip-hop from backyards and block parties to global stages. And what better place to host it than the South Dallas Cultural Center—a creative institution that has cultivated, supported, and celebrated Black artists since its founding in 1997.
That location choice was no coincidence. From 1997 to 2012, under the leadership of nationally acclaimed artist and activist Vicki Meek—affectionately known as “Mama V”—the center served as a launching pad for legends. Erykah Badu once roamed its halls. Carmen Rodgers was discovered and shared her voice there. Deb Roberts and Delita Martin are two of the most recognized Black artists in the world, both mentored by Meek. Generations of Dallas artists passed through its doors, finding a home for their work and a place for their stories to live. Before a single panel question was asked or beat was dropped, the evening began with a heartfelt tribute to Vicki Meek—an acknowledgment that without her vision, nights like this wouldn’t be possible…