Green Book

 When segregation was going on, the idea of two separate races was a big topic. People fought to destroy it, and some fought to keep the blacks and whites apart. What would have happened if it segregation was successful. The music that the African Americans was so inspirational and was their way of expressing themselves. If they were not able to mix with the white, we would not have had the opportunity to hear their music.

Over the 1900's, hundreds of African Americans became famous for their music. Classical and jazz were some of the bigger genres. Take Louis Armstrong for example. Louis Armstrong rose to fame during the height of American segregation in the 1920s and 1930s through his revolutionary jazz performances and recordings.

 Despite facing severe racial barriers that restricted where he could perform, stay, and even eat, Armstrong's extraordinary trumpet playing and distinctive gravelly voice transcended these limitations. He gained popularity initially through his work with King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band in Chicago and later through his own Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings, which showcased his improvisational genius and helped establish jazz as America's first truly original art form. 

His charismatic stage presence and musical innovation won him audiences across racial lines, though he often had to navigate the complex social dynamics of performing for white audiences while being denied basic civil rights, making him both a groundbreaking artist and a symbol of the contradictions of American society during the Jim Crow era.

Although Louis Armstrong was African American, there were still plenty of other artist that were a mixed race. Such as in the movie Green Book, with Don Shirley. Shirley was a very inspirational artist, but even though he was rich and played for rich folks, he still dealt with racism. Whites would not feed him in a restaurant, even if he was the main event, or they would make him use an outhouse. 

Actor Mahershala Ali, played the role of Don Shirley very well. His character changed over the course of the movie. Going from someone that was more reserved and wanted peace and quiet, to opening up and spreading his wings. He would not have been able to do this without the help of his driver, Tony Lip. Lip showed Don how to enjoy life and how to take it in as well as have fun. 

Tony Lip was played by Viggo Mortensen. I would say played his part very well. I like how expressive he was. He learned a lot from Don Shirley, such as learning to control his anger as well as how to be more relaxed. Lip only had his point of view on things, and really only cared about his thoughts. Don was able to help him open up and look into the eyes of others and the world. 

Today, we would not have the chance to hear what others half to say. For me, I listen to pretty much anything, but mainly rap. If segregation was still alive today, the music I listen to now would not be around at all. As well as the collaborations, none of those would be around.