{
  "id": 2021511,
  "title": "Entire record labels (and Jesse Jackson) came together for two of history's greatest concert films",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/entire-record-labels-and-jesse-jackson-came-together-for-two-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T17:00:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The A.V. Club",
    "slug": "the-a-v-club",
    "url": "https://www.avclub.com/sounds-of-blaxploitation-wattstax-save-the-children-jesse-jackson"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1972, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, known as a \"country preacher\" and founder of Operation PUSH, played a significant role in inspiring African Americans through two major events that were later captured on film: Wattstax in Los Angeles and the PUSH Expo in Chicago. These events showcased the talents of various Black recording artists performing R&B, jazz, blues, and gospel, providing an auditory backdrop for social activism.\n\nJackson's presence at Wattstax was particularly noteworthy, as he delivered a powerful opening speech, reciting his famous \"I Am—Somebody\" poem, urging attendees to raise their fists in solidarity. The event was organized by Stax Records, an iconic Southern soul label, which featured many of its artists performing in the concert. The event also included interviews with local residents discussing their experiences as Black individuals in America.\n\nThe same year, Jackson also spoke at the National Black Political Convention in Gary, filmed by William Greaves for the documentary Nationtime. This event further solidified his influence in the Black community, as he advocated for unity and progress through his speeches.\n\nA year later, Jackson hosted another all-star event, the PUSH Expo in Chicago, which was documented in the 1973 concert film Save The Children. This event featured an impressive lineup of Black music stars, including Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Michael Jackson, and the Jackson 5, all coming together to celebrate Black excellence and progress.\n\nBoth Wattstax and Save The Children served as vital records of the Blaxploitation era, capturing the spirit and energy of Black musicians and activists during a transformative period in American history.",
  "summary": "Blaxploitation musical legends and political activists alike united for two groundbreaking concert docs: Wattstax and Save The Children.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}