The Black American Music Family Tree Historical Foundation

Our Mission

The Black American Music Family Tree Historical Foundation exists to preserve, educate, and celebrate the role of American music—particularly Black American music—in shaping global culture and diplomacy. From the spirituals and blues that laid the groundwork for American music, to the innovations of jazz, rock, soul, funk, and hip hop, Black Americans have pioneered genres that became cultural bridges worldwide. Despite often being overlooked or erased, their creative genius has defined the sound of a nation and influenced the world. Through documentaries, educational programs, and firsthand interviews, we highlight the deep roots, global impact, and ongoing legacy of Black American music, inspiring future generations to honor its truth and transformative power.

• Work
• About
• Contact

© Cayce Pollard. All rights reserved.

What We’re Building

The Black American Music Family Tree Historical Foundation has already made powerful strides in educating the public about the overlooked contributions of Black American musicians. We’ve brought music history into schools, universities, and corporate spaces through live workshops and presentations that connect the dots between cultural innovation and social impact. Our founder, Dwann Brown, has delivered keynotes at major institutions like Sony Music and Top Golf, teaching how Black music shaped not just America—but the world.Our first documentary series, It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop: The Black American Music Family Tree, is currently in production, featuring interviews with musicians, pastors, historians, and cultural influencers. We've also launched a growing digital presence through podcasts and our YouTube channel, offering in-depth commentary that blends music history with current events, politics, and cultural education. Supporters on Patreon get early access to raw interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.Looking forward, we’re developing a companion book series titled 100 Years of Recorded Black American Music, along with a full curriculum designed for schools and community programs. Our next documentary, The Gospel Roots of American Popular Music, will explore how the church laid the foundation for nearly every American genre—from soul and R&B to funk and hip hop. Every project we produce is part of a larger mission: to honor the past, educate the present, and inspire the future through the transformative legacy of Black American music.

• Back

About

The Black American Music Family Tree Historical Foundation is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and celebrating the legacy of Black American music and its undeniable impact on American and global culture. We believe that understanding music is key to understanding the soul of a nation—and few art forms have been as influential, expressive, and transformative as Black American music.
From spirituals and blues to jazz, soul, funk, and hip hop, these genres didn’t just entertain—they told stories, carried resistance, and connected people across borders. Our work centers on uplifting those stories through:
Original documentaries
Firsthand interviews with music pioneers
Educational programs for schools and communities
A comprehensive historical curriculum
We aim to create a space where music history is not only preserved but felt, understood, and passed down. Our foundation serves educators, artists, students, and everyday music lovers who want to trace the roots, understand the evolution, and celebrate the brilliance of Black American music.

• Back