Last month Janelle Monáe and Wondaland Records released the protest anthem, “Hell You Talmbout.” While the track is very powerful, it noticeably left out the names of transgender people killed by law enforcement.
Musician and activist Vita Elizabeth Cleveland addressed the omission of transgender people in the Black liberation movement in her new song, "Hell Y'All Ain't Talmbout." Cleveland, a black trans woman explained the song in a statement:
This track is in response to the initial recording of "Hell You Talmbout" by Janelle Monae. The track, albeit powerful, once again proved to the world that even within the minds and spirits of black people, our black trans siblings are left behind, even in death. This track is a call to those that have forgotten us, as well as a chance to lift of my fallen black trans symbols, who should have been lifted up in the first place.Listen to the powerful song below.
Photo: Vita Elizabeth Cleveland
