Solange Knowles Opens a New Chapter—Literally
Solange has always made space for experimental sound, made space for expression and for Black imagination to stretch its legs and dance a little. This time she’s done it with the launch of a free digital archive library of rare and relevant Black and Brown literature through her platform Saint Heron. This newest endeavor does not come as a surprise to me or to anyone aware of her approach not only to music but to life and style. I wonder, how well do you know Solange Knowles and her legwork outside of making music?
The Grammy Award winner was appointed the first scholar in residence at USC's Thornton School of Music this past fall. She has begun a three-year residency at the California university. During this residency, in fall of 2027 in collaboration with Saint Heron, Dean Jason King, and other USC faculty members, a course titled "Records of Discovery: Methodologies for Music and Cultural Curatorial Practices" will be taught by the musician philanthropist.
According to a representative of USC, the course will "explore the process of constructing curatorial frameworks alongside the context, craft and creation of musical landscapes." This is the USC’s very first course focused on only music curation which entails creative direction, documentary filmmaking, DJing, and other experimental design, all of which dreams are made of. Solange joins the Dean's Creative Vanguard Program as its second member, following another music extraordinaire Raphael Saadiq.
What does it say when one continues to hone their craft? What about researchers and sharers of knowledge or hunters when they return with their bounty? Free of charge, the digital archive library operates on the honor system. A label is sent for borrowers to send back and you get to the book loan for 45 days. What makes this library especially joyful is its spirit of access. It champions voices that have long deserved more room on the shelf and invites new generations to see themselves as thinkers, makers, and archivists of stories.
In an age of weekly screen-time summaries so high you dare not tell a soul, Solange’s library is a warm reminder that knowledge is something you can sit with, savor and return to, guilt free. This endeavor feels like an extension of Solange’s creative philosophies. And after all, over here we do noting without intention.
