As I keep the momentum going, today I want to spotlight the beautiful and talented Candi Staton.
Growing up, it was like a rite of passage to learn and know “Young Hearts Run Free”, and “Victim”. At the time I didn’t understand why these two songs were such a staple to Black women, (mostly because I learned about her when I was about 5).
Nonetheless, when I became friends older, I learned that Ms. Staton was singing about her pain, the abuse she had suffered at the hands of the man that she loved, and simply detailed that man will be a man in doing the woman in his life wrong.
Unbeknownst to her and generations that came after her, these two songs have become words of encouragement, high praise of her bravery, and staples at the family cookouts.
I want you enjoy these two songs the utmost appreciation and respect for Candi Staton.