This Black Community Network Leverages Spotify to Amplify Black Voices

TANK Worldwide, a global health and wellness agency, and DESTA, a Montreal-based Black Community Network, proudly announce the launch of the 'Speechlist' campaign. As Black History Month concludes, the initiative transcends time by highlighting both iconic Black leaders and today’s Black talent to a broad audience of music enthusiasts on Spotify.

'Speechlist' strategically leverages Spotify to recreate historical yet relevant speeches from the Civil Rights Movement through curated playlists, featuring tracks by today’s Black musicians and artists. Aligned with DESTA’s mission of empowering the Black community to transform barriers into opportunities, 'Speechlist' serves the dual purpose of amplifying the voices of iconic figures who fought for justice and equality while simultaneously enhancing the visibility of Black talent.

Featured speeches and video interviews include:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Justice” (1963)
• Jackie Robinson’s “Conscience” (1963)
• Nina Simone’s “Freedom” (1968)
• Rosemary Brown’s “Equality” (1975)
• Malcolm X’s “Independent” (1963)
• Viola Desmond’s ”Little Bits Of Good" (1946)

To ensure the longevity of 'Speechlist' DESTA emphasises the importance of the initiative serving as a continuous celebration that educates and resonates with music audiences beyond just the month of February. Serving the Greater Montreal area since 2006, DESTA supports Black youth (18-35) in reaching their educational, employability, and entrepreneurial goals through holistic and individualised programs. The non-profit’s programs and funds centre on addressing barriers facing Black youth and empowering them with training and skills needed for long-term security and success.

"DESTA and our teams share the same desire to create something lasting that resonates with Spotify audiences, bringing awareness to the historical significance of these speeches while spotlighting the talents of the Black Community. Through the continuous universal language of music, we aim to inspire a new generation to connect with voices from the past and present," said Marty Martinez, chief creative officer at TANK Worldwide.

“DESTA is excited to partner with TANK Worldwide on this initiative. 'Speechlist' is more than just a campaign; it's a catalyst for change, weaving together the threads of history and modernity to amplify the voices of Black leaders and artists alike. Join us in this transformative journey as we harness the power of music to elevate and celebrate the contributions of great leaders in the Black community past, present and future,” said Kassandra Kernisan, executive director of DESTA.

Join DESTA and TANK Worldwide in bringing visibility to the talent Black voices by exploring the 'Speechlist' playlists on Spotify and following the campaign on DESTA’s social media accounts.