Black Man

The song *Black Man* delves into the idea of global unity among people of different races, while firmly pointing out the injustices of racism. To shape this message, Stevie Wonder and Gary Byrd drew on significant historical references. A clear example is the mention of Crispus Attucks, a figure considered the first martyr of the American Revolution. The choice of this theme was not accidental, as it coincided with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial at the time of recording. The structure of the lyrics plays with the enumeration of people, dividing the verses into groups of four, interspersed with the chorus and a bridge. Additionally, the song uses color-related terms to discuss race, and in a later section, adopts a call-and-response format to name seventeen more people.

This track is part of the 1976 album, *Songs in the Key of Life*, a work that for many represents the culmination of Stevie Wonder's most creative period, which began in 1972 with *Music of My Mind*. By 1974, Wonder was already a prominent figure in popular music, with a string of successful albums such as *Music of My Mind* (1972), *Talking Book* (1972), *Innervisions* (1973), and *Fulfillingness' First Finale* (1974). However, in March 1975, he was on the verge of leaving the music industry to move to Ghana and help children with disabilities. Preparations for a farewell concert were already underway when he changed his mind. *Black Man* is an example of the depth and scope of the music that emerged from this crucial moment, with Stevie Wonder taking on roles as composer, producer, and arranger. The song has a duration of 8 minutes and 30 seconds, and is classified within the Funk rock genre.