BECAUSE OF BLACK MUSIC IAM

"Because of Black Music I AM" (BOBMIAM) Co-Founded by partners Audacious IAM and Valerie Troutt www.becauseofblackmusiciam.com

Because of Black Music IAM

We are artists rooted in the vast and vibrant traditions of the African Diaspora, committed to building community through the power of our shared stories. We believe deeply in the healing that comes from Black music—its rhythms, its truths, its history, and the lived experiences that shaped it. Our stories matter. Our sound matters. And when we share them, we create pathways for connection, restoration, and collective joy.

Because of Black Music IAM (BOBMIAM) is a three-day summer music festival dedicated to honoring the legacy, influence, and future of Black music. More than a festival, BOBMIAM is a living conversation—a space where local artists, industry professionals, culture keepers, and community members come together to celebrate, learn, and envision what’s possible.

Our mission is to illuminate the impact of Black music while advocating for new, sustainable music industry infrastructures that ensure the longevity, protection, and prosperity of both Black music and Black artists.

Because when we honor the music,
we honor the people.
And when we gather,
we rise together.

Music is our medicine

it's rhythm hidden in our dna

WWW.BECAUSEOFBLACKMUSICIAM.COM

Game Night and Jam

We gather to reclaim vital third spaces within Black music and our local community—spaces where we can breathe, create, question, and imagine freely. We come together to teach one another, share our stories, challenge our perspectives, and celebrate our collective joy.

Here, we honor life outside the confines of the white-centered gaze. We build a community shaped by our own brilliance, our own rhythms, and our own definitions of freedom. 

New merch

Because of Black Music IAM Baby jersey t-shirt

    Keep your little one comfortable with this baby jersey t-shirt. Made from soft, breathable fabric, it’s gentle on delicate skin. The ribbed collar ensures a snug fit without feeling restrictive, making it ideal for all-day wear.
    • 100% combed ring-spun cotton
    • Fabric weight: 4.5 oz./yd.² (153 g/m²)
    • Regular fit
    • Side-seamed construction
    • Topstitched ribbed collar
    • Shoulder-to-shoulder self-fabric back neck tape
    • Double-needle topstitch on sleeves and bottom hem
    • Blank product sourced from India

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    $22.00
    Because of Black Music IAM Boxy football jersey

      A breathable football jersey with silky top fabric and heavy mesh bottom. Moisture-wicking, 2-way stretch, and relaxed fit.

      • 2 premium fabrics – silky stretch top, breathable mesh bottom
      • Moisture-wicking and durable
      • Relaxed fit for athletes and street style
      • Blank product materials sourced from China

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      $52.00
      Because of Black Music IAM Unisex Premium Sweatshirt

        Rock a classic sweatshirt silhouette with ribbed crew neck, long sleeve cuffs, and a flat hem. Layer it up or wear it on its own for a contemporary streetwear look. With the soft fleece inside and comfortable fit, it’s sure to become your favorite everyday sweater right away!

        • 100% cotton face
        • 65% cotton, 35% polyester
        • Charcoal Heather is 55% cotton, 45% polyester
        • Fabric weight: 8.5 oz/y² (288.2 g/m²)
        • Tightly knit 3-end fleece
        • Side-seamed construction
        • Self-fabric patch on the back
        • Double-needle stitched rib collar, cuffs, and hem
        • Blank product sourced from Pakistan

        Disclaimer: This sweatshirt runs small. For the perfect fit, we recommend ordering one size larger than your usual size.

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        $40.00

        Join us next month July 9th, 2025 for the second Jam Session of our Summer Series.  7pm-10pm, $15-$20 sliding scale. Ages 17 and under free.  Wyldflowr Arts 809 37th Street @West, Oakland,Ca   

        The Third Annual Because of Black Music IAM (BOBMIAM) Game Night and Summer Jam Session Series 

        Hey Folks, 

        Come join us next Month July 9th for the BOBMIA Game Night & Jam Session Featuring saxophonist Howard Wiley. 

        Howard Wiley - “The most prodigious Bay Area saxophonist of his generation” (Berkeleyside), Howard Wiley returns with his supercharged, Hammond organ-powered band that blends jazz, gospel, and funk with next-level grooves and deep soul. Having been mentored by Bay Area great Jules Broussard and sharing formative bandstand experiences with the likes of Clark Terry, Jason Moran, Orrin Evans, and Lauryn Hill, the Berkeley-born Wiley is a shining example of innate musical talent meeting opportunity born of hard lessons well learned. Association with the Thelonious Monk Institute and GRAMMY All-American Jazz Band established Wiley as a young talent on the rise, and his work as a professional has more than made good on his prodigious beginnings. 

        Bring your instrument(s) and join in the fun. 

        Because of Black Music Centers Black folk, and music from the African Diaspora and Black Experience. All ethnicities, genders and generations are welcome to attend and participate in our Jam sessions. 

        Purchase tickets HERE or pay at the door. /events-tickets

         

        06/15/2025

        Howard Wiley

        Artists and Music Educator

        Come be a part of the movement

        Join the conversation order your shirt today