I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It's time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time. It's time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is.

The quote “I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It's time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time. It's time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is.” comes from Dizzy Gillespie, the American jazz trumpeter, composer, and one of the key architects of bebop. In this statement, Gillespie calls for African Americans to take ownership of documenting the history of jazz and other forms of Black music, which had long been interpreted, recorded, and critiqued primarily by white writers and historians.

The meaning of the quote lies in its emphasis on authenticity and representation. Gillespie points out that while Black musicians created jazz, blues, and many other influential musical traditions, the narratives about these art forms were often shaped by outsiders. As a result, the stories told could be distorted, incomplete, or dismissive of the true cultural significance of the music. By urging Black artists and scholars to “tell it like it is,” Gillespie stresses the importance of reclaiming their own history and ensuring that their voices define the meaning and legacy of their art.

The origin of this thought is tied to the broader civil rights movement and the cultural awakening of the mid-20th century. Gillespie, who rose to prominence in the 1940s alongside figures like Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk, witnessed firsthand how jazz—though rooted in African American experience—was often co-opted, commercialized, or misunderstood by mainstream culture. His statement reflects a growing recognition among Black musicians and intellectuals that they needed to document their own cultural heritage to preserve its integrity and pass it on truthfully.

Ultimately, Gillespie’s words serve as both a critique and a call to action. They critique the imbalance in who was telling the story of Black music, while also inspiring future generations to take responsibility for documenting, analyzing, and celebrating their own cultural contributions. His quote remains relevant today, underscoring the need for marginalized communities to have agency over their history and the narratives that define their identity.