Motown was created with the intention to break out of the stereotypical confinements within
ethnic communities that surrounded the genre of music. It was created to allow musicians to
thrive within the confinements, but also to be able to become successful as an artist on their own.
Berry Gordy’s company proved racist stereotypes wrong and made white Americans more
accepting of black performers and African American success.
Because Berry Gordy was able to implement principles from the Civil Rights Movement, he
created a business that not only aided the Civil Rights Movement by encouraging integrationist
principles, but simultaneously disproved years of negative stereotypes that were used to oppress
African Americans.
many white youth quickly realized the backwardness of their parents’ segregationist policies.
Developing a new style and music form, Motown targeted the youth of America and for the first
time, made African American music and artists marketable to whites. “Cross over” music was
able to become remarkably successful at this time because Motown implemented the goals of the
Civil Rights Movement which was rapidly gaining popularity, especially among the youth of
America.
Crossing racial borders, Motown echoed the main principles of the Civil Rights Movement
including integration and achieving power through economic independence. It was apparent
through the recording and release of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 The Great March To