Chandler Moore, known for gospel and worship music, recently shared a personal reflection on Instagram that resonates far beyond his own journey. He spoke about growing up as a Black artist influenced by gospel and many other sounds – and how quickly people try to label that expression.
When his music didn’t fit certain expectations, it was sometimes called “not Black” or pushed into someone else’s category. Moore says this kind of labeling, especially from people you admire, can quietly affect how an artist sees themselves. He admits that this tension almost turned into resentment – not because of criticism alone, but because Black creativity is often narrowly defined.
The power of his message comes from the shift he highlights: Black culture is not a box – it is a foundation. Everything built from it belongs. This challenges the idea that Black music must sound a certain way to be valid. It honors history while allowing room for growth.
Moore expands this truth beyond Black Culture alone, reminding us that identity should never feel like a cage. Culture, at its best, is meant to be a place to build from, not a boundary that restricts growth. His pride in Black History, collective creativity, and ongoing contributions to music is clear, even as his sound evolves and resists easy categorization.
By sharing this during Black History Month, Chandler Moore isn’t just honoring the past – he’s defending the freedom of Black artists to experiment, mix genres, and create without needing permission.