Teach Me; Jamila Woods

Chicago singer and songwriter Jamila Woods, known for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, has just released a powerful new track titled “Teach Me.” This song marks her first new music since last fall’s critically acclaimed album Water Made Us. Produced by her longtime collaborator odd Couple (Zach Henderson), “Teach Me” is more than just a song—it’s a call to action and a reflection on our relationship with the planet.

“Teach Me” was born from a unique opportunity that Woods received from the University of Illinois-Chicago’s climate justice-focused Portal Project. The prompt challenged her to create a song centered around climate justice, a theme that is becoming increasingly urgent as the world grapples with environmental crises. In her statement about the song, Woods explained, “The lyrics ‘teach me how to love you better’ are an invitation to shift away from the paternalistic mindset of ‘saving the planet’ and move fully towards respect and co-existence with the earth in a more just and sustainable way.”

This profound message is woven into the fabric of the song, which encourages listeners to rethink their approach to environmental stewardship. Woods draws inspiration from thought leaders like Colette Pichon Battle, adrienne maree brown, and Dr. Vandana Shiva—figures who have long championed the cause of climate justice. Their teachings emphasize the importance of community-driven solutions and a deep respect for the earth, ideas that Woods channels into the evocative lyrics and gentle, yet commanding, melody of “Teach Me.”

But the impact of “Teach Me” extends beyond its lyrical content. Woods has dedicated all proceeds from the song to the Sudanese American Physician’s Association’s “Sudan Food Donation Program,” a vital initiative that addresses food insecurity in Sudan. The program focuses on providing immediate hunger relief in conflict-affected regions of Sudan, where food scarcity has reached critical levels. However, the association’s work goes further, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, educating communities, and supporting local farmers. By empowering individuals and communities, the program aims to create long-term solutions to food insecurity and break the cycle of hunger that has plagued the region for years.

In aligning her music with this cause, Woods not only raises awareness about the urgent issues facing Sudan but also contributes to tangible, life-saving efforts on the ground. The partnership between art and activism is at the heart of Woods’ work, and “Teach Me” is a perfect example of how music can be a force for good in the world.

Jamila Woods’ “Teach Me” is a stirring reminder that our relationship with the earth—and each other—requires constant learning, humility, and a commitment to justice. As Woods invites us to “learn how to love better,” she also challenges us to think about the ways in which we can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. Whether through supporting initiatives like the Sudan Food Donation Program or by reexamining our own environmental impact, “Teach Me” is a powerful call to action for anyone who believes in the possibility of a better world.