Mudcat is a treasure trove of information on multiple genres of Black music. Surely I'm not the only Black person who happened onto or was led to this website.

In the context of sharing information about one's music experiences,and insights on historical examples, it seems to me that declaring one's race has value.

I don't want to come over as too hostile on this (as I am not hostile at all) but does - declaring one's sexual preferences, gender, disabilities etc have any similar value - for sharing information about one's music experiences etc? Or is only one's race that is thought important?

None of these things are thought important by to know - for the puposes of music discussion. This is not because I assume that every contributor is the same race as me (or assume that they are not). It is because like many other's - this aspect is simply not important in a context where everyone's views will be treated equally, simply by the value of what they are saying.