Music of the Civil Rights Movement

Last night I gave a presentation at one of the local libraries on the Music of the Civil Rights Era.  I love presenting music in a historical context and I feel particularly passionate about music in the Civil Rights movement. I was a child growing up in Chicago during this time and though I was too young to understand some of what was going on, I do remember the social climate of political unrest. I remember getting out of school early due to a riot or gang fights. I believe in the power of music to bring people together to bring about social change. Certainly, the "Freedom Songs" sung in marches and demonstrations were instrumental in helping the civil rights movement to succeed.

Many of the songs featured were written by slaves coming from African American Spirituals and Gospel traditions. Many of the songs were not part of the mainstream awareness nor heard on pop radio stations. Some of the songs I featured were:

We Shall Not Be Moved
I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn me Around
We Shall Overcome
Eyes on the Prize
A Change is Gonna Come
Strange Fruit
Hammer Song

Each time I present this music, I am filled with such a strong sense of purpose and meaning to continue to pass on these songs and their messages of empowerment and inclusiveness. 

I plan to teach a class at the local home-school enrichment center this winter on music of the Civil Rights. I look forward to this!