1920s-1950s: Labor Movements and Early Civil Rights

During this period, protest music primarily focused on labor rights and the emerging civil rights movement.

1. “Which Side Are You On” by Florence Reece (1931)
   This song emerged during the Harlan County War, a series of coal miner strikes in Kentucky. Written by Florence Reece, the wife of a union organizer, it became an anthem for the labor movement and was widely covered by artists like Pete Seeger [1].
2. “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)
   Originally a poem by Abel Meeropol, this haunting song protested the lynching of African Americans and became a powerful anthem for the civil rights movement. Its impact was significant in raising awareness about racial violence and injustice in America [2]. Billie Holiday’s emotional delivery made it one of the most significant protest songs of the era [3].
3. “Ol’ Man River” by Paul Robeson (1927)
   Originally written for the Broadway musical “Show Boat,” this song was transformed by Paul Robeson into a powerful statement on racial injustice. Robeson altered the lyrics to reflect the struggles of black Americans, making it a civil rights anthem [4].

1960s-1970s: Counterculture and Civil Rights Movements

The 1960s and 1970s saw an explosion of protest music, addressing issues from civil rights to the Vietnam War.

1. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan (1962)
   This song became synonymous with the civil rights movement, asking poignant questions about peace and freedom. It was adopted by various social movements, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal [5].
2. “We Shall Overcome”
   This song became the unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement. It was sung at protests and rallies, providing hope and unity among activists. Martin Luther King Jr. noted its power in inspiring courage and a sense of community [6].
3. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)
   This song addressed issues of war, poverty, and racial injustice, becoming a timeless call for social change and reflection [7].
4. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
   Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version became a powerful anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements, demanding respect and equality.
5. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
   This song became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement, critiquing the disparity between those who were drafted and those who were not.

The 1960s was a fertile era for the genre, especially with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the ascendency of counterculture groups such as “hippies” and the New Left, and the escalation of the …

1980s-2000s: Anti-Apartheid and Social Justice Movements

This era saw a focus on global issues, particularly the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

1. “Free Nelson Mandela” by The Special A.K.A. (1984)
   This song became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and drawing global attention to the injustices of apartheid in South Africa [8].
2. “Biko” by Peter Gabriel (1980)
   This song is a tribute to Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody. Gabriel’s song brought international attention to the apartheid regime’s brutality and became a rallying cry for the movement.
3. “Sun City” by Artists United Against Apartheid (1985)
   This collaborative protest song, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bono, was part of a campaign against apartheid in South Africa. It raised awareness and funds, contributing to the global anti-apartheid movement.
4. “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil (1987)
   This song by the Australian band Midnight Oil highlighted the need for land rights and justice for Indigenous Australians. It became a powerful anthem for environmental and social justice, calling for action to return land to its rightful owners [9].

2000s-2020s: Contemporary Social Activism

In recent years, protest music has addressed issues such as racial justice, climate change, and other social movements.

1. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
   Adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement, this song became an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of racial injustice. Its impact is seen in its widespread use during protests and demonstrations.
2. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
   The song and its accompanying video critique gun violence and racism in America. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about the contradictions of Black life in the U.S. [10].
3. “The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby (2020)
   Released shortly after the killing of George Floyd, this song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Lil Baby’s lyrics address systemic racism and police brutality, resonating with the widespread protests that followed Floyd’s death [11].
4. “The 1975” by The 1975 featuring Greta Thunberg (2020)
   This track features a spoken word piece by climate activist Greta Thunberg, calling for immediate action against climate change and critiquing the status quo [12].

Throughout the last hundred years, these songs and artists have not only reflected the social and political climate of their times but have also inspired and motivated change. They have provided a voice for the marginalized, united diverse groups under common causes, and continue to resonate with new generations, demonstrating the enduring power of music as a tool for social change.

Black Women are inspiring their peers and other generations to break the stereotypes that are often associated with aging. The idea for this work comes from a Chicago Black women’s band The KCR Ensemble, led by 75 year old guitarist Rita Hassell and managed by her husband Oliver Hassell. Here they are:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=youtu.be%2FX3KYqgv2vWY

The art is not portraits of the KCR Ensemble members, but follows the pattern of and pays homage to these women who are playing the classics, the music from the diaspora, contemporary and futuristic jazz.

The images pay homage to art that has gone before, art media, and cutting edge art of today.

We have many styles but we are uniting. For unity with purpose. Buy a sign place it in your yard or window let us know that you’re with us.

There are 10% we will never be able to reach. There are 80% who are waiting, for leadership and direction. Maybe waiting to see how the wind blows. There are 10% who have already boarded the train and moved out. While waiting let’s listen to Curtis Mayfield

The exhibition is a subtle reminder of where bigotry begins. I am placing myself outside my comfort zone in order to build my path to tolerance as an artist and a human being. I’ve often heard it said that we are all in this together.  Now I am seeking a consensus on where we can build common ground, around issues that we can support together. If you would like to help build a grassroots movement click on the image below and print it. Gather signatures and email addresses and mail them to: Robert Lloyd 3314 S. Grand Blvd. Spokane WA 99203.

Those of you in the Spokane area who have seen the show and would like to receive a print collect at least 25 signatures and email addresses and bring the list to the reception on Oct 4 4:30 – 6 pm at the JFK Library at Eastern Washington University. You will receive an unframed 11×14 matted print at the end of the show.

“A Path To Tolerance”, selections from over a decade of quiet observations, will be on exhibit at the EWU Downtown Gallery in Cheney Washington. It includes the exhibit “If You Really Knew Me”. 

Below is a review of “If You Really Knew Me” by Jeff Mooring.

I am seldom moved enough to feel compelled to write about art. Somewhere in my head it’s the equivalent of trying to tell someone about a great song, instead of just playing it for them or droning on and on about a game that happened days ago. But compelled I am. The art in this case is the exceptionally well-conceived and executed work of a longtime friend Mr. Robert Lloyd.

Let me start by saying it’s one thing to capture the beauty and energy of a subject which he’s done, but Mr. Lloyd has surpassed that with his vivid, brilliantly colored, larger than life portraits of several women. His subjects, these eye-catching women, are of varying races, ages and stations in life. It’s my understanding that Robert achieved this dazzling effect with some high-tech, modern day alchemy of photography and computer technology. The details of which are far beyond my pay grade and simply don’t matter much when standing in front of these works. But imagine if you would, you stand being transfixed by each portrait and then you’re made aware, as they say in the TV infomercials, “but wait there’s more”. With a quick and easy loading of an app called “Cherry Pix” you can simply aim your phone at a portrait and the image comes to life and you get to hear the story of triumph behind each and every one of these beautiful souls.

The technology I believe is called augmented reality. The film clips were captured, edited and packaged by a local team at Community Minded TV and this collaboration was backed by an entity called The Alliance for Media Arts + Culture. It all comes together seamlessly due to exceptional talents and craftsmanship to be one of the most moving experiences in art that I’ve seen in my 30 some odd years of viewing.

The show titled “If You Really Knew Me” is on exhibit at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone, with plans to travel. Do yourself a favor and make some, take some time… to see this exceptional effort with stories and images that are moving and interconnected in ways that I won’t spoil for you. It costs nothing to enter and may well give you an experience of relating to the lives of these beautiful women that you won’t soon forget, and you’ll feel compelled to tell others about, as have I. If You Really Knew Me by Robert Lloyd
Jeff Mooring

First Thursday Meeting At East Central Community Center Aug 2nd 10 AM 500 S Stone St.

Information on First Thursday Coffee Discussion

In This exhibit was first seen at the Spokane downtown library from January through March. Now we will be moving two E. Central Community Center we were able find it’s permanent home. But it will be made available to other institutions and galleries if you’re interested contact Robert Lloyd at rdlloyd@comcast.net.

Coming soon to East Central Community Ctr. 500 S. Stone.

If You Really Knew Me you’d know that I’m the Black guy photographing your events and meetings.  If You Really Knew Me you’d know I am a supporter of community building (4comculture.com).  If You Really Knew Me you’d know I taught my photography students that good photographs have four components.

This exhibition has

• Impact – size 4 x 5 feet
• Technique – cutting edge technology: CherryPIX video
• Design/Composition – bold colors, striking brush strokes and textures, interaction
• Content – in depth storytelling, stereotype blowing, media mixing, community building

If you would like to take part and meet new friends, you’ll visit East Central Community Ctr. 500 S. Stone Spokane WA for First Thur each month at10 AM coffee discussion.

IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME Stories of Survivors and Warriors.

EXHIBITION

This exhibit we’ll be House & display at the E. Central Community Ctr.  May.

This will be a traveling exhibit and can be made available for exhibitions at your gallery or institution. contact Robert Lloyd at rdlloyd@comcast.net

Photographs by Robert Lloyd

Video by Doug Dalton and DaShawn Bedford

Wendy Levy for The Alliance for Media Arts + Culture

A collaborative, interactive photography exhibition in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness month in Spokane, these photographs were created with local women survivors and warriors. We hope these images and stories raise awareness, engagement and political will, so all those still in risk may find safety and freedom.

A project of The Alliance for Media Arts + Culture, The Spokane Human Rights Commission, Community-Minded Television,The Jonah Project and Spokane Arts Supply

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I would like to thank all of those that are helping us to develop a database of African Americans involved in the Spokane and Inland Empire in the visual, performing, literary and media arts. 

Steve Pitters and I have been discussing how to bring about a change in mind-set infusing overall community opportunity for African Americans in the Arts in Spokane. The individuals listed here are being asked to consider the following ways they can enhance the cultural scene for each of us by doing the following:

• Develop a community who will commit to attend each others functions and events. This will help to ensure our visibility at these events.
• Use this list to notify us of our activities.
• Use this list to make others in the community aware of our activities.
• People in other cultures and communities in the United States and elsewhere insure the development and growth of talented individuals and businesses.
• We need to change the “me for myself” attitude. Spokane is small enough for us to be able to sustain and support the talents of those who wish to share it with others.

Send us your thoughts and calendars of events and let’s collaborate with each other in support of like-minded interests and events.

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