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.

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

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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Anthony McPherson   Arvind Nandakumar   Asia Bryant-Wilkerson  Christopher Michael Damien McClendon  Ed Mabrey  Jahman Hill  Kenneth Something  Kofie Dadzie  Michael Harriot  RJ Walker  Rudy Francisco  Steven Willis  Yaw Kyeremateng

Read the story by local writer Sara Saybo on winner Arvind Nandakumar:

“A Real Cinderella Story”

MORE INFORMATION ON LOCAL SLAMS

President and CEO of The Jordan Davis Foundation, established in 2013 to provide education, travel opportunities, and support for America’s youth to increase their academic achievement and self-esteem.  Ron Davis was born in Harlem, moved to Atlanta in 1990 and to Jacksonville, FL in 2002. After his son Jordan’s untimely death November 23, 2013, which succeeded the death of Trayvon Martin, Ron Davis became a steadfast activist against the use of “stand your ground” laws to justify unjustified killings. He is a leader of the Black Lives Matter Movement and is on the planning committee for the US Human Rights Network.

In 2014, Mr Davis spoke at the United Nations Conference in Geneva, “prompting UN representatives to condemn policies of racial discrimination” against US people of color. In addition to responding to President Obama’s invitation to appear at the White House, Mr. Davis and Lucia McBath have shared their tragic story on such programs as CNN-Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Good Morning America, The View with Whoopi Goldberg and the Katie Couric Show.

In demand as a speaker, he has presented to police chiefs, law enforcement, and audiences who have been swept away by the HBO documentary 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets. This is the movie that captures the murder of his son Jordan and the trials that followed. He bristles when he hears the excuse from a very well-armed assailant that the shooter “feared for (his) life.”

Panel:

Phillip Tyler – President, NAACP Spokane Chapter

Judge Aimee Maurer – Spokane County District Court

Chief Craig Meidl – Spokane Police Department

Caleb Dawson Gonzaga University Student Body President & Act Six Scholar

Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez – Diversity Outreach, Associated Students of Eastern Washington University

Sponsored by: Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, Eastern Washington University, NAACP Spokane Chapter, The Law Office of D.C. Cronin, Center for Justice

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WHAT ISSUES need WORK to build the communities we want to live in?

How do we increase Spokane Diversity in a RESIST TRUMP MOVEMENT?

LET’S SET UP MORE Coffee Discussions on Social Justice. Locations? Times?

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There are now three First Thursday Coffee and Discussion groups meeting this Thursday March 1. 

• Original Group 10:00 am Rocket Market 726 E 43rd 
• First Thursday Evening at 6:30 pm Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
• Perry Street discussion usually held at The Shop at 10:00 am but this week being held at the organizer’s home so they can write letters to legislators as well as share resources and updates on what is happening. If you are interested in this group message Susan Hales on Facebook.

Possible discussion topics:

• President Trump’s State of the Union speech
• Youth Incarceration
• 13th The Movie
• Black Lunch Table
• Oscars: Moonlight/Hidden Figures/Fences
• Local Actions
• …….And anything else you have on your mind

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]]> https://4comculture.com/archives/9957/feed 0 9957 https://4comculture.com/archives/9680?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=black-lens-news-fundraiser https://4comculture.com/archives/9680#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:00:34 +0000 https://4comculture.com/?p=9680 Showing February 21 6 – 8 pm at the Magic Lantern Theater.  To buy tickets click here.