![]() In an interview about the song, the artist says Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” and its descriptions of survival and everyday violence inspired her. “The Killing Season”įolk singer Lizzie No released this song in 2017 in response to police brutality. Not long after, the flag was officially removed. One of the most famous protests took place in June 2015, when Bree Newsome scaled the flag pole and took down the flag. Despite protests regarding the Confederate flag’s prominent place, it would be another 20 years before it officially came down. ![]() The band is from South Carolina, so this song is very personal to its members. In contrast to the band’s upbeat singles, “Drowning” is more serious and addresses racism, specifically the Confederate flags that flew at the South Carolina State House. “Drowning” was the last single from Hootie & The Blowfish’s debut album. Written by: Mark Bryan/Darius Rucker/Jim Sonefeld | Performed by: Hootie & The Blowfish Its lyrics call for a collective understanding of humanity and that while there are still people oppressed and in pain, none of us are truly free. Solomon Burke, who is considered a major figure in soul and R&B music, performed the song often toward the end of his life. Written in 1993 and first performed by Ray Charles, Solomon Burke’s version of “None Of Us Are Free” in 2002 received more attention. Written by: Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil/Brenda Russell | Performed by: Solomon Burke “The ghost of Columbus haunts this world,” Chapman sings, “Cause you’re still conquering America.” #5. Her song “America,” which was released in 2005, is a striking indictment of the colonizers who arrived on American shores and the legacy that continues. Tracy Chapman is best known for her song “Fast Car,” but she’s continued writing and recording over the years. “Burning Are Burning” became a global sensation. Midnight Oil had a history of social justice music and after touring in remote Aboriginal communities, they wrote an album focused on land rights and what white Australians had done to Indigenous communities. This catchy song, which was the band’s only commercial worldwide hit, deals with land theft from the Indigenous people of Australia. Written by: Rob Hirst/Jim Moginie/Peter Garrett | Performed by: Midnight Oil Many versions and covers have been recorded, but Bob Marley’s acoustic track remains among the most enduring. The singer is reflecting on his own death and legacy. Adding to its poignancy is the fact that Bob Marley was ill with cancer when he recorded the song. One of its most famous lines “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” was taken from a 1937 speech by Marcus Garvey, a philosopher, activist, and Black nationalist born in Jamaica. “Redemption Song”Īrguably Bob Marley’s most famous song, “Redemption Song” is an anthem that addresses slavery and freedom. The song has been covered by many artists, including Nina Simone in 1965 during the Civil Rights movement. Without ever mentioning the word “lynching,” Meeropol’s song is still painfully clear and moving. Horrified by these murders, Jewish-American writer, teacher, and songwriter Abel Meeropol (under his pseudonym Lewis Allan) wrote the lyrics as a poem and later added music. The lynchings of Black people were common at that time. Written by: Abel Meeropol | Performed by: Billie Holidayįirst recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939, this haunting song was inspired by a photograph of a 1930 lynching where bodies hung like fruit from trees. Here are 15 powerful songs calling for an end to racism: #1. Through music, these artists raise awareness of racism, share their personal experiences and feelings, and advocate for change. ![]() Folk and gospel music played important roles during the American Civil Rights movement while the activism of modern bands like Pussy Riot is more famous than their music. Songs tell stories, inspire hope, and empower change. Music and activism have a long history together. ![]()
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