Every social movement I can think of has music associated with it. The Chartist movement to build political and economic power in the working class emerged in the 1830 and 1840s in Britain. The Chartist Hymnbook published in 1845 had sixteen hymns, some of which are still in the folk music tradition.
“Bread and Roses” was both a slogan for suffragists and women’s labor in the early 1900s. In our U.U. hymn book, hymn #109 “As We Go Marching, Marching” is also known by the title “Bread and Roses.”
“Bella Ciao” became popular after World War II as an anti-facist song dedicated to the members of the Italian resistance. Though it is probably the most well known song referring to that era, it is certainly not the only one.
Labor movements have many songs, and songs that are associated with a struggle in one part of the world may be borrowed by people facing similar struggles elsewhere.
Music of the American Civil Rights Movement had music from several different sources. Spirituals from the Civil war era (perhaps older) were part of the movement, particularly those that were encouraging and about longing for freedom. One can imagine that on the Selma to Mongomery marches, about 53 miles, that the encouragement of “walk together children, don’t you get weary” would have been welcome and needed (If you missed our choir singing this invigorating piece, go find the webcast for January 18).
The history of “We Shall Overcome” is a perfect example of how folk songs go where they want and evolve as they may. What began as a hymn by a Black minister morphed into a labor strike song, which was picked up by someone at the Highland School who trained union leaders, where it was picked up by several activist musicians who were mostly white. It became the most recognized song of the Civil Rights Movement, and eventually found its way to South Africa in the Anti-apartheid movement. This Sunday, we will sing an Anti-apartheid song from South Africa that has made its way to the United States, “Courage, My Friend.”
The 1950s and 1960s had an element that had not been available to previous movements – television and radio. Popular music was now part of the movement. Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” was released in 1964. The folk music revival of the 1960s had a decidedly progressive political message. Though most people wouldn’t immediately associate James Brown with the Civil Rights Movement, “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” released in 1968 was immediately an anthem of self-esteem and cultural pride.
I also recommend to you the documentary “The Night James Brown Saved Boston.” In the days following Dr. King’s assasination, grief and anger spilled over into violence in several cities. James Brown was scheduled to give a concert in Boston. City leaders decided that it should be televised, and Brown agreed. Because many people stayed home to watch the concert, Boston did not experience the unrest that was feared, and some emotional catharsis was found through music.
Some of you may have seen videos from Minnesota of people using songs at demonstrations, neighborhood patrols, or in front of hotels where ICE is staying. Singing Resistance is the group that has organized these actions in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They have now put together resources for activists in other parts of the country to learn from what they are doing. I’m putting together a group to organize Singing Resistance Raleigh. At the Saturday Social on March 14, I will teach songs from Singing Resistance to all who want to learn, and I’ll have information on how people can get involved. We are joining a long tradition!
-Jean Marie Whaley, Music Director
