Music of the Movements
Music has been a focal point of Black excellence, joy, and resilience for centuries. The influence of Black artists and musicians can be seen throughout all of American history, from the days of enslavement to the contemporary rhythms of protest and celebration. These songs and sounds continue to be the anthems of a movement that affirm Black voices and experiences. In Abeng, we celebrate this by telling the history of music that shaped movements, embracing the significance of the Black national anthem, and celebrating the poignant lyrics that capture the essence of resilience, unity, and justice.
Story Excerpt
For enslaved African Americans, singing served many purposes, such as providing a repetitive rhythm for manual work, inspiration and motivation, as well as solidarity with one another. Songs were also a way to orally preserve stories and memories because enslaved people were forbidden to read and write. On the Underground Railroad, coded songs like Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Follow the Drinking Gourd, and Wade in the Water were used to give directions on how to escape to freedom. Similarly, in Caribbean Maroon communities, the Abeng was used not only as a musical instrument, but to communicate complex messages across great distances, without the enemy being able to decipher.
Songs of solidarity and resistance were sung throughout the 1800s and were often referred to as spirituals or folk music. Most spirituals contained elements of Christianity, but many held a double meaning as a cry for emancipation. One such spiritual song – Go Down Moses, sometimes referred to as Let My People Go – was very popular before and during the Civil War, reminiscent of the biblical story of Exodus.
The emergence of Rhythm & Blues (R&B) music is often associated with the migration of African Americans from the rural South to cities between 1919-1960. R&B made way for many other forms of music, such as Rock & Roll. Even today, recognition is not often given to the Black and African American community for the impact they had and continue to have on music and pop culture. During this period, music reflected the urban environments in which it was created, with amplified sounds, social concerns, and cultural pride.
Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, music and singing was often a way to raise spirits and show solidarity. At its release in 1900, Charles Albert Tindley’s gospel I’ll Overcome Some Day became a well known song of the Civil Rights Movement; We Shall Overcome was sung at the March on Washington, the March from Selma to Montgomery, and other demonstrations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. even acknowledged that he didn’t see the real meaning of the movement until he saw young people singing in the face of hostility.
To continue reading, please visit the Abeng Minority Culture Lounge Curriculum page.