BACK TO BLACK
Fighting inequity, bias and discrimination requires strength, patience and passion. This concept is rooted in the African American tradition of faith, high expectation and perseverance.
These traditions are intertwined and true to the spirit of resilience. The idea of faith, the notion that we believe when no one else believes; that we keep believing even when it looks bleak; that is the resiliency exemplified in the African American experience. Faith/spirituality might not be organized religion; it is not a denominational system of belief. Faith (or faith-based) and spirituality are not necessarily synonymous. Spirituality is that core of hope and belief, coupled with concern and compassion that impels Individuals, institutions and governments to advance policies, principles, concepts that Will benefit every individual regardless of his or her station in life.
The Songs that defined the Civil Rights Movement and the role they played during that era and into modern day society, demonstrate the impact of the African American culture. The songs encompassed not only a call to justice but also a core of spirituality, a belief that in spite of the sufferings endured by a people, right and justice would prevail.
The “Freedom Songs” focused on a present hope, the incorporation of that hope into daily intentional actions and decisions on the part of the “believer/ dreamer” that would eventually overcome any and all institutionalized oppression and repression. If you doubt that it can be attained, then you can’t support others in the journey. You cannot hide your heart, the hope and passion are felt in the words and through the songs. From call and response to Negro spirituals, the impact is undeniable, attend any rally and you will hear the ancestors, and if you’re lucky you will feel their presence.
The evolution of music in the black freedom struggle reflects the evolution of the movement itself. Calling songs ‘‘the soul of the movement,’’ King explained in his 1964 book Why We Can’t Wait that civil rights activists ‘‘sing the freedom songs today for the same reason the slaves sang them, because we too are in bondage and the songs add hope to our determination that ‘We shall overcome, Black and white together, We shall overcome someday’’’ (King, Why, 86). The songs, the movement, the experience, all highlight the need to believe, to have faith and to persevere.
Those who dare to make their dreams a reality are creative, courageous and critical! Artists and activists speak, write, draw, sing and document through photography and film; their work can encourage action and offer hope. These become tools for dreamers, helping us believe, strengthening our faith and changing the world.
From the beginning slavery elevated the creativity of oppressed people. Slaves were innovative and proactive in sharing and Achieving dreams, using songs to organize and hide secret plans for escape in plain site; providing a space to imagine a better day or just live through the pain of right now. Art has served to motivate and inspire and offer glimpses of a dream realized.
Being vulnerable and at risk is how dreamers live. Their courageous acts pave the way for rebellion and resistance. They allow communities to challenge the reality forced upon them and their families; while also providing strength and courage to deal with reality.
Dreamers must be critical of reality and look beyond what is and develop relationships and find allies who help define and achieve the desired impact. Being honest and critical of systems that would deny the dream is imperative. It’s not merely a thought, it should be a call to action: something to build on or to destroy. If you doubt that it can be attained, then you can’t support others in the journey. You cannot hide your heart. It is about giving not getting.