How Does Music Affect The Civil Rights Movement?

“One of the most visible facets of black culture to take center stage during the Civil Rights campaign was its music. Spirituals and popular gospel hymns were refashioned into rallying cries and calls to action....during organizational meetings and rallies these modified church songs were sung to encourage, embolden, and unite African-Americans, in their struggle for freedom and equality.” (Johnson 2008, p. 133-134). The African-American Civil Rights Movement was a goal to end racial segregation and prejudice against African-Americans by use of non-violent and violent, protests and demonstrations. The movement took place during 1950’s-1960’s (West's Encyclopedia of American Law, 2005). In American culture and society, racism and segregation
The Freedom Singers songs conveyed such powerful messages of freedom and change they became the anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, their songs influenced the the African-American community to stand up for what they believe in, never to break under pressure, and if necessary fight for freedom. (Rose, 2007). In a 2013 public service announcement, Freedom Singer Rutha Mae Harris, talked about music's effects on the African-American community during the Civil Rights Movement. “ Most of the songs from the movement were taken from spirituals, gospels, rhythm and blues. Whenever there was a march to be taken place, there were songs that we would use to motivate the people to get into line, we were organized to tell the story of the struggle. Songs of the movement gave you energy, a willingness and a wantingness to want to be free, without the music their wouldnt of been a movement.(AARP, Harris,