Through Music We Fight On
Music is a powerful tool. Through it, we can convey a number of emotions and deliver a message of resilience. The people of the #NotAgainSU movement, for instance, have been using music to boost the morale of the members during the sit-ins at the Barnes Center.
On Saturday night, there was an open mic where musicians such as @samtheminuteman performed in support of the movement. Additionally, Syracuse ACapella groups Groove Stand, Oy Capella, and Main Squeeze had their fall invitational concerts this weekend and dedicated their music to the protest. In the spirit of music helping promote positive change on campus, JERK magazine has compiled some amazing protest songs from history to fuel your resilient spirits.
We Shall Overcome - Pete Seeger
We shall overcome is the song that started it all. This song has been sung in many marches, protests, and sit-ins throughout history. It holds a timeless message about the resilience of people facing discrimination and shows the power that music has on the morale of any situation.
Only a Pawn in Their Game - Bob Dylan
This may be one of the most historically significant protest songs of all time. Bob Dylan performed this incredibly political song at none other than the March on Washington. The song’s message focuses on white ignorance and talks about how white America can become a “pawn” in the political “game” of a corrupt regime. Dylan is extremely blunt in his message, singing about how poor white America is too stupid to understand they are being used to keep down an entire race through bigoted messages, politicians, and police. Very poignant and still relevant in today’s society.
A Change is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
From the swelling strings of the intro, to Sam Cooke’s beautiful voice, “A Change Is Gonna Come” is one of the prettiest songs written during the civil rights era. The song is about Cooke’s journey through life and the racism he faced. Through protest, Cooke believed that segregation could eventually end, and the song’s hopeful message is still extremely powerful today: Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud. James Brown’s ode to black excellence is a great song in support of the fight for equality. Written during the beginning of the black power movement, James Brown’s message was that of power and self-determination.
Someday (August 29, 1968) - Chicago
Chicago’s famous “Someday” was written in response to the police brutality at an early Vietnam protest on August 29th, 1968. The students chanted “the whole world is watching” at the police as they beat protesters and threw them in riot vans. With the national coverage that the #NotAgainSU protest has gotten, it’s safe to say that the whole world may be watching us right now.
Alright - Kendrick Lamar
I’m sure most of us are familiar with Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright.” Written in response to police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Lamar wants people to know that through solidarity and protest, they’re going to be “Alright.” This song became the unofficial theme song for the Black Lives Matter movement and has been a staple of modern protests ever since. JERK Magazine is proud to stand in support of the NotagainSU movement and encourages everyone to fight for equality on campus whether it’s through the power of song, through peaceful protest, or any other means to help reach a positive conclusion.