ACRB Content Writers Club
Lauren McCall
Music of Protest
Music has always been a creative way to draw people closer and to help get a message across. From We Shall Overcome to James Brown’s I’m Black and I’m Proud, from Lift Every Voice and Sing to Public Enemy’s Fight the Power, music has always been a powerful tool bringing attention to issues going on in the country.
Following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others, music and chants have been a driving force for protests and marches. Music is a way to express the sadness, anger, and frustration people feel during this time. Since the recent events going on across our country, artists like Beyonce have created songs including Black Parade, the Chicks March March, Keedron Bryant’s I’m a Young Black Man, Teejayx6 Black Lives Matter along with many others.
During this time, it is so important to lean into your individual creativity. Whether it is creating music, visual arts, writing poetry, creativity in organizing protests, or the drive to figure out ways to further help build community, now is the time to create your protest song, and let it be part of the great tapestry of music and action that has come before us and continues even today. Take time to hear and see the great music and art work that is out there and be inspired.
Lauren M. is a music professional in the Atlanta area.