Read the graphic memoir, “March”, book 1. Then answer the discussion prompts. The post needs 400 words.
This week, we begin reading about John Lewis and his life-long fight for civil rights. As I hope you know, he was instrumental in making important change, and he died this summer.
For this week’s discussion, you will respond to a question that covers material in the graphic memoir, March, book 1.
Be sure to quote the texts and include the authors’ names: Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell, and John Lewis and cite page numbers. Give specific examples to support your response.
PROMPT:
– What was the significance of the Freedom Songs to the Civil Rights Movement?
– Was singing this song a strategy to aid the movement? If it was, did it work?
Choose one specific song example, and quote specific lyrics as suggested in the book. Then explain when and how it was used.
– Are there similar songs being used in the marches for civil rights that we see today? If yes, what are they? If not, why do you think they are not being used?
Link of the book:
Answer
Graphic memoir, March, book 1
By: Essayicons.com
Prompt 1
Music and freedom songs played an essential role in the Civil Rights Movement experienced across the United States. The freedom songs served as a tool to unite the people of color in the movement. By singing the songs, they felt united. It played an essential role in inspiring and mobilizing the people in the movement. The song “you can take my freedom, oh yes, but you cannot take my dignity,” as depicted in the book, is an example of an inspiring freedom song (Lewis et al. pp. 14-15). The song was used to mobilized and inspire those who took part in the movement. The songs also gave people the courage to face their fears of white supremacy. Martin Luther King, Jr. regarded the songs as the soul of the movement. According to him, the songs gave people a sense of unity, courage, consolation and kept hope alive in their most trying time. Therefore, freedom songs played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Prompt 2
As demonstrated by Martin Luther King, the songs were the soul of the movement. Hence, singing the freedom songs was a strategy to achieving their civil rights through the movement. Most of the Civil Rights activists were faced with many challenges during the movements. Some were abused, arrested by the police, and even beaten down by the whites. Faced with various challenges, the songs were sung to motivate, inspire and mobilize them to keep their fire burning. The song, “We shall overcome someday, we shall all be free someday,” was sung by the Civil Rights activist when they were arrested and transported to jail (Lewis et al. pp. 103-105). The song gave them hope for a brighter future despite their hardships, hence encouraging them not to give up. The song has a positive impact on the movement. Sooner, most people started joining the movement, and there were changes in civil rights in America.
Prompt 3
Although there have been changes in civil rights, some black people are still experiencing injustices from the white government. Previous events in America, like the shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Trayvon Martin, have laid the foundation for a new protest known as Black Lives Matter. Famous African American artists have begun recording songs aimed towards the movement (Jones p.3). An excellent example of the music is Beyoncé’s Black Parade song. She released the song after declaring a new initiative to support black people’s business. It contains strong lyrics on black history, police brutality, and the murder of George Floyd. The song “Put your fist up in the air, show black love” is a reference to black people. Like in the previous civil rights, the current songs also provide consolation, inspiration, motivation, and mobilization to those who champion civil rights.