Black History Month is here, and we are thankful for the history that has brought us to this point. We are grateful for our ancestors and elders who have instilled wisdom through their words and actions. We sit in lament and grief for the injustices and painful points of the past and present that we continue to grapple with as a society.
These five songs are a tribute to Black History, our story. God is seen us through it all and the joy that comes from Him has never been absent, but has sustained our people and helped us survive.
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.”
THIS JOY (Written by Shirley Caesar, Performed by Resistance Revival Chorus)
Originally written and performed by Shirley Caesar, I found this version randomly on Spotify. The harmonies and strong vocals of the Resistance Revival Chorus are so engaging one can’t help but take a moment to reflect on the lyrics. Joy comes from God and is not something anyone can give us.
This cover was created during the pandemic in 2020, and I enjoyed seeing it performed online not too long ago.
2. KEEP YA HEAD UP
This classic track by Tupac Shakur still reigns true. Through his lyrics celebrating women, discussing the oppression of the Black community and political issues, this hip-hop artist creatively produced, along with his mother, Afeni Shakur, a ballad that would remain in history for generations to come.
Unfortunately, many of the issues he speaks to remain in existence today, but the tone of this anthem is hope.
3. I WISH I KNEW HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE
Nina Simone used her music to fight for justice. Her voice was revolutionary, and her words remain powerful. This song carries a hypothetical question as the narrator takes the chance to dream. Comparing herself to a bird, Nina shares the depths of the kind of freedom she desires.
It remains a current request as, unfortunately, physical and spiritual bondage is still commonplace in our world. While it is clear that God holds our hand and makes us free in Him, everyone deserves equality, civil rights, and respect.
I wish I could give all I'm longing to give
I wish I could live like I'm longing to live
I wish I could do all the things that I can do
Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew
Well, I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be if I found I could fly
Oh, I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea
And then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know
I'd know how it feels
I'd know how it feels to be free, yeah, yeah
Oh, I'd know how it feels
Yes, I'd know, I'd know how it feels
How it feels to be free, Lord, Lord, Lord, yeah
4. REDEMPTION SONG
In keeping with the theme of freedom, I want to mention another classic. Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” begs the inquiry:
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Many of these lyrics were influenced by a speech given by Marcus Garvey in Nova Scotia. I can’t help but think of the many civil rights leader, innocent Black men and women, and children who have lost their lives because of their ethnicity. There is no place for apathy or ignorance, especially from believers. Marley’s song encourages all listeners to continue to sing out for equality.
5. A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
This song is heavy and hopeful at the same time.
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin'
Ever since
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon' come
Oh, yes it will
The lyrics specifically discuss the Jim Crow laws that kept Black and white communities separate:
I go to the movie
And I go downtown
Somebody keep tellin' me "don't hang around"
Many of our parents currently can discuss moments of Jim Crow or racism from the 1960s and 1970s. I encourage you, the reader, to sit with your elders and hear these stories. Sit with them. Ask questions and learn from their experiences. Whether Black or white, everyone has been affected by the racism and prejudice that has infected this country (and beyond) for centuries. When we know our history, we are less likely to repeat past injustices.
All five artists were leaders in the march for freedom, justice, and equality. Nina Simone said, “It is an artist’s duty to reflect the times,” and each one of these songs has done that in some way over the past 50-plus years. They reflect the past and present times while empowering us to hope for a better future.