It was a rather cool January day in Memphis, Tennessee back in 2018. I was visiting with my family and our friends for the Liberty Bowl game as Iowa State took on, and defeated, the Memphis Tigers. During our visit we had to make a few historic stops and first on our list was the Lorraine Motel.
Iconic because of the extremely disheartening events that took place, the Lorraine Motel has re-established itself to commemorate the man that lost his life fighting for what he believed in. Today it stands as a Civil Rights Museum recognizing the efforts and honoring all the brave leaders that fought for their rights to live as free people under one nation. Their influence on our modern cultural is truly remarkable but is sometimes over-looked.
I wanted to reflect on my time at the Lorraine Motel as we celebrate the man that had dream, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Brief History
The Civil Rights movement was most influential from in the 1950’s & 60’s. During this time riots, violence, and assassinations were seen and experienced all across the country. Activists from all genders, ages, and races came together to speak out against the racist system that governed our nation. The movement changed the conversation to include everyone and to exclude the ‘terms and conditions’ that were set in place from the Jim Crow Laws.
To really understand the movement, you must recount historical moments, people, and politics that shaped America then, into what it is today. There are so many great documentaries, books, and museums that do an accurate re-account of history that is both moving and chilling. One of the most over-looked but I believe to be one of the most influential ways to understanding the Civil Rights movement, is through the art and music that shaped the people that fought for a better America and ultimately, a freer one for all.
Advocates for art and creative expression
Art and music influences our culture more than most people like to give it create for. During the 60’s this became especially true. Artist were discredited or often overlooked because of the color of their skin. But if there is one thing you can’t silence, it is a powerful movement. Like a tidal wave or an earthquake, the Civil Rights Movement tore down White American Culture and rebuilt a culture for all Americans.
Majority of people listen, or have listened, to music at one point in their lives. We tend to build strong connections to certain genres. Some of these relationships with songs are so strong that when we hear a particular one, it sends us back in time and we feel as we did the first time that song spoke to our soul.
Martin Luther King Jr. said that “jazz speaks for life. The blues tell the story of life’s difficulties — and, if you think for a moment, you realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. This is triumphant music.”
That is what music became in the 1960’s. It became a battle cry for many and it was a way for people to express themselves. Music and art began to take on a new role of influence as activism became the driving factor for its creations. Influences from popular artists at the time were:
Benny Andrews (American, 1930–2006)
Emma Amos (American, born 1938)
Jacob Lawrence (American, 1917–2000)
It was the first that art and activism became one. Creatives from all genders, ages, and races came together to artistically fight for their right for freedom. This is now seen everyday on social media feeds. We see artist work together to raise money for causes they believe in or spread their message of awareness and hope.
Because of the artists bravery in the 1960’s we now have a new freedom of expression that advocates for basic human rights and freedom.
How we can honor African and African-American culture everyday
It is now our job to carry on the legacy of the brave and talented artists that have gone before us and have shaped our culture for the better. Honor those who rightful own the rights to the pieces original work. That means support the original songs instead of the songs appropriated by someone without the consent of the original artist. Support Black artists. Listen to their music, appreciate their art, and give them the credit they deserve.
Take time to educate yourself on the racial inequalities that have, and still, plague our ‘system’. Expose yourself to other cultures, but respect that their culture is not a trend. It is a way of living and should be acknowledged as such.
MLK day is a day to honor the man that became a voice for the voiceless, speaking of peace, prosperity, and equality for all no matter the color of their skin. This is also a day to remember and celebrate every man, woman, and child that fought for their rights to be free. To truly understand the impact of art and music on the Civil Rights Movement and its influence into today, you must experience the art and music yourself. Below is a link to a playlist of some of the popular songs during the 1960’s from a variety of talented African-American artists. I have also added resource links to documentaries, museums, and literature that you should continue your education of the Civil Rights Movement with.
Music:
Respect, Love, and Change | Playlist on Spotify
Museums:
The National Civil Rights Museum
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
The National Center For Civil and Human Rights
Birmingham Civil Rights Museum
Additional Information
Must see documentaries on the civil rights movement.
Must read literature on the civil rights movement.