How Does Music Affect The Civil Rights Movement

Music is akin to a time machine; it can bring back lost realities, and bring forward new imaginations. It can transport any individual to any time period; during the Civil Rights Movement when social warriors were fighting for justice, when the Black Power Movement was seeking self-sufficiency and equality, or when the Black Lives Matter Movement began fighting police brutality. Oftentimes, people are asked what role music plays in their life, and honestly, there is not simply one argumentation. Essentially, music is known as the “universal language” because it breaks the barrier of language. Even if the lyrics were incomprehensible, the simplistic melody and tone of the piece is enough to convey what the singer is trying to show. Furthermore, music has the power to unite people, even those who are dissimilar. People of all ages, ethnicities, origins, and

Akin to the Black Lives Matter Movement, Lamar addresses a myriad of problems associated with African Americans, from police brutality to domestic violence. This piece proves to be even more incredible because its chorus, “We gon’ be alright” (Kendrick), has been adopted by protestors as a new rallying cry. In the United States, people are chanting this small, but empowering phrase to rally against police harassment that is thrown against protestors or those of color. In fact, the title itself symbolizes a chant of hope. The clear message behind these lyrics signifies that through all the hardships and battles, it only takes one man to spread positivity and at the end of the day, no one is untouchable. When listening to this song, people are able to open their minds and witness the reality of racial injustice and inequality against black people, allowing them to understand what organizations such as the Black Lives Matter Movement is fueled