We Shall Overcome

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Protest Song Research Essay: We Shall Overcome

“We shall overcome!” shouted the Civil Rights Movement activists. This quote was their unofficial anthem, and a repetitive theme during the mid 1950’s to late 1960’s. At a time of hopelessness and oppression, the African American community in Birmingham, Alabama linked arms and prayed for a brighter future. As fellow brothers and sisters they marched, protested and endured police brutality for one cause: freedom. As their leader, Martin Luther King Jr. led a profound movement that changed American history. The meaning behind “We Shall Overcome” is what the African Americans strived for during the Civil Rights Movement…equality and justice.

Peter “Pete” Seeger was an American Folk musician during the 1940’s and was known for his folk group with Woody Guthrie, the Almanac Singers. The Almanac Singers recorded songs about empowerment such as social justice, workers’ rights, and peace. Their band came to a halt when Seeger was drafted in 1942, however that did not stop him from producing music. In 1947, Seeger formed a new band called the Weavers, with Lee Hays, Fred Hellerman, and Ronnie Gilbert. In 1955, due to the rise of McCarthyism, Seeger was subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Seeger was accused of having affiliation with Communism and when questioned he refused to plead the Fifth Amendment and name personal and political associations on the grounds that this would violate his First Amendment rights. Seeger's refusal to testify led to the 1957 indictment for contempt of Congress. He was convicted in a jury trial of contempt of court in March 1961, and sentenced to ten years in jail, but in May 1962 an appeals court ruled the indictmen...

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...finitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 03 Feb. 2012. .

"1971- Independence War of Bangladesh." Bangla2000 - The Largest Portal of Bangladesh. Bangla2000. Web. 03 Feb. 2012. .

"Lyrics, We Shall Overcome Lyrics." SoundTrack Lyrics Source #1. Any Movie, Musical, TV, Cartoon! St. Lyrics. Web. 03 Feb. 2012. .

"“We Are the Many,” by Makana (w/ Lyrics and Chords)." A Civil American Debate. World Press, 14 Nov. 2011. Web. 03 Feb. 2012. .

"We Shall Overcome - Lyrical Legacy (Library of Congress)." Library of Congress Home. Web. 03 Feb. 2012. .

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