Soundtrack of Change: Analyzing Music's Influence During the Civil Rights Era
This lesson explores how African American music empowered the Civil Rights Movement and continues to inspire change. Students will analyze songs like "We Shall Overcome" and modern tracks, learning how music unites and motivated people.
Mr. D
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What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. includedAssessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Emphasize how African American music has impacted civil rights historically and continues to do so today.
Lesson Plan: The Role of African American Music in Civil Rights
1. Introduction
Play "We Shall Overcome" as a powerful anthem of the Civil Rights Movement.
Briefly outline the lesson: Exploring how African American music has been a tool for empowerment, unity, and social change.
2. Historical Context
Spirituals and Gospel Roots: Explain how spirituals like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and gospel songs provided strength during slavery and inspired civil rights activists.
Freedom Songs: Discuss how traditional hymns were adapted into freedom songs, such as "We Shall Overcome" and "Eyes on the Prize," emphasizing their role in marches, rallies, and nonviolent resistance.
Jazz and Blues: Highlight how jazz (e.g., Duke Ellington) and blues (e.g., B.B. King) expressed resilience and challenged injustice during the movement.
3. Modern Impact (15 minutes)
Showcase contemporary artists who continue the legacy:
Kendrick Lamar ("Alright") addressing systemic racism.
Beyoncé ("Freedom") celebrating Black empowerment.
John Legend & Common ("Glory") connecting past struggles to current movements like Black Lives Matter.
Discuss how African American music remains central to modern civil rights activism.
4. Whole-Class Discussion
Guiding Questions:
How did music unify people during the Civil Rights Movement?
What emotions or messages do you feel when listening to these songs?
Can you think of other examples where music has inspired change?
5. Conclusion
Recap key points: African American music as a cultural force for justice and equality.
Assign reflection: Write about a song that inspires you or connects to civil rights today.
What's your teaching style?
Student-Centered: I will focus on encouraging students to think critically, ask questions, and engage with the material in a way that connects with their perspectives.
Interactive: I invite participation, through open questions, group discussions, or even short writing prompts.Learning Goals
Students will be able to identify contemporary African American artists and songs that continue to address civil rights issues and inspire social change.Students will be able to discuss how African American music has evolved yet remains a powerful force for social justice, connecting historical struggles to modern-day movements.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Here’s a summary of potential class content that may be upsetting or sensitive for some learners:
Racial Injustice and Oppression: Discussions about slavery, segregation, systemic racism, and the struggles faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement may evoke strong emotions.
Lyrics Addressing Violence and Brutality: Songs like "Mississippi Goddam" by Nina Simone or modern tracks like "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar reference racial violence, police brutality, and injustice, which could be distressing.
Historical Context of Protest Music: Exploring the pain and suffering that inspired freedom songs and spirituals (e.g., "We Shall Overcome") may touch on themes of trauma and resilience.
Pre-Requisites
n/a
Supply List
Learners do not need to purchase any material for this class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Primary Sources
Seeger, Pete. Where Have All the Flowers Gone: A Singer’s Stories, Songs, Seeds, Robberies. Sing Out Corporation, 1993.
Carmichael, Stokely, and Charles V. Hamilton. Black Power: The Politics of Liberation in America. Vintage, 1967.
Negro Protest Songs: A New Stage.” Time, vol. 81, no. 8, 21 Feb. 1963, pp. 60–61.
Contemporary article analyzing the rise of protest music within the civil rights movement.
SNCC Freedom Singers. We Shall Overcome. Smithsonian Folkways, 1963.
Album.
Secondary Sources
Ward, Brian. Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness, and Race Relations. University of California Press, 1998.
Denisoff, R. Serge. Songs of Protest, War, and Peace: A Bibliography and Discography. ABC-Clio, 1973.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I've been teaching for 10 years, and for the past few years, I’ve focused on teaching African American Studies. Over the years, I’ve taught this subject at the high school level in public schools, working with a diverse range of students. This experience has given me a strong ability to break down topics such as the Impact and Legacy of Hip-hop, the Harlem Renaissance, and the impact of Civil Rights music.
In addition, I’ve worked as a district curriculum writer for African American Studies, which has been incredibly beneficial to my teaching. It has deepened my understanding of the Texas standards for AAS and the curriculum writing process. I bring that knowledge back to my classroom, helping students to better grasp the concepts taught in this course.
When it comes to working with students, I’ve taught students ranging from ages 13 to 19. I’ve taught in traditional classrooms as well as in resource classes. My goal is to create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions, discussing challenging topics, taking ownership of their learning, and ultimately understanding that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.
I believe in making learning as relatable as possible and always strive to bring real-world connections to the content. With my experience teaching African American Studies, and my passion for teaching. I am confident in my ability to guide students on Outschool in analyzing music's influence during the Civil Rights Era in a way that is both educational and relevant.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$5
per classMeets once
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-10 learners per class
