Powerful Anti-racist Songs in 2020

Music is a powerful tool that stimulates emotions and intelligence. Music influences people of all ages and backgrounds and plays an enormous part in the lives of almost everyone. So it is no wonder due to the power of music, that artists have used their musical and songwriting talent to bring about awareness to the ongoing racial injustice that lives in America.

We're all familiar by now* with Childish Gambino's song, "This Is America," that came out in 2018. Donald Glover creatively through both lyrics, the mood of the music, and scenes in the music video, painted a picture of many issues in modern America. Although the music video can be interpreted many ways, one way in which "This is America," sheds a light on racism particularly, is during the choir scene. In the scene a choir of ten members is gunned down (one surviving) in an African American church, resembling the 2015 shooting in Charleston, South Carolina by the self-proclaimed white supremacist.

Just as Donald Glover clearly painted pictures to reveal social issues in America, other artists in 2020 have released songs and music videos that speak directly to racism and can be used to protest and bring awareness to racism.

Here are a few anti-racist songs released in 2020, that should bring about emotional unrest and inspire social change:

"Sweeter" by Leon Bridges This song's calm sound and meaningful lyrics speak directly to the heart. The meaningful lyrics coupled with the personal music video style where Leon Bridges seemingly looks directly into the eyes of viewers, evokes strong feelings. It is almost a plea for change as the lyrics say,

"Hoping for a life more sweeter , Instead I'm just a story repeating . Why do I fear with skin dark as night? "

"...Did the words of the King disappear in the air , like a butterfly? Somebody should hand you a felony , 'Cause you stole from me my chance to be."

"Black Like Me" by Mickey Guyton Through a more melancholy country sound, this song brings the tear-jerking reality that from young children on the playground to grown adults, people of color in America have a hard life simply because of their skin color.

"It's a hard life on easy street , just white painted picket fences far as you can see. If you think we live in the land of the free , you should try to be black like me."

The Bigger Picture by Lil Baby This song is real, honest, and packed full of history in the making. Though rap, Lil Baby shares his heart in almost a rant-like way. He is very clear about the reason for all the protests and specifically references George Floyd, how protesters have been shot with rubber bullets, and claims he is going on the "front line" aka protesting for justice.

"I find it crazy the police'll shoot you and know that you dead, but still tell you to freeze . F***** up, I seen what I seen . I guess that mean hold him down if he say he can't breathe. It's too many mothers that's grieving, they killing us for no reason. Been going on for too long to get even"

The chorus of the song that repeats, calls everyone together to spark change and inspire justice. Because we are all better together.

"It's bigger than black and white , it's a problem with the whole way of life . It can't change overnight . but we gotta start somewhere . Might as well gon' 'head start here . We done had a hell of a year , I'ma make it count while I'm here, God is the only man I fear."

I Can't Breathe by H.E.R. This music video is one to sit and watch and carefully listen. In black and white, with a slow and steady beat, names of those who have been killed unjustly appear between scenes of protesting. The lyrics expose "American pride:"

"It's justifying a genocide, romanticizing the theft and bloodshed, that made America the land of the free . To take a black life, land of the free. To bring a gun to a peaceful fight for civil rights . You are desensitized to pulling triggers on innocent lives"

From the start of this song, the lyrics should cause a listener pain and a desire to do something.

"Started a war screaming 'Peace' at the same time . All the corruption, injustice, the same crimes . Always a problem if we do or don't fight . And we die, we don't have the same rights . What is a gun to a man that surrenders? What's it gonna take for someone to defend us? If we all agree that we're equal as people , then why can't we see what is evil?

I can't breathe

You're taking my life from me

I can't breathe

Will anyone fight for me?"

These songs are rightfully thought-provoking and with the intention from the artists of being so. Each musical artist is desiring social change and racial justice and is inviting their audience to do something as well. It is one thing to not be racist, yet another to actively be anti-racist. And so, with the inspiration from these songs and if you have not already, will you join the fight?

I appreciate you taking time to read this. If you liked what you read please take a moment to like and share with friends and family. Also be sure to check out my profile to see more topics I've written on and if you're feeling generous my tips are always open. Thank you!

*If you're not familiar with this song, check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY