Every Movement needs a soundtrack. As you do what you can to resist the normalization and corruption of a Trump “presidency” and all that comes with it, let these #FreedomSongs from across the decades inspire you, motivate you, and urge you to get involved and make a change.
Compiled by Princess Gabbara and Andréa Butler
1. Freedom, Beyoncé
“Tryna rain, tryna rain on the thunder. Tell the storm I’m new.”
2. Changes, Tupac
“I see no changes. All I see is racist faces, misplaced hate makes disgrace to races.”
3. November 9, Willow Smith
“Baby girl, I know you’re tired. Don’t let your world put out your fire.”
4. Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud, James Brown
“Some people say we’ve got a lot of malice, some say it’s a lot of nerve. But I say we won’t quit movin’ until we get what we deserve.”
5. Need Freedom, Sierra McClain (Empire)
“Need freedom! The world gets brighter, keep on trying, keep on fighting for freedom!”
6. Young, Gifted and Black, Aretha Franklin (originally written/recorded by Nina Simone)
“When you’re feelin’ real low, there’s a great truth you should remember and know, that you’re young, gifted, and Black. You got your soul in tact. Oh, and that’s a fact.”
7. We Gotta Pray, Alicia Keys
“We’re extraordinary people, living an ordinary life. One extraordinary question: Are you gonna run or fight?”
8. A Change is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
“It’s been a long time comin’, but I know a change gon’ come.”
9. Black Rage, Lauryn Hill
“Black Rage is founded on draining and draining, threatening your freedom to stop your complaining.”
10. Rise Up, Andra Day
“We’ll rise up, high like the waves. We’ll rise up, in spite of the ache. We’ll rise up and we’ll do it a thousand times again.”
11. Powerful, Jussie Smollett and Alicia Keys
“We won’t just stand here in silence … This is an era for change.”
12. Glory, John Legend and Common
“The Movement is a rhythm to us, freedom is like religion to us … No one can win a war individually. It takes the wisdom of the elders, the young people’s energy.”
Main photo: cottonbro/Pexels
