Peace in Motion Movie Night: Let Freedom Sing!

In honor of Black History month, we will be screening Let Freedom Sing, a documentary about how music inspired the Civil Rights Movement.

This documentary follows the development of the Civil Rights Movement and the music associated with it. The music of the 1960′s Civil Rights Movement inspired and encouraged its listeners, enabling them to stay strong in a time of struggle and turbulent change. The songs gradually transformed from spiritual to freedom songs; serving as a common thread that connected people across the country as they fought for change. The music motivated people in the darkest times and inspired them to persevere with hope and optimism. The effects of this movement are permanent and continue to resonate with a messages of equality and hope. Most of the songs that came out of this movement are widely recognized now– but the context and history of these songs is known only by a few. Let Freedom Sing sheds a light on the story behind these inspirational songs.

Here is a teaser clip from the film:

Some of the songs included in this documentary are “We Shall Overcome,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” “Free at Last,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “People Get Ready.”

Here is one of the songs that is featured in the film, “I Shall Not Be Moved,” by The Harmonizing Four:

Another song, feautred in the film is Billie Holiday’s song, “Strange Fruit”

 

It is going to me such an amazing film screening! I cannot wait! To find out more about the film screening, or to sign up for the class, click here.

 

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Rev. James Lawson Helps Us “Bridge the Divide”

Reverend James Lawson

Reverend James Lawson is one of the civil rights movement’s most important figures. His work was (and still is) so influential, Martin Luther King called Lawson the leading theorist of non-violence in the U.S. You can read more about the life of Rev. Lawson here.

I attended a talk by Reverend Lawson at Chapman University this week as a part of their “Bridging The Divide” speakers series. I was struck by both the passion and compassion of this man who has seen and experienced so much of this country as people have struggled for greater equality and rights for all people.

The main focus of his talk was about how we can bridge the divide between the world as it currently is and the vision of a world where all complexions, creeds, and cultures are celebrated. He was unshakable in his belief that all of us have the potential to discover the preciousness of the gift of life and the deep inner wellspring of our compassion.

Reverend Lawson mentioned three key ways for us to bridge the gap:

1. We must begin with ourselves. We must take responsibility for our personal, inner work and dismantle in our minds any idea that any other being is inferior. We can work to unlock a vision for a world of love and compassion.

2. We need to hold this vision of what our world can be in our minds – a society where no segment of the population is marginalized and all are loved and respected.

3. We can engage in non-violent action and behavior that can explode into movements of social change that result in justice and equality. Reverend Lawson spoke at length about the ability to create change that does not escalate wrong. Many non-violent social movements have illustrated this.

It was an inspiring evening listening to words from an inspiring and history changing man.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.