From “Living for the City” to “This Is America”: The Power of Black Protest Music Then and Now
I'm fresh off listening to “The Wonder of Stevie,” a seven-part podcast on Audible, and and reflecting on the impact of Stevie Wonder’s music socially, politically, and culturally. Stevie Wonder has not only set a powerful precedent for political musicians, but he continues to speak out against social and political injustices through his music and commentary.
Wonder’s recent 11-city tour, “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart,” in the final weeks before the presidential election, stands as one of the most impactful political statements an artist can make. Nearly 60 years into his career, Stevie Wonder's music has epitomized protest, shaping political and social discourse not just within the Black community, but for music lovers everywhere.
“The Wonder of Stevie” guides listeners through an in-depth exploration of what is often hailed as Wonder’s “classic period,” from 1972 to 1976, when he released five groundbreaking albums that transformed American music. These albums not only cemented Wonder's status as a global icon in the entertainment industry, but also marked the first time he used his voice to speak out against societal injustices faced by Black communities, with many of his songs labeled as "protest music." Wonder and other artists during his era paved the way for today’s entertainers to use music as a tool for protest and support.
Contemporary Protest Music
The year was 2007. Cable news stations had just called the election in favor of a Black representing Illinois in the U.S. Senate. The nation had officially elected its first Black president. As I rode through the streets of Washington, D.C., taking in the city's celebration, there was a sound I couldn’t escape. The sound of joy, laughter, and excitement was the baseline to the soundtrack of Jeezy’s “My President is Black,” which echoed through car stereos throughout the District. Although comparing an elected official’s race to the color of Lamborghini may not be the most appropriate way to discuss one’s political affiliations, the lyrics represented *our* generation’s version of protest music. It’s how we choose to express ourselves. Void of respectability politics and polished language, contemporary protest music bridges the connection between social issues and the extravagant lifestyle of hip-hop culture.
Music like Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” and songs like "Alright" became anthems during the Black Lives Matter movement and subsequently serve as an official record of the Black experience in the 21st Century. Music isn’t the only political statement made by artists. Childish Gambino’s "This Is America" video used vivid imagery and symbolism to critique violence and systemic racism.
Protest music continues to galvanize voters, particularly Black voters, in the face of political challenges. It helps speak the truth about the power and its legacy, is critical in engagement and awareness in today’s political climate. It can shape the narrative around social issues like police reform, voting rights and racial justice. So, the next time you listen to your favorite protest song, consider the deeper impact of an artist risking backlash or cancellation to stand up for the causes they believe in.
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