Let’s sing a song for freedom this Juneteenth. Let’s lift every voice. Let’s celebrate our freedom of will, of mind, of spirit — our freedom to march on. We know that this march isn’t over, this fight isn’t won.
The past has taught us a thing or two about faith; the present has brought us, at last, some hope for tomorrow.
For me, music offers freedom. Freedom of expression — my way to rejoice and to mourn, to offer comfort, to call for change. This past year, music freed me to connect and communicate, even in isolation. Music echoes back to me the sorrows and struggles of our ancestors, and also their triumphs — every battle won, every bridge crossed, every burden lifted. Music brings back my own memories: of riding high on my father’s shoulders at a freedom march; of my parents’ hope and faith, the work they did so I could do mine. Music inspires me to keep going, to meet this new day that’s just begun, to greet the sun rising out of the darkness.
Here are some songs I’ve chosen to mark this day of remembrance, reflection, and rejoicing. I hope they give you courage and comfort, faith and hope.
