We Teach Youth Social Justice Through The Power of Socially Conscious Music

Socially conscious music has always been a part of American culture, with lyrics demanding respect, justice, and equality and messages that inspire listeners to advocate for causes they believe in, ranging from civil rights and the cost of war to gender equality and climate change. The sixties gave rise to ‘socially conscious’ music, with Folk, Rock, and Soul music functioning as strategies to change social policy, fight social injustice, foster community, and drive mass social movements. Hip-Hop has always been about social justice, giving voice to socio-political issues and racial injustice. Learning about our nation’s history through the eyes of poets and songwriters who expressed their anger and frustration and fought back with songs can help students understand how history shapes people’s lives and the possibility that young people can make a difference in history.