Each year as we enter Black history month, I enjoy teaching students about music that gave African and African American slaves the hope to believe that one day they would be free, allowed Black Americans to create a sound so loud that the government could no longer ignore their cries for justice, and that continues to raise awareness about issues of racial inequality. This year I am pleased to share with the community the song "We Need a Rescue" by Tarsha Patriz of Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a singer, pianist, songwriter, and worship leader from the Piedmont-Triad area who is passionate about raising awareness about racial injustice to bring about societal change. I had the honor of providing piano accompaniment for this song and being a part of a mission to cry out against racism and discrimination.
Music played an important role during the American civil rights movement and continues to play an integral role in challenging systemic racism and oppression. As music educators and musicians, we have the potential to teach tolerance and appreciation for diversity. As you think about Black history this month, do not just think about the past, but think about what you can do to create a more fair and equitable society so that we do not repeat the horrors of the past as a nation. By striving to ensure equality for all people, we can begin to write narratives of Black experiences in which African Americans not only survive in the world, but thrive, thus creating a new Black history. I want to personally thank Tarsha for writing a song that continues the legacy of Dr. King and the American civil rights movement so that we can continue to make progress toward equality for people of all races. You can hear the song in the video below.
