Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord
-Psalm 148: 12-13a
Nothing to see here.
Just a bunch of senior citizens gathering for their quarterly lunch after church…
and singing protest songs.
Pam Williamson, our worship accompanist, brought in a packet of justice songs. There were some familiar ones:
Lift ev’ry voice and sing
‘Til earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty.
-James Weldon Johnson/John Rosamond Johnson
There were new songs, too.
When I lift my voice, let it be in song,
A defiant note in the face of wrong.
-“I lift my voice by Andrea Ramsey)
Each song was designed for group singing. They were easy to learn, and perfect for marching (although we stayed seated).
The Justice Choir Songbook was created by Abbie Betinis, Ahmed Anzaldúa, and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, asking: Why don’t people sing protest songs anymore?
They collected more than 40 pieces of music, worked with Westminster Church in Minneapolis to produce it,
and made it entirely free.
It was both fun and uplifting to hear 100 Baby Boomers making some joyful noise together. (Actually, I’m GenX, and officially qualify now to be part of the group.)
But many of these folks lived through the turbulent 60’s. They experienced first-hand the power of protests–for civil rights, women’s rights, and an end to war.
The story doesn’t end there.
Pam is a high school music teacher. Every year, she teaches these songs to more than 120 different students.
She’s used this resource for 9 years.
The songs aren’t overtly religious. But they speak of justice. The release of captives. The power of resistance and voices united.
The kids love these songs. They frequently request to sing one as a warmup at the beginning of class. Students you wouldn’t expect to be interested ask for permission to take the booklet home to show others.
It gladdens my heart that hundreds of young adults have learned the value of lifting every voice. Young and old are drawn to this music. Together our songs become songs of justice and praise.
There are people of every age willing to help carry the burdens this world has placed upon us.
Even the ones
who can’t carry
a tune.
Have a great week,
Mitch
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