Stories Behind the Songs celebrates the transformative power of song. Throughout history, movements for social change have utilized the power of song to recount history and to inspire the people along their journey towards justice. Stories Behind the Songs brought singer/activists into the jail classroom to focus on social movements throughout the last and current century—including the Labor Movement, the Civil Rights Era, and contemporary struggles for racial and economic justice.
both these projects were brought into the jail and schools to each about the important social movements – I don't know how much we need to center it around the actual school projects – or just around the installation and exhibitions that we created.
Stories Behind the Songs: A Celebration of Music and Movement
BOTH projects were part of (community works) Making a Difference to celebrate diversity and promote a strong understanding of community in young people and adults today. Projects have included: The Long Walk to Freedom, honoring local unsung heroes of the civil rights movement, Rosie the Riveter, honoring women in the work place in WWII, If They Came for Me Today, looking at the Japanese American Internment through the eyes of those who were interned and impacted by the internment, The Legacy Continues, a look at youth activists today.
Each of the Making a Difference projects culminates with a professionally designed exhibit that reaches far beyond the initial classroom program. Many have traveled to museums and historical centers throughout California and the country. All end in local exhibits, panel discussions and forums that invite the greater community into dialogue.Stories Behind the Songs celebrates the transformative power of song. Throughout history, movements for social change have utilized the power of song to recount history and to inspire the people along their journey towards justice.
Stories Behind the Songs brought singer/activists into the jail classroom to focus on social movements throughout the last and current century—including the Labor Movement, the Civil Rights Era, and contemporary struggles for racial and economic justice. The visitors performed in the context of a US History class, enriching the curriculum and deepening students’ understanding of California history. The guests’ powerful songs served as a unique vehicle to spark the students’ enthusiasm, awakening their interest in historical topics.