Ep 9, Civil Rights Movement Music

Ep 9, Civil Rights Movement Music

Author: Dr. Reiland Rabaka April 24, 2025 Duration: 53:03

"When the world would not listen to what we say, we sang." – Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this powerful episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and political roots of Civil Rights Music—from the sacred sounds of the Black church to the anthems that echoed through marches, protests, and mass meetings.

Drawing connections between gospel, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, and freedom songs, Dr. Rabaka illustrates how music served not only as inspiration but as a vital form of protest and communication when other means were denied. He highlights how artists like Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin helped craft a soundtrack of resistance—songs that gave voice to struggle, hope, and liberation.

And catch this episode airing next week on Radio 1190 KVCU—Thursdays at 7 a.m.

See show notes and playlist on our website.


Dr. Reiland Rabaka hosts The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, a series produced in collaboration with the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Each episode feels like a necessary gathering, a space where the rhythms of song, the lessons of the past, and the ongoing work of building a just society converge. You’ll hear dialogues that are both courageous and nuanced, moving beyond simple answers to examine how cultural expression and historical understanding fuel democratic engagement. This podcast is built on the conviction that art and critical thought are not separate from the fight for equity; they are its very heartbeat. Rabaka guides these explorations with a scholar’s depth and a listener’s curiosity, drawing connections between a protest anthem, a pivotal moment in history, and the contemporary struggle for racial justice. It’s an audio experience designed to provoke thought, deepen perspective, and remind us that learning itself is a form of action. Tune in for insightful reflections and powerful conversations that challenge, inspire, and underscore the interconnectedness of our cultural and political lives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

The Cause:  Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
Podcast Episodes
Ep 22: Beyond the Game: Voices from the Black Student Athlete Summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Reiland Rabaka is joined by DaWon Baker, CU Boulder's Associate Athletic Director for Impact & Strategic Engagement, along with three CU Boulder students and student-athletes who recent…
Episode 21: A Conversation with State Rep. Junie Joseph [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
In this episode of The Cause Podcast, Dr. Reiland Rabaka speaks with State Representative Junie Joseph, a dynamic legislator representing Colorado's District 10. Born in Haiti and now serving in the Colorado General Asse…
Ep 20: Global South [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:39
Episode Date: October 9, 2025 "The Global South is not just geography—it's a shared story of survival, solidarity, and hope." - Dr. Reiland Rabaka In this powerful episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, a…
Ep 19: Decolonization [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:04
Episode Date: September 25, 2025 "Decolonization is not simply political. It is also cultural and musical. We can decolonize our minds, our art, and our institutions as we imagine a world rooted in justice, peace, and lo…
Ep 18: Social Justice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:13
"Social justice is not charity, it's not something we give away when it's convenient—it's about transforming the very structures of society so that everyone can thrive." – Dr. Reiland Rabaka In Episode 18 of The Cause: C…
Ep 17: Food Justice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:11
In Episode 17 of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka turns his attention to the politics of the plate—food justice. This episode digs deep into how access to healthy, affordable…
Episode 16: Environmental Justice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:37
"Environmental justice is about more than saving the planet—it's about saving people, especially those who've been left out of the conversation for far too long." — Dr. Reiland Rabaka In this episode, Dr. Rabaka examines…
Ep 15: Radical Democracy: Power to the People! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:06
"When we talk about radical democracy, we're not talking about partisan politics—we're talking about people power. We're talking about reimagining democracy so it's not just something we vote for, but something we live e…
Ep 14, Pacifism & Peace Activism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
What does it really mean to fight for peace? In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the radical legacy of pacifism and nonviolent resistance in African A…