Gospel Music: Roots that Drive Social Justice

If it ‘ain’t sung, social justice can’t be won’. Can you think of any social justice movement without music? Why do 3 words, “We Shall Overcome”, put our emotions in a higher place? Gospel music is uniquely African-American in origin from lived experiences. Even Albert Einstein agreed and praised it. What is its secret power that tugs at the heart and soul to unite ALL people worldwide? This universal language of the divine is not value neutral. It transmits ways of thinking, being and behaving. Is it simply music, an effective organizing tool, or what? The roots of gospel music can be heard in the Blues, Rock, R&B, Motown, Rap, etc. Can gospel music help racial healing soar like the Movement of the ‘60’s? Join Eric Dozier, former Musical Director for the World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir and Director of Arts and Education for One Human Family Music Workshops, Inc., to decode how and why gospel music is a living story and endless gift of resilience, love, and hope for humankind.