24. The power of music in racial justice and cultural expression. 

1. What are your initial thoughts and feelings after reviewing the materials? What surprised you, and what new insights did you gain about the role of music in racial justice?
2. What songs in the list are familiar to you? Listen carefully to the lyrics of each. How do these songs express the thoughts, emotions, and struggles related to racial and social justice? Reflect on how music has been used to voice the collective experiences of Black communities, both historically and in contemporary movements.
3. Consider the powerful message in Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” The song highlights racial tensions, police-community relations, and social issues like climate change. Reflect on how the lyrics, “What’s going on?” and “There’s too many of you crying… there’s far too many of you dying,” resonate in today’s world, especially in light of events like the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. How do these lyrics connect to the current social justice movements?
4. Review your own personal music playlist. Which of the songs from the list would fit into your playlist? How can these songs deepen your understanding of racial justice and contribute to your ongoing advocacy? Consider how you can integrate more socially conscious music into your daily life and support artists whose work challenges racial and social injustices.
5. Reflect on the statement, “What would America be like if we loved Black people as much as we love Black culture?” What do you think this statement reveals about the commodification of Black culture versus the dehumanization of Black people? How can we shift the narrative to embrace both the culture and the people who create it?

Music has always been a powerful vehicle for cultural expression and social justice, particularly in the context of racial movements. The materials in this module highlight how music reflects both the struggles of the past and the ongoing fight for equality, serving as both a historical record and a call to action. As you move forward, think about how music can serve as a tool not just for inspiration, but for creating deeper connections to the cause. Consider how you can use the power of music to advocate for racial justice, challenge societal norms, and participate in meaningful discussions about race and culture. Music has the potential to unite, educate, and mobilize; how will you harness its power in your own efforts toward change?