Oct 14 2010
Soundtrack for a Revolution
KPFK Fund Drive Day 8
This past Summer Fox News Shock Jock Glenn Beck horrified many when he held his so-called “Restoring Honor” rally on the anniversary of the historic March on Washington, co-opting the language and memory of the civil rights movement. Beck even spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood 47 years before and delivered the transformative “I Have A Dream ” speech. Beck’s egotistical exercise was made possible in large part because the history of the civil rights movement is being subsumed by the extremists of our day. We need a refresher course in the fight for civil rights. In a passionate retelling of history the new documentary film “Soundtrack for a Revolution” highlights the strategies and songs that made the civil rights movement a success against all odds. The documentary includes archival footage and new interviews with the ordinary folks who created extraordinary change. Central to “Soundtrack for a Revolution” is the music of that time. Freedom songs are remembered by those who were there and who sang them at sit-ins, on marches, in churches, and to keep them going through each difficult day.The film also includes exclusive performances of these revolutionary songs by some of the best musicians of our time, including John Legend, Angie Stone, and the The Roots. The documentary is the recipient of film festival awards and honors, as well as many award nominations including being shortlisted for the 2009 Academy Award for best Documentary Feature. In an interview about “Soundtrack for a Revolution”, civil rights activist and beloved entertainer Harry Belefonte said, “I don’t think our movement could’ve endured — I don’t think most movements could endure — if music isn’t playing such an essential role. Slavery, segregation, the continuing struggle of freedom: music is very key.”
Soundtrack for a Revolution was just released onto DVD September 27th, 2010.
Thank you Gift:
Soundtrack for a Revolution DVD – $120 pledge
Call us at 818-985-5735 (KPFK) or visit www.kpfk.org to make a pledge.
There will be a benefit event for the Highlander Research and Education Center next Saturday October 23rd from 2:30 to 5 pm in the afternoon at 939 San Vicente Blvd., Santa Monica, CA.
The event will honor Guy Carawan for his 50-plus years of service as a cultural worker with the Highlander Center. Guy Carawan is the man most responsible for making ‘We Shall Overcome’ the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. The Highlander Center is where Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. James Lawson and thousands of others studied and trained for non-violent civil disobedience.
Proceeds from the event go to Highlander’s “We Shall Overcome Fund,” which serves African-American grass roots cultural centers throughout the South.
The event is presented by Ash Grove Music and The Highlander Center, with the leadership and support of Highlander alum Rev. James M. Lawson, friend and co-worker of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and pastor Emeritus of Holman Methodist Church.
Featuring
Guy and Candie Carawan, Len Chandler, Ross Altman, The Get Lit Players, Betty Mae Fikes of the Freedom Singers, Bernie Pearl, and special surprise guests, plus S. Pearl Sharp, poet.
General tickets are available for $35, with larger donations encouraged. To purchase tickets and/or make a donation visit: www.highlandercenter.org
Call 310-391-5794 or call 865-933-3443, ext 226.
One Response to “Soundtrack for a Revolution”
Don’t forget to include the Senior Senator from Massachusetts voice as he cast his vote to increase the warfare into Iraq. Be for war, be for peace, but remember to be self-serving, first. Don’t forget that civilians are the lowest form of life and that they owe that military for every war it’s made on them.