The importance of music in the civil rights movement.

      2) What is Reed's argument about why music was so important to the Civil Rights movement? What are some of the specific roles it played in the movement? How does this relate or compare to your own experiences of the role of music in everyday life, or the relation of music to politics?

        Reed's primary view of music was used to help the black community fight off their oppression. Also so they can show of their emotions on how they felt at the time and to portray how they were treated to the people. Reed says "first the traditional gospel song and spirituals provided a  feeling of continuity over long periods of time. Another role that it played was instant historicizing,  which took old songs and re-mastered them and altered them. This would tell stories about the movement through music. Music became a big hit while protests, sit-ins were in progress so they can tell there stories out. For example at Albany they would start of  the meetings always with songs about freedom.
        I personally look at music as an inspiration. It helps me out every time, where ever I am or anytime I need it. The way it helps me out it sort of helps me escape reality, for those 4-5mins of the artist singing I feel free as if nothing can hurt or stop me. In a political aspect some politicians use certain songs to try and reach out towards a certain age group or towards a specific race. Politician would go to any cost to make an impact on a person so they can get their vote.