Author: Sarah Arzberger

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Queen of Soul Fights for Civil Rights – First Draft

Sarah Arzberger

The legendary Aretha Franklin was born March 25th, 1942 in Detroit Michigan. She is best known as the Queen of Soul. Some of her accomplishments are 18 Grammys, the first woman in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 73 songs that charted in the Hot 100 (a record that lasted 40 years), her voice was deemed to be a natural resource and was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. But not only was Aretha a music icon, but she also used her talent and platform to help fight in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr.Bernice King called Franklin a “Shining example, of how to use art to support social change.” It’s not a surprise that she would become involved with the Civil Rights Movement because her father Clarence LaVaughn Franklin was close friends with Martin Luther King and was the one who orchestrated the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom which is the second-largest demonstration for civil rights in the US. As a teenager, Aretha would sing in the choir at her father’s Church and at 14 she released her first gospel album. At the age of 16, she went on tour with Martin Luther King which she would sing Gospel Music. It wasn’t until the 1960s when she was 18 did she transition from sacred to secular music with her father’s blessing. It wasn’t long after that she started producing hit after hit. 

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T,  find out what it means to me” is A classic, a hit, an anthem, and one of the most well-known songs on the planet. Respect by Aretha Franklin is a song where you read the lyrics and the tune starts to play in your head. For me, I know the song Respect as the song that taught me how to spell the word respect but it’s actually an anthem for the racial and gendered political movement. The song was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965 but had a completely different meaning. The meaning of the song was from a male perspective. Otis sings about how he should have respect from his women when he returns home after a long day at work. He uses names like a little girl, baby, and honey. And mentions how all the money goes to her but there is no respect. Aretha then takes Otis’ song and turns it upside down. She said “Well, I just love it. Of course, that became a mantra for the civil rights movement. ‘Respect’ is just basic to everyone: everybody wants it […] Everybody wants and needs respect. It’s basic to mankind. Perhaps what people could not say, the record said it for them.” In 1967 Respect became an anthem of the Civil Rights campaign and Feminist Movement. In 2016 Aretha told Elle Magazine “she was stunned by its success and it was the right song at the right time.” One thing I found fascinating was it didn’t matter how famous Aretha became she never lost sight of her sense of activism. It was in her contract to never play to a segregated audience. Not only did her music shine a ray of light on the Civil Rights Movement but also helped with musicians seeking royalties. The New York Times article “ How Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’ Became a Battle Cry for Musicians Seeking Royalties”, states that “In recent years, “Respect” has also become a battle song in a fight over digital rights. Laws passed in the 1990s let performing artists collect royalties from internet and satellite radio, but songs were exempt if they were recorded before a change in federal copyright law took effect in 1972.” This is just a prime example that Aretha Franklin not only helped during her time but her music, later on, got to help other musicians obtain royalties for their music. 

Besides writing amazing hits and anthems, Aretha helped support the Civil Rights Movement in other ways. She played and held free concerts, paid for many Civil Rights tours and campaigns while Martin Luther King jr was alive, and housed activists and helped them fundraise. Many would say that she was not just an entertainer but an inspiration. According to Quartz web article “When Aretha Franklin Offered to Post bail for Angela Davis” states “reporting her intention to post bail for the black power activist Angela Davis, who was being held in prison in connection with the escape attempt of prisoners from a California courtroom, in which several people were killed. (She would eventually be acquitted.) At a time when Davis was called a “dangerous terrorist” by President Richard Nixon, Franklin didn’t hesitate to risk her reputation and money to support the now-legendary civil rights activist.” Whether it was $100,000 or $250,000 Aretha Franklin did not care and just wanted to do what was right despite what others would think, especially her father. Aretha said My daddy (Detroit’s Rev. C.L.Franklin) says I don’t know what I’m doing. Well, I respect him, of course, but I’m going to stick by my beliefs. Angela Davis must go free. Black people will be free. I’ve been locked up (for disturbing the peace in Detroit) and I know you got to disturb the peace when you can’t get no peace. Jail is hell to be in. I’m going to see her free if there is any justice in our courts, not because I believe in communism, but because she’s a Black woman and she wants freedom for Black people. I have the money; I got it from Black people—they’ve made me financially able to have it—and I want to use it in ways that will help our people.” Throughout her life, Aretha Franklin remained a prominent voice and face for African American Civil Rights.

August 16, 2018, is a day that the world lost a legend. Unfortunately, Aretha Franklin passed away from an illness in her pancreas at the age of 76 in Detroit Michigan. Although she may not be here, her music will keep her spirit alive. One of her close friends, President Barack Obama said “Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade—our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace.” Everyone remembers Franklin’s work in the music industry but her work in the Civil Rights Movement has changed the world and helped so many people. That is why Aretha Franklin’s art has helped make a huge difference in many different movements. 

Work Cited 

BBC. “Aretha Franklin: The Sound of the Civil Rights Movement.” BBC News, BBC, 16 Aug. 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45216581.

Josephs, Brian. “Aretha Franklin Rose with the Civil Rights Movement.” Billboard, 6 Sept. 2018, https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/aretha-franklin-civil-rights-movement-8470735/.

Lang, Cady. “Aretha Franklin Had an Impact on the Civil Rights Movement.” Time, Time, 16 Aug. 2018, https://time.com/5369587/aretha-franklin-civil-rights/.

Merelli, Annalisa. “When Aretha Franklin Offered to Post Bail for Angela Davis.” Quartz, Quartz, https://qz.com/quartzy/1356841/when-aretha-franklin-offered-to-post-bail-for-angela-davis/.

Ritz, David. “Aretha Franklin.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aretha-Franklin.

Williams, Gracie. “The Story behind the Song: Aretha Franklin’s Mega-Hit ‘Respect’.” Far Out Magazine, 28 Apr. 2021, https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/aretha-franklin-respect-story-behind-the-song/. 

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Project Proposal

Sarah Arzberger

For my unit 2 essay, I would like to write about Music in the American Civil Rights Movement. I love music and its a really big part of who I am. So any time I can pick a topic about music I get really excited. Its really hard to just pick one artist or just one song so I would like to focus on three artist. The artist I’m picking are well known artist that I would hope to believe people will reginigze when they hear there name but just like me didn’t know they wrote music for the Civil Rights Movement. My three artist are Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, and Stevie Wonder.

For more information I’m gonna watch Sound Track for a Revolution. A 2009 documentary made about music for the American Civil Rights Movement .

https://time.com/5369587/aretha-franklin-civil-rights/

Nat “King” Cole (1919-1965)

https://www.dw.com/en/stevie-wonder-musician-and-civil-rights-activist/g-53415304#:~:text=Wonder%20has%20long%20supported%20the,could%20oppose%20such%20an%20idea.

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How Quilts Spread Awareness For Change

Sarah Arzberger

wow! such an amazing and beautiful concept. Before reading and watching these videos I had no that Quiltmaking was really a big deal. Honestly, I thought quilts were just something grandparents made or something that was passed down in families. But I’m blown away by the beauty and artwork I see in these quilts. I didn’t understand at first, why quilts? Isn’t it just something that keeps you warm or makes your bed look pretty? No, it’s ART. After looking up how quilts are made I understand why it’s used to show Social Change. There is no limit to a quilt. It can be any size, has multiple layers to it, full of different colors, and can always be added on to. It’s also beautiful because it’s not one artist, it’s a community coming together added their square to the quilt to make one big statement.

After reading the article from the Washington Post “Now, even quilters are angry: How a social-justice design started a feud” by Peggy McGlone I don’t understand whats all the backlash is for. Sara Trail did not deserve the reaction that she got. I don’t see anything wrong with what she did. She is fighting for herself and for her people. She’s looking to spread awareness and is trying to make a difference. I think her square of the number 2 pencil erasing the “In” in the word Injustice was an amazing idea and was wonderfully displayed and really makes a statement. The quilt was made right after the killing of Trayvon Martin which started the Black Lives Matter Movement.

The article says “I think of the word ‘injustice’ like ‘peace’ and ‘love.’ I don’t understand how injustice is a political notion. Everyone wants to see more justice. It’s universal,” he said in an interview with The Washington Post. “We need to do better than this.” I agree with Frank Bennett. Justice and freedom are something everyone should have. It’s not a political thing. its love and peace. If the square really stirred the waters then Trail’s work wasn’t for nothing. I love when they say there is no quilt police because no one is gonna stop them.

source- https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/now-even-quilters-are-angry-how-a-social-justice-design-started-a-feud/2020/01/20/0e9874be-3951-11ea-bb7b-265f4554af6d_story.html

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Tearing Down History

by Sarah Arzberger

After reading these articles, I start to remember seeing on the news of people rioting and trying to tear down monuments and statues of people who have made an impact on history. As being a history nerd I start to feel angry and was frustrated. I didn’t truly understand why anyone would want to do such a thing. But after doing research I can see why they would want these statues tourn down. Yes, they are somewhat important to American history but that doesn’t justify having these figures commemorated in public.

Confederate leaders should not be made into public figures. People like Rev Dr. Martin Luther King jr, Rosa Parks, Sacagawea, Lewis, and William Clark are great examples of people who should be celebrated for literally making a huge impact on the world and changing society. One thing besides the statues that really stuck with me is how buildings and schools are named after these people. Yes, it’s just a name but would you want to go to a school named after someone who was responsible for the destruction and the harm of others? I find it really amazing that people are using their voice and with the help of social media to speak their minds. People back then were not able to voice there opinion on these statues but we live in a different time now. For once we have people defending themselves and sticking up for what they believe in not taking no for an answer. One thing that I can take away from all of this is the diligence, dedication, and drive that these people have. I bet that if these statues were still up they would still be there until they came down.

On the other hand, one thing that I cant stand behind is the aftermath of it all. I look at the photos of the so-called artwork of the areas that the statues were once at and its full of graffiti. Im all for Black Lives matter and taking down the statues but I don’t think foul language or colorful spray paints justify a point. Yes, let’s take down these monsters but there is no need to tag it up after. We are taking it down so we don’t have to look at these people daily, but in its place is just graffiti?

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Church Lingo – Sarah Arzberger

Growing up I’ve struggled with finding a community or simply something that I can call my own. I felt like I was on a team but just sitting on the bench never being asked to play. It’s one thing to be on a team but it’s completely different when you’re on the field. I remember constantly looking for things to be a part of. If it was joining a sports team or getting involved in musical theater. I just never felt I belonged to something. I searched for this community in my own family but that only left me broken-hearted. Slowly this search for finding my community started to come to an end. I was starting to think that there was nothing for me and perhaps I was meant to be on my own.

It was my senior year of high school and my school had a requirement for all seniors to do a minimum of 50 hours of community service in order to graduate. I found myself doing my hours at a local church in my area. All I can remember about that time was how tired I was and I just wanted to do my 50 hours in one week and move on with my life. Little did I know that this community I was searching for was under my nose the whole time. I found everything I was looking for and more. I felt accepted, wanted, and appreciated. Growing up I was never told I love you and to hear a group of people tell me they love me but they barely knew me blew my mind. They didn’t see what I saw in myself but only what I could become. I finally found something! A community that I can call my own. A place where I can be myself, be around amazing people (which today I call my family), and better myself. I started to finally feel what it was like to actually feel to be a part of something and never want to let it go. 

Now it might sound a little strange calling a church its own community but The Rock Church is just something different. One of the things that set us apart is how much of a nation we are. We have our own flag, we write our own music, we even have our own lingo. When I first started coming, one thing that I did notice was people’s response to simple phrases. One that everyone knows is “God bless you” when you greet someone. But then there was “Thank you Jesus’ ‘ instead of thank you or your welcome when you did something for someone. Then there is “by God’s Grace” when someone gives you a compliment or is trying to give you credit for something you did. But my favorite one is “Amen” and it’s used when you want to say yes or when you’re in agreement with someone. This was technically my first time in a church and at first, it really did scare me. I have never heard these words and phrases before and had no idea what they meant or why people said them. I didn’t ask about it or make it into a big deal because I didn’t want to lose this place, so I kept quiet about it, brushed it off, and was very observant to figure it out. 

The more I started to come and the more involved I got, the more that these phrases started to make a scene for me. It was something that I started to pick up on my own without anyone telling me to say it. It’s not just about the words being said because you can train a parrot to say anything. It’s truly about the meaning of them and what they actually mean. For example, Thank you Jesus is something I say because I’m not giving the credit to myself. When someone says thank you so much for all that you do, I would normally respond no problem but after learning who Jesus is and what he does for me, I don’t wanna give the credit to myself. This lingo isn’t something that everyone understands and most of the time when I slip up and use it outside of Church the reaction that I get isn’t always fun. 

The first time this has happened to me is at my job. My boss had texted me asking me to do something for him. My default response is to say Amen. So I texted him back Amen and he responded back with ummmm what? I just realized what I had done and for some reason I got scared. Instead of being proud of my community and giving him the reason why I said that I panicked and just oh lol sorry my phone changed my text. I honestly felt bad for not sticking up for my community and started to feel ashamed. I know that because I go to church more often than most that it does set me apart but most people just don’t understand and are quick to judge. After being in the church for 6 years now, I don’t care what people say about it. This Church is my home, these people are my family and I know it’s different but different is ok because who wants to be normal. 

In Gloria Anzaldúa’s “How To Tame A Wild Tongue” She says “I grew up feeling ambivalent about our music. Country western and rock-and-roll had more status. In the 50s and 60s, for the slightly educated and agril1gado Chicanos, there existed a sense of shame at being caught listening to our music. Yet I couldn’t stop my feet from thumping to the music, could not stop humming the words, nor hide from myself the exhilaration I felt when I heard it”(42). What I learned from her is not to be ashamed. You need to love what makes you you and not let anyone stop you or try to change you.

Since finding the Rock Church, I am a completely different person than I was 6 years ago. I am finally happy and get to be myself. Without this outlet, I would not be the person I am today and I’m very grateful to be a part of something that I can call my own. Having our own lingo really sets us apart from everyone else but really brings us together as a community and a family. 

Work Cited: Anzaldua, Gloria. “How To Tame a Wild Tongue.” “They say / I say” : the Moves that Matter in Academic Writing, edited by Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, W. W. Norton & Company, 2014, pp. 33-45

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The Impact of Black Panther

The term afrofuturism is something ive never heard before but after reading about it, its something that I’ve seen in movies, tv shows and music but didn’t know really what it was. Afrofuturism is a movement in literature, music, art, etc., featuring futuristic or science fiction themes which incorporate elements of black history and culture. Out of these 3 amazing topics, one that I can relate to the most is Black Panther and what it really stands for. Yes, it is an incredible Marvel Superhero movie, but it’s more than just that. Black Panther is a movie which has started a movement and has brought a voice for the African American Community. The movie features an all African American cast, in their own hidden world called Wakanda that has similar afican like characteristics. Many other action movies in the past has had just the Main Character be African Amercian but this time it was more than that. It was there cultar, how they speak, how they dress, and much more.

Something that I found interesting that I didn’t know was in the Conversation article by Clare Corbould says “Vibranium represents the resources of the 54 countries of Africa, whose extraction has not, on the whole, benefited Africans. It is mahogany, ivory, rubber, diamonds, salt, gold, copper, and uranium.” I had no clue that there was a hidden meaning to Vibranium. I just thought it was simply just a powerful and nearly indestructible alloy that was used in Captin Americans shield. Now knowing that I can start to put the pieces together on why Wakanda is a hidden land. Its hidden to protect and keep there people and there resources safe.

Another detail that Corbould metions is that “Westerners’ ideas about Africa are steeped in myth. The United States, wrote German philosopher Georg Hegel in 1830, was “the land of the future”. Africa, by contrast, was “the land of childhood” where history was meaningless. European powers dubbed it the “Dark Continent”, as if its people could never make progress.” The fact that Wakanda is separated because it is free of free of European colonisation just blows my mind. I cant belive that it took me so long to see that. Now knowing the real meaning behind the movie and what it actual stands for I understand why this movie is a movement in itself and why its paving the way for African Amercian culture.

I wanted to dig into Afrofuturism some more, and this is one of the videos that I found that I thought was really interesting