MLK and Spirituals
Martin Luther King Jr. was obviously not a musician, but his words can be applied to the same message that music such as spirituals is making. The African American spirituals that have been used in different movements throughout the past decades have had a major influence on many forms of media and culture that is apparent today. The Civil Rights Movement used many different spirituals within its movement. One example of how they were used is shown by the influence they had on many prominent speakers, leaders, and figures. One such example is a quote that was spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama in 1955.
Martin Luther King Jr. has many notable quotes, but this one presented at his memorial made me think about connections to spirituals. Water is a reoccurring theme among spirituals. A very popular spiritual, "Wade in the Water" is one of these spirituals that has water as a very important part of the message. In this spiritual, water symbolizes freedom. In a literal sense, water was used to help enslaved African Americans escape. In a metaphorical sense, water is a gateway to the freedom that is in store ahead. Martin Luther King Jr's quote also greatly symbolizes this. Fighting until "Justice runs down like water" shows the connection that can be made between spirituals such as "Wade in the Water" and Martin Luther King Jr's quote. Symbolism being included both in spirituals and in Martin Luther King Jr's quote was a great way that messages during the Civil Rights Movement were communicated. One way that the symbolism in Martin Luther King Jr's quote can be shown to be different than that of the message of "Wade in the Water" is his use of the word "Justice." As I said, the use of this word directly connects with the spiritual in terms of reaching freedom, but it also has another meaning when referring to the Civil Rights Movement. Justice in many different parts of society, whether it be legal, entertainment, etc. was still to be achieved for African Americans. Although "Wade in the Water" did not intend the exact meaning of justice as Martin Luther King Jr. did in his quote, it is still relevant in the still ongoing fight for complete freedom and justice.
I loved your analysis of the use of water by Dr. King. The freedom he fought for was certainly present continuously throughout his speeches. It was also a great way for him to honor the battle fought by past generations to end slavery. Additionally, it also showed the religious nature of this fight and the religious nature of the spirituals. The water was often used as a representation of baptism, an additional symbol of freedom for those of Christian faith. Dr. King's role as a biblical Moses, rallying the people towards a common goal, will now forever be enshrined in the memorial. He may not have gotten to see the Promised Land, but his leadership in the Civil Right Movement was the push that everyone needed.
ReplyDeleteHey! I really enjoyed how you talk about the importance spirituals at the beginning. Their influence and impact will be seen for future generations. Thus, they should get the recognition they deserve. From taking this class, I have really learned their importance and am amazed at how Spirituals are not talked more about in history books. They should be. They have helped shape and support so many movements and encouraged people to stand up for themselves. It helped people express themselves. Without these Spirituals, life today would be a whole lot different.
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