This church was a rallying point for the civil rights movement. In 1963, it was bombed, killing four young girls. On the street outside, police put dogs on protesters, knocked them down with water cannons, beat and arrested them. And in this sacred space, the Chicago Children's Choir sang.
Millennium Park 2007
Freedom Tour 2007
This blog is for the Chicago Children's Choir and the Freedom Tour. I will be posting information, thoughts, reflections and messages about the Freedom Tour and about Freedom Song, the book I am writing about the civil rights movement, the music of the movement, and the CCC. I invite all members and staff and alums of the CCC to join in posting to this blog.
Millenium Park 2007
Freedom Song: the Book
MUSIC. FREEDOM. JUSTICE. CHILDREN.
Fifty years ago, at the height of the civil rights movement, the Chicago Children’s Choir first brought together children from widely disparate backgrounds to learn the joys of excellence, tolerance, mutual understanding, and citizenship through music. Today, thousands of children share that experience through their participation in the Choir.
Throughout history, music has often provided the language to transcend differences and the inspiration to break down barriers and strengthen bonds in the struggle for freedom and justice. Music brings the Chicago Children’s Choir together, and they, in turn, will offer their gift through Freedom Song – a book and compact disc recording that can be enjoyed at home or used in the classroom.
The book will include historical introductions to freedom movements, connected by a common musical thread. Interviews with members of the 2006-2007 Chicago Children’s Choir, and with Choir alumni/ae, share their reflections on the songs they sing and the connections they draw to their own lives. Cameo biographies of freedom singers highlight the connection of song to the movement for civil rights. The book also includes lyrics and music to each of the songs featured on the compact disc.
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