70 Songs about racism that changed the world

Throughout history, music has served as a mirror to society’s struggles, hopes, and injustices. Among its most powerful roles has been as a voice against racism. Artists from diverse backgrounds have used their platforms to highlight systemic discrimination, share personal experiences, and inspire movements for justice and equality. These songs, across decades and genres, remind listeners that music is not just entertainment, it’s also a form of resistance and a call for change.

Early Voices: The Beginnings of Protest Through Music

In the early 20th century, artists like Billie Holiday set a new standard for confronting racism head-on. Her haunting 1939 recording of “Strange Fruit” vividly exposed the horrors of lynching in the American South. Other artists, like Duke Ellington (“Black, Brown and Beige”, 1946) addressed racial segregation and prejudice, laying the foundation for future protest songs.

Key Songs of the Era:

• 1939 – Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday
• 1946 – Black, Brown and Beige – Duke Ellington

The Civil Rights Era: A Soundtrack for Change

The 1960s saw a surge in songs that directly supported civil rights movements. Folk icon Bob Dylan contributed with songs like “Only a Pawn in Their Game” (1960) and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” (1964), reflecting on injustice and hope. Meanwhile, Nina Simone‘s “Mississippi Goddam” (1963) captured the anger and urgency of the moment.

Sam Cooke‘s “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964) became an anthem of resilience, while James Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” (1968) echoed a growing sense of empowerment.

Key Songs of the 1960s:

• 1964 – Only a Pawn in Their Game – Bob Dylan
• 1964 – Mississippi Goddam – Nina Simone
• 1964 – A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
• 1964 – The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan
• 1965 – People Get Ready – The Impressions
• 1967 – Respect – Aretha Franklin
• 1968 – Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – James Brown
• 1969 – Everyday People – Sly and the Family Stone

The 1970s: From Soul to Reggae

The 1970s brought more reflections on racial injustice through soul, funk, and reggae. Marvin Gaye asked “What’s Going On” (1971) and Stevie Wonder demanded change with “Living for the City” (1973).

Key Songs of the 1970s:

• 1970 – War – Edwin Starr
• 1971 – What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye
• 1972 – Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye
• 1973 – Living for the City – Stevie Wonder
• 1973 – Higher Ground – Stevie Wonder
• 1975 – Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2) – The Isley Brothers
• 1975 – Racism, Man’s Inhumanity to Man – Jimmy Cliff

The Rise of Hip-Hop: A New Form of Protest

As hip-hop emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, it became a dominant voice against racism. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message” (1982) depicted life in inner-city America, while Public Enemy‘s “Fight the Power” (1988) boldly confronted institutional oppression. Reggae legend Bob Marley captured a spirit of freedom with “Redemption Song” (1980).

Key Songs of the 1980s:

• 1980 – Redemption Song – Bob Marley and the Wailers
• 1982 – The Message – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
• 1984 – Pride (In the Name of Love) – U2
• 1988 – Fight the Power – Public Enemy
• 1989 – Self-Destruction – Stop the Violence Movement

1990s: Raw Voices for a New Generation

The 1990s continued the momentum with even more direct critiques. Tupac Shakur’s “Brenda’s Got a Baby” (1991) and “Changes” (1998) explored systemic racism and poverty. Michael Jackson addressed global injustice with “They Don’t Care About Us” (1995).

Key Songs of the 1990s:

• 1991 – Brenda’s Got a Baby – Tupac Shakur
• 1991 – Can’t Truss It – Public Enemy
• 1992 – Cop Killer – Body Count
• 1993 – Keep Ya Head Up – Tupac Shakur
• 1998 – Changes – Tupac Shakur
• 1995 – They Don’t Care About Us – Michael Jackson

2000s: Reflections and Resistance

In the 2000s, mainstream artists tackled racism more openly. Bruce Springsteen’s “American Skin (41 Shots)” (2001) spoke about police brutality. The Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is the Love?” (2003) asked tough questions about racial and global injustices.

Key Songs of the 2000s:

• 2001 – American Skin (41 Shots) – Bruce Springsteen
• 2003 – Where Is the Love? – The Black Eyed Peas
• 2004 – Mosh – Eminem
• 2006 – Minority Report – Jay-Z

2010s: Protest and Hope in a Digital Era

The 2010s saw music once again serve as a rallying cry. Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” (2015) became a Black Lives Matter anthem. Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” (2018) presented a chilling commentary on American racism and violence.

Key Songs of the 2010s:

• 2012 – Same Love – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• 2015 – Alright – Kendrick Lamar
• 2015 – The Blacker the Berry – Kendrick Lamar
• 2015 – Formation – Beyoncé
• 2016 – White Privilege II – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• 2017 – Land of the Free – Joey Bada$$
• 2017 – DNA. – Kendrick Lamar
• 2018 – This Is America – Childish Gambino
• 2018 – APESHIT – The Carters

2020s: New Urgency, New Voices

The 2020s opened with an urgent call for racial justice, particularly after the killing of George Floyd. H.E.R.‘s “I Can’t Breathe” (2020) captured the national grief, while artists like Lil Baby (“The Bigger Picture”) and Meek Mill (“Otherside of America”) continued pushing the conversation forward.

Key Songs of the 2020s:

• 2020 – I Can’t Breathe – H.E.R.
• 2020 – Lockdown – Anderson .Paak
• 2020 – The Bigger Picture – Lil Baby
• 2020 – Otherside of America – Meek Mill
• 2020 – March March – The Chicks
• 2021 – Black Parade – Beyoncé
• 2021 – Goodbye America – Leon Bridges
• 2021 – Mother Nature – Angelique Kidjo

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Songs that confront racism do more than entertain; they document pain, preserve history, and push for change. They give voice to the marginalized, challenge listeners to reflect, and provide a soundtrack for movements that demand a better world. As long as racism persists, artists will continue to raise their voices.