10 Black Protest Songs That Are Harder to Strike in Trump's America More Than Ever

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As the world happens today, Donald Trump returns to the White House, civil rights protections are revealed, diversity and inclusion efforts are under attack; it is clear that we live in another era of resistance. Music once again brought people to account. The most powerful protest songs of black artists were written in times of profound social unrest: the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Reagan era and the popularity of the cracks. These artists turn anger and pain into a driving force for hope, unity and action. Until now, we are facing another wave of state violence, political divisions and suppression of marginalized voices. The name and face may have changed, but the battle is far from over. That's why these songs still resonate, reminding us that the past will never really pass and the struggle continues. Here, 10 anti-war and struggle songs by black artists still tell the truth in 2025.1. Marvin Gaye – “What Happened” (1971), born in Vietnam and the trauma of police brutality, Marvin's soul crying is still real. In today's world of political turmoil and ongoing violence, the problem remains – what's going on? 2. Public Enemy – “Combat Force” (1989) The Eternal Rebellion Anthem. From the Reagan era to Trump’s America, the call for public enemies to challenge the system is as urgent as it was at the time. 3. Nina Simone – “Mississippi Goddam” (1964) Nina did not retreat and called for racism and violence in the South. Sixty years later, states are still working to eliminate black history, and Simone's voice still needs to be heard. 4. Kendrick Lamar – “Good” (2015) was born in the era of Ferguson and Black Lives Matter, Kendrick brought a spell of hope to the new generation. “We're OK” turned into a rally cry, and with Trump's support, we need it more than ever. 5. Gil Scott-Heron – “The Revolution Will Not Be Televisioned” (1971), before social media, there was Gil. In the age of algorithms and digital operations, his warnings about interference and propaganda have encountered differences. 6. Sam Cooke – “Changes Will Come” (1964), full of sadness. Cook's voice brought the weight of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, with the voting rights under attack, the promise of change remains in the balance 7. Erykah Badu – “Soldier” (2008) Badu combines poetry with protests to target political corruption and systematic neglect. Her strong appeal in difficult times is now nothing related. 8. Staple Food Singer- “When will we get paid?” (1970) A strong need for justice and compensation. With the dialogue involving compensation in 2025, this gospel-Sur Classic still reminds people of the unpaid debt of the United States. 9. Childish Gambino – “This is America” (2018) Gun Violence. racism. Distracted. Gambino captured it all on one track. Six years later, nothing has changed and his message is still in-depth. 10. Curtis Mayfield – “We Blacker Than Blue” (1970), in the face of division, calls for solidarity and self-reflection. Mayfield’s message can be both healed and rebelled as political forces try to divide communities and eliminate diversity. These songs are not only for their time, but have been written all the time. In this moment, with the sound of power being backed down and threatened, they remind us that music is more than art: it is armor, memory, and resistance.

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