A digital archive
We've Been Protesting
A digital museum of Black and African-American protest history — documented through events, songs, art, literature, poetry, and quotes, with sources for every record.
Recent activity
- Song · UpdatedSitting On Top of the WorldBlues standard written by Walter Vinson and Lonnie Chatmon and first recorded by the Mississippi Sheiks in 1930.
- Song · UpdatedTrouble So HardTrouble So Hard by Vera Hall
- Poetry · UpdatedThe Slave's ComplaintAm I sadly cast aside, On misfortune’s rugged tide? Will the world my pains deride Forever? Must I dwell in Slavery’s night, And all pleasure take its flight, Far beyond my feeble sight, Forever? Worst of all, must hope grow dim, And withhold her cheering beam? Rather let me sleep and dream Forever! Something still my heart surveys, Groping through this dreary maze; Is it Hope?—they burn and blaze Forever! Leave me not a wretch confined, Altogether lame and blind— Unto gross despair consigned, Forever! Heaven! in whom can I confide? Canst thou not for all provide? Condescend to be my guide Forever: And when this transient life shall end, Oh, may some kind, eternal friend Bid me from servitude ascend, Forever!
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