Introduction

Part of the privilege of being in the United States is being able to stand up for what you believe in. Over the years, people have chosen different methods in which to express their feelings—the Boston Tea Party, candlelight vigils, the Civil War, and boycotts are some examples of different modes of expression. Many people have chosen the power of the spoken word to rally people, to inspire action, and to express their feelings. The speeches, quotes, and songs that we remember are the ones that have resonated with us and with our beliefs. Through all of these ways, people have protested injustices and called for change.

For this exercise, you will explore different ways in which people have used the spoken word to protest wrongs and inspire change. After reading some of these speeches and protest songs, you will write your own speech, song, or poem to protest something that you are opposed to or would like to see changed.

Speeches and Songs to Explore

Speeches and Letters from Martin Luther King Jr. (http://members.aol.com/klove01/martinsp.htm)
Woody Guthrie (http://www.woodyguthrie.org/)

Directions

Start with "Writings & Quotes." Click on the link for "I Have a Dream" and read that speech. To read other selections, click on other links of King's speeches and other writings. After you have finished with that section, go to "Woody Guthrie." On this Web site, click on the link to "Lyrics" at the bottom left of the page. Then scroll down and click on "This Land is Your Land." If you would like to read the lyrics to other Woody Guthrie songs, click on any of the song-title links.

1.	Once you have finished exploring the speeches and songs, choose an injustice or inequality that you feel strongly about and would like to see changed. Write a speech, song, or poem to express how you feel and to inspire others to work for this change. Use the selections you have read as inspiration.