We Shall Overcome

Most of us are familiar with the song "We Shall Overcome," which was popularized by Pete Seeger, and later became a banner for the Civil Rights movement. This fine documentary traces the history and evolution of the song in its wider context, from its beginnings as a religious hymn to its present day use as a song of social protest all over the world. Hosted by Harry Belafonte, the film interviews such key figures in the folk music movement of the 50s and 60s as Pete Seeger; Guy Carawan; Peter, Paul and Mary; Joan Baez; and the members of the Freedom Singers. Of particular interest is the way the song travelled from a small independent school in the South to the forefront of Civil Rights activism--finally gaining national airplay when Joan Baez sang the song during a march on Washington. The film concludes with clips from Moscow, Thailand, Korea, Beirut, and Northern Ireland where oppressed peoples are shown singing what has become a universal song about yearning for justice. Today, coming full circle from its African roots, the song is now being sung in South Africa. An interesting documentary. Highly recommended. (See THE ROAD TO BROWN for availability.)