Rocker Tom Morello’s song “Marching on Ferguson” is an example of a direct-response form of protest music in reaction to the shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black youth, by Darren Wilson, a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. As a more presentational song, the tone of this rock piece is capable of instilling anger and discontent in the minds of audiences as they listen. It is part of the “Artists for Ferguson” campaign that “will see musicians creating and donating songs to help support a legal fund for the arrested Ferguson protestors” (Kreps). This piece is not only meant to inspire through the music, but it also provides more practical assistance to the movement by raising funds to release imprisoned protestors. Another example of a song that has been released in direct-response to Ferguson includes J. Cole’s “Be Free”. Straightforward lines such as “ain’t no gun they make that can kill my soul” take a stand against racially motivated police brutality, which is believed by many to be the cause of Michael Brown’s death. As is common among artists responding to a crisis, Cole was vocal over social media about the incident and even visited Ferguson in person. This song is just one manifestation of the initial anger felt by many in response to the shooting. Released shortly after the Ferguson crisis began, both “Marching on Ferguson” and “Be Free” possess lyrics and melodies filled with anger, confusion, and calls to action against the aspects of society thought to be causing so much injustice in today’s world.

While there are differences in style, genre, and context between the music of the old and new Civil Rights eras, it is clear that the new wave of Civil Rights protest music has no intention of separating itself from its past. In fact, the messages found in twenty-first century music become more credible and are strengthened by the bonds they share with the Civil Rights music that came before them. As time passes, the music that continues to emerge has the potential to inspire generations of people to move to action and create positive change in a diverse, evolving world.