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Black History Songs for Elementary Students

Teach about Civil Rights Leaders through Black History songs in your elementary music classroom for an engaging, impactful learning experience.

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Music has always been at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement and holds a vital place in our nation’s history. These powerful and authentic songs deserve a spot in every elementary music classroom repertoire.

As music teachers, we usually focus on teaching music reading, performance skills, and quality repertoire. But music is also a powerful way to explore our country’s history and promote inclusivity. African American spirituals are deeply woven into the fabric of our shared history, and many of these spirituals became foundational to the Civil Rights Movement.

Using Black History Lessons that Multitask | Elementary Music Classroom or Performance

Teach Authentic African American Spirituals

While there are some beautifully composed pieces for Black History Month, traditional African American spirituals carry a unique significance. These timeless songs are not only accessible and singable for young students but, more importantly, they are an integral part of our country’s history.

Oh, Freedom

On August 28, 1963, as thousands gathered in Washington, D.C. waiting to hear Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic I Have a Dream speech, Joan Baez captivated the crowd by singing Oh, Freedom. From that day forward this powerful song became one of the defining anthems of the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. King grew up singing in his church choir. He understood music’s profound ability to motivate and inspire. Teaching Oh, Freedom in the elementary music classroom offers a meaningful way to connect students with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while building their understanding of music’s role in history.

I Shall Not Be Moved

Dating back to the early 1800s, I Shall Not Be Moved is believed to have originated in the southern United States where it was commonly sung at camp meetings and revivals. Over time it evolved into We Shall Not Be Moved and became a powerful protest song in the 1950s.

Inspired by Rosa Parks’ brave decision to refuse to give up her seat, this song was a rallying cry during the Montgomery Bus Boycotts. Ms. Park’s quiet act of defiance sparked a movement that transformed her city and helped shape our nation’s history. Teaching this song provides a meaningful way to introduce students to the legacy of Rosa Parks and the unifying power of music in social change.

This Little Light of Mine

The origins of This Little Light of Mine are somewhat unclear. While some believe it was initially written as a children’s song this theory has largely been debunked. During the Civil Rights Movement the song became a powerful protest anthem. It was sung at marches and rallies to inspire hope and unity.

Teaching This Little Light of Mine creates an opportunity to share the story of Ruby Bridges, who played a pivotal role in the integration of public schools. At just six years old, Ruby faced hostile crowds each morning when she entered William Frantz Elementary School. Despite the anger directed at her, she responded with grace and compassion. Ruby prayed for those who protested her presence at the formerly all-white school.

Black History Songs with Elementary Music Orff Arrangements

Each resource below is designed for grades K-5 and includes differentiated activities to meet the needs of various skill levels.

Included in each resource:

  • PowerPoint presentations (compatible with Google Slides)
  • Biographies tailored for both early and upper elementary students
  • Two rhythmic Orff accompaniment patterns
  • Two melodic Orff accompaniment patterns
  • Rehearsal mp3 audio files

These resources offer simple, attainable performance options for younger students while providing more advanced activities to engage and challenge older learners. These activities are perfect for the music classroom or as performance pieces, offering flexibility to meet your teaching needs.

Click the links above to listen to the Orff accompaniments in the video previews for each song.

Black History Songs Know No Season

Spirituals, Civil Rights anthems, and other Black History songs transcend any specific time of year. These songs belong in the elementary music classroom year-round as they are a vital part of the diverse fabric of our nation’s history.

Black History music lessons are always meaningful and relevant, no matter the time of year.


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Meet the Author

Terri Lloyd is an experienced music educator with over 25 years of teaching in elementary music classrooms. She holds a Master’s in Education, an Instructional Technology Certificate in Curriculum Design, and a Bachelor of Music. Her resources are designed to help music teachers develop students’ music literacy and performance skills while enjoying learning.

She presents music education workshops, develops curriculum, and writes for her blog. She is on the music staff at her church and leads a children’s program. She performs as a active community musician with a local Big Band, pit orchestras, and at various events.

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