Pete Seeger and Occupy Wall Street

Since my parents live in Beacon, I am fortunate to see Pete Seeger around the city often. On Friday, our beloved folk hero performed at the Symphony Space in New York City before joining Arlo Guthrie, Tao Rodriguez Seeger, Guy Davis, David Amram, Tom Chapin and about 1,000 others in a march more than 30 blocks down Broadway to Columbus Circle for Occupy Wall Street. Upon arriving he led the protesters in a song he has sung many times, “We Shall Overcome.” This song became an anthem during the Civil Rights Movement and the lyrics of the song are derived from the refrain of a gospel song by Charles Albert Tindley. Pete is known for popularizing the song and since the 1950’s the song has become a staple in the canon of protest songs. It’s great to see this legend still taking part in leading another generation in standing up for their rights and using their voices as the instrument to fight the corporate fascists who are the 1%. We are the 99%.

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