37 Most Powerful Songs About Slaves & Freedom (Must Hear List)

Music has long been a tool for expressing the deepest human emotions, and songs about slavery capture some of the most profound experiences in history. These songs tell stories of pain, resistance, and hope, often highlighting both the horrors of slavery and the enduring strength of those who lived through it.

From spirituals sung by the enslaved to modern protest anthems, these tracks explore how the legacy of slavery continues to shape culture and society.

Through the powerful lens of music, artists remind us of the past’s painful truths while calling for justice and freedom today.

37 Most Famous Songs About Slaves Being Freed That You Must Hear (Moving Playlist)

These songs span various genres, time periods, and perspectives, but each one carries a reflection on the weight and history of slavery.

Here’s a list of 37 songs that either directly address slavery or touch on themes of oppression, freedom, and the legacy of slavery:

#1 “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday

“Strange Fruit” is a harrowing depiction of the racial terror that haunted the American South, particularly lynching. Billie Holiday’s haunting delivery of the lyrics paints a vivid and brutal image of Black bodies hanging from trees, symbolized as “strange fruit.” Originally a poem, the song was adapted into a jazz piece, and Holiday’s version became a chilling anthem against racial violence.

The stark contrast between the serene musical arrangement and the horrifying subject matter amplifies the emotional impact. It speaks not just to slavery but to the enduring legacy of racial violence that continued long after its abolition, making it one of the most powerful protest songs ever recorded.

#2 “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” is an acoustic masterpiece that captures the deep yearning for freedom and healing from the scars of slavery. Marley directly references the brutal history of African enslavement with the line “emancipate yourselves from mental slavery,” urging people to free their minds from the psychological chains of colonialism and oppression. The song’s simplicity—just Marley and his guitar—gives it a timeless, spiritual quality that resonates across generations.

As one of Marley’s final recordings, it is both reflective and hopeful, blending personal liberation with collective consciousness. It’s a reminder that the echoes of slavery persist, and the fight for true redemption continues in the hearts and minds of many.

#3 “Go Down Moses” by Paul Robeson

“Go Down Moses” is a traditional spiritual that became an anthem of the abolitionist movement, with Paul Robeson’s booming voice giving it a sense of gravity and urgency. The song tells the biblical story of Moses demanding the release of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, which parallels the African American experience of seeking freedom from bondage. Robeson’s interpretation elevates the song into a powerful call for justice and deliverance.

The repetitive, declarative nature of the lyrics creates a sense of determination, embodying the hope that, one day, liberation would come. It’s not just a song of protest but one of perseverance, reflecting the deep faith that sustained enslaved people through generations of hardship.

#4 “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” by Nina Simone

Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” is a beautiful, soulful expression of the longing for freedom—both personal and collective. While not directly referencing slavery, the song taps into the emotional legacy of it, embodying the desires of those who have been oppressed. Simone’s piano-driven melody, paired with her powerful voice, creates a sense of yearning for a world without chains, whether physical or societal.

The song resonates with the hope for a better future, where racial barriers and the wounds of slavery no longer exist. It became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting the ongoing struggle for freedom in all its forms.

#5 “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke is often seen as a soulful promise of progress, deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement. Cooke’s smooth vocals carry the weight of centuries of struggle, from slavery to segregation, as he expresses a cautious optimism that change is on the horizon. The song is filled with a sense of inevitability, that after so much suffering, the tides of history would finally shift toward justice and equality.

Cooke’s message of hope was particularly poignant given the violence and turmoil of the era, and it stands as a bridge between the history of slavery and the fight for civil rights. It’s both a lament and a rallying cry for generations still waiting for that change.

#6 “Glory” by John Legend & Common

“Glory,” written for the film Selma, is a modern anthem that echoes the spirit of past struggles, including the fight against slavery. John Legend’s soaring vocals and Common’s poignant verses remind us that the quest for freedom and equality is ongoing, drawing direct lines from the Civil Rights Movement back to the time of slavery. The song’s orchestration swells with emotion, reinforcing the idea that the victories of the past lay the foundation for future liberation.

The lyrics acknowledge both the progress made and the work still to be done, making “Glory” a powerful tribute to those who fought for freedom. It captures the resilience born from the chains of slavery and the continuing journey toward justice.

#7 “Slave to the Rhythm” by Tina Turner

Tina Turner’s “Slave to the Rhythm” is a metaphorical exploration of the relentless, grinding nature of labor and the human spirit’s endurance. While not directly about slavery, the song reflects on being controlled, much like a slave, by the demands of life and work. The pulsating beat and Turner’s powerful, raw vocals create an image of someone who has no choice but to keep moving forward, trapped in an endless rhythm of survival.

The lyrics may evoke the feeling of being bound to forces beyond one’s control, much like the historical experience of slaves. Turner’s delivery captures both the exhaustion and the resilience required to endure such a life.

#8 “Freedom Now” by Tracy Chapman

“Freedom Now” by Tracy Chapman is an homage to Nelson Mandela and a broader call for liberation from the political and societal chains of oppression. While Mandela’s imprisonment symbolized a fight for freedom in South Africa, Chapman connects this struggle to the global fight against oppression, a legacy rooted in the history of slavery. Her folk-inspired sound is laced with quiet defiance, calling for immediate justice.

The song is both reflective and urgent, linking the past, present, and future battles for human dignity. Chapman’s voice, with its earthy quality, lends a personal touch to a global issue, making the listener feel both the weight of history and the promise of change.

#9 “Follow the Drinking Gourd” by Pete Seeger

Pete Seeger’s “Follow the Drinking Gourd” revives a song believed to be a coded message for slaves seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad. The “drinking gourd” referred to the Big Dipper, which would guide runaway slaves north toward freedom. Seeger’s rendition brings a historical folk tradition to modern audiences, offering a glimpse into the ways slaves used music not only for solace but as practical tools of survival.

The song’s repetitive, gentle melody belies its dangerous, determined message. Seeger’s voice echoes the courage and resilience of those who risked everything for a chance at freedom, making the song a haunting reminder of slavery’s brutal legacy.

#10 “Sail On” by The Commodores

“Sail On” by The Commodores takes a different angle, using the metaphor of sailing away to symbolize breaking free from personal and emotional chains. Though often seen as a song about moving on from a relationship, it can also be interpreted as a call for freedom from any form of oppression, including slavery. The smooth, soothing harmonies of the band create a sense of peaceful resolution after a long period of suffering.

This song illustrates that freedom isn’t always loud or violent—sometimes it’s about finding the strength to quietly leave behind what once held you captive. It resonates with the quiet but powerful act of reclaiming one’s life.

#11 “George Jackson” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “George Jackson” is a protest song about the imprisonment and eventual murder of Black Panther activist George Jackson, who fought against systemic racism and oppression. Dylan connects Jackson’s fate to the broader history of slavery and racial injustice in America, painting a vivid picture of how the legacy of slavery continued to manifest in violent and tragic ways. The sparse arrangement of the song highlights the starkness of Jackson’s story.

Dylan’s lyrics are sharp and poignant, offering no easy answers but rather presenting a raw account of a life shaped by the chains of systemic oppression. It’s a song about the fight for freedom, both from literal and metaphorical chains.

#12 “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” by Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong’s rendition of the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” is a poignant reflection on the suffering endured by slaves. Armstrong’s gravelly voice brings a deep, personal sense of sorrow to the song, which speaks to the isolation and hardship experienced by those who lived through the brutality of slavery. The song’s repetitive, mournful melody echoes the unrelenting pain of lives marked by bondage.

Yet, despite the sorrow, there’s a note of resilience and faith in the lyrics. Armstrong’s interpretation captures both the weight of suffering and the strength it takes to survive, making the song a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.

#13 “New Slaves” by Kanye West

“New Slaves” by Kanye West is a bold, provocative track that critiques modern forms of enslavement—particularly through consumerism, racism, and the prison-industrial complex. West draws direct lines between historical slavery and the ways Black people are still controlled and exploited in contemporary society. The aggressive beat and West’s unapologetic delivery amplify the song’s anger and urgency.

Through biting lyrics, West calls out the systems that continue to profit from Black suffering, comparing them to the slaveholders of the past. “New Slaves” challenges listeners to consider how much has truly changed and how modern oppression can be as dehumanizing as the chains of slavery.

#14 “Slaveship” by The Roots

“Slaveship” by The Roots takes listeners on a powerful journey back to the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade. With vivid lyrics and an evocative, haunting beat, the song conjures images of the inhumane conditions aboard slave ships and the suffering of those forced into bondage. The Roots use their platform to draw attention to the history that still affects modern Black life, reminding listeners that the legacy of slavery is ever-present.

The song’s heavy, immersive atmosphere allows the audience to feel the weight of that history, making it both an educational and emotional experience. “Slaveship” is a powerful reflection on the long, painful journey toward freedom.

#15 “Black Rage” by Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill’s “Black Rage” is a deeply emotional and powerful response to the enduring impact of slavery and systemic racism. The song, which borrows the melody from “My Favorite Things,” juxtaposes light, familiar music with heavy, politically charged lyrics that explore the pain of racial oppression. Hill reflects on the historical roots of Black suffering, from slavery to modern-day racial violence and inequality.

The lyrics are raw and poetic, making “Black Rage” not just a song but a cry for justice. Hill’s haunting voice delivers each line with the weight of centuries of collective trauma, making the song a stirring reminder of how the legacy of slavery still affects generations.

#16 “American Skin (41 Shots)” by Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen’s “American Skin (41 Shots)” tackles the ongoing racial profiling and violence faced by African Americans, evoking the echoes of slavery in contemporary society. The song was inspired by the shooting of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed Black man killed by police, and draws a direct line between systemic racism today and the dehumanization of Black bodies during slavery. Springsteen’s mournful delivery captures the sense of injustice and fear that permeates the lives of many.

The repetition of “41 shots” is a chilling reminder of how modern-day violence is rooted in the same disregard for Black life that existed during slavery. The song challenges listeners to see the connections between past and present forms of oppression.

#17 “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron

Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a fiery spoken-word piece that critiques media and systemic control over the narrative of Black liberation. Though not explicitly about slavery, the song taps into the historical roots of oppression, reminding listeners that true revolution—breaking free from centuries of control—happens in the streets, not on screens. Scott-Heron’s sharp, rhythmic delivery turns each line into a powerful critique of passive resistance.

By referencing popular culture while critiquing the societal structures that keep people enslaved in more subtle ways, Scott-Heron creates a call to arms. His message is clear: real freedom won’t be spoon-fed; it requires active, grassroots resistance to oppression.

#18 “Freedom” by Richie Havens

Richie Havens’ “Freedom” became an iconic moment at Woodstock, an improvised anthem that captured the desire for liberation. Though simple in its lyrics, repeating the word “freedom” alongside verses from the spiritual “Motherless Child,” the song resonates with the longing for release from all forms of oppression, including slavery. Havens’ impassioned guitar playing and raw, emotive vocals give the song a primal power, making it feel like a cry from deep within.

The song’s spontaneous nature mirrors the unexpected yet urgent drive for freedom that defined the struggles of slaves seeking their liberation. It captures the timeless and universal nature of the quest for freedom, whether on a personal or societal level.

#19 “Slave Song” by Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu’s “Slave Song” is a spiritual and soulful reflection on modern struggles that trace back to the era of slavery. With hypnotic rhythms and Badu’s ethereal vocals, the song explores how the chains of slavery have transformed into other forms of oppression, particularly for African Americans. The repetitive, meditative nature of the song mirrors the cyclical nature of oppression and the ongoing fight for liberation.

Badu connects past and present, offering a commentary on how the legacy of slavery continues to shape Black life, both mentally and spiritually. The song feels like a prayer for healing, recognizing the weight of history while hoping for a future of true freedom.

#20 “Freedom” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, is a modern battle cry for liberation that draws heavily on the history of slavery and the fight against racial injustice. The song’s pounding drums and fierce delivery embody the relentless struggle for freedom, while Beyoncé’s lyrics and powerful vocals highlight the endurance required to break free from systemic oppression. Lamar’s verse adds another layer, touching on the generational trauma passed down from slavery to present-day struggles.

The song is an anthem of defiance and resilience, celebrating the strength of those who continue to fight for justice. “Freedom” connects past and present, acknowledging the long journey from slavery to today’s civil rights battles.

#21 “Panther Power” by Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur’s “Panther Power” is a tribute to the Black Panthers and a call for empowerment, connecting the struggle for civil rights with the legacy of slavery. The song reflects Tupac’s revolutionary spirit, with lyrics that denounce systemic oppression and uplift the Black community. Shakur’s delivery is fierce and determined, echoing the cries of those who have fought against chains for generations, from slavery to civil rights.

In “Panther Power,” Tupac speaks on the necessity of taking control of one’s destiny, linking the historical fight for freedom with the ongoing struggle against modern-day oppression. It’s a powerful reminder of how the spirit of resistance continues to live on in every fight for justice.

#22 “Alabama” by John Coltrane

“Alabama” by John Coltrane is an instrumental elegy inspired by the tragic 1963 bombing of a Black church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young girls. Coltrane’s saxophone mourns not just the loss of those lives but the long legacy of racial violence stretching back to slavery. The song’s slow, mournful pace conveys the sorrow and injustice that have been a part of African American history for centuries.

Without words, Coltrane taps into the emotional and historical depth of that pain, creating a piece that speaks volumes about oppression. It feels like a lament for all the lives lost to hatred and a tribute to those who have resisted and fought for freedom.

#23 “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” by Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” tells the story of a young soldier wounded in the Vietnam War, but it also indirectly reflects the oppression and exploitation of Black bodies that has persisted since the time of slavery. The song’s slow, soulful delivery makes the listener feel the weight of the soldier’s physical and emotional pain, which mirrors the historical suffering of African Americans. Withers’ voice is filled with empathy as he paints a picture of those who are sent into harm’s way, their lives disposable to those in power.

The song’s broader message speaks to the legacy of dehumanization and how slavery’s impact can be felt in every facet of life, including warfare.

#24 “Like a King” by Ben Harper

Ben Harper’s “Like a King” addresses the brutal beating of Rodney King, using his story as a symbol for the continued racial injustice that is rooted in the legacy of slavery. Harper’s voice is filled with controlled anger as he questions how such brutal acts of violence are still possible in a society that claims to have moved on from its dark past. The song’s gritty guitar riff adds to the intensity, underscoring the frustration of generations who have experienced this systemic violence.

Harper connects King’s experience to the broader struggle of African Americans throughout history, making “Like a King” a powerful indictment of how little has changed since the abolition of slavery.

#25 “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” by Odetta

Odetta’s rendition of “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” is a heart-wrenching spiritual that echoes the sorrow and longing of enslaved people torn from their families. Her powerful, rich voice carries the weight of centuries of separation, loss, and loneliness that characterized the experience of slavery. The song’s haunting repetition of the phrase “motherless child” captures the deep emotional scars left by forced family separations, a common and devastating reality for slaves.

Odetta’s performance transforms this traditional spiritual into a timeless cry for justice and healing, reminding listeners that the trauma of slavery still resonates today. Her voice is a testament to the strength it takes to endure such profound suffering.

#26 “Bourgeois Blues” by Lead Belly

Lead Belly’s “Bourgeois Blues” addresses racial segregation and discrimination in Washington, D.C., but it also reflects the broader legacy of slavery in shaping the systemic inequality African Americans face. Lead Belly’s lively yet biting delivery makes the song a sharp critique of the hypocrisy and injustice embedded in society. He sings about being treated as inferior, even in the so-called “free” North, pointing to how deeply rooted racial prejudice remains.

The song connects the dots between the racism of Lead Belly’s time and the dehumanization that began with slavery. It’s a clever yet powerful reminder that the social hierarchies established during slavery continue to influence modern structures of oppression.

#27 “Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution” by Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution” is a call to rise against inequality, with echoes of the struggles that began during slavery and persist in the modern world. Chapman’s simple acoustic arrangement and understated voice deliver a message of quiet defiance, speaking directly to the marginalized and oppressed. The song calls for revolutionary change, hinting at the need for collective action to dismantle the systemic structures that have kept people in chains, both literal and metaphorical.

While not explicitly about slavery, Chapman’s song taps into the same longing for justice and equality that has driven revolutions throughout history. Her message is timeless, resonating with those who continue to fight for freedom and dignity.

#28 “Oh Freedom” by Sweet Honey in the Rock

“Oh Freedom” by Sweet Honey in the Rock is a post-Civil War spiritual that captures the jubilation of emancipation while acknowledging the heavy toll of slavery. The group’s powerful harmonies, performed a cappella, evoke the strength of collective resistance, creating a soulful anthem of liberation. The song declares that the singer would rather be dead and buried in their grave than return to a life of bondage, symbolizing the profound desire for freedom at any cost.

Its origins as a spiritual sung by freed slaves make it a direct link to the abolitionist struggle, while Sweet Honey in the Rock’s version carries the tradition into modern times, ensuring that the voices of the enslaved continue to be heard.

#29 “Hell You Talmbout” by Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe’s “Hell You Talmbout” is a protest anthem that reverberates with the names of Black people killed by police brutality, connecting their deaths to the long history of racial violence rooted in slavery. The song is a percussive, urgent cry for justice, with Monáe and her collaborators chanting each victim’s name in a powerful roll call of remembrance. The repetitive, drum-heavy rhythm creates an atmosphere of relentless determination, as if the demand for accountability can never be silenced.

By invoking the legacy of slavery, Monáe reminds listeners that the systemic devaluation of Black lives did not end with emancipation—it continues in new, insidious forms. The song is both a memorial and a call to action.

#30 “Black Man in a White World” by Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka’s “Black Man in a White World” is a soulful, introspective song that grapples with the feeling of isolation and alienation as a Black man in a society still shaped by the legacy of slavery. Kiwanuka’s repeating refrain, set against a hauntingly minimalistic groove, captures the tension between resilience and despair. The song feels like both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the systemic inequalities that persist long after slavery was abolished.

Through its simplicity, the song conveys a deep sense of frustration while also celebrating the strength it takes to navigate a world built on exclusion. Kiwanuka’s voice becomes a vessel for both pain and empowerment.

#31 “Freedom” by Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus’ “Freedom” is a jazz composition that speaks directly to the African American experience, drawing connections between the historical fight against slavery and the contemporary battle for civil rights. Mingus’ signature blend of jazz improvisation and spoken word gives the song a unique power, turning it into a sonic rallying cry for liberation. The melody weaves between soulful reflection and chaotic defiance, mirroring the struggle for freedom itself.

The song’s spoken section directly addresses the hypocrisy of a nation built on the backs of enslaved people, making it a biting critique of America’s failure to deliver on its promises of liberty and equality. “Freedom” stands as both an artistic and political statement.

#32 “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” paints a vivid picture of systemic racism and economic exploitation, themes that are inextricably tied to the legacy of slavery. Through the story of a young Black man who moves to the city in search of a better life, Wonder illustrates how institutional barriers continue to hold people of color in chains, even after slavery’s abolition. The song’s cinematic production and gritty soundscape enhance its narrative, making it feel like a mini epic about the ongoing fight for equality.

Wonder’s voice, full of both anger and empathy, turns the song into a critique of modern-day slavery—the way poverty, racism, and disenfranchisement perpetuate cycles of oppression. “Living for the City” is a cry for justice and reform.

#33 “Birmingham Sunday” by Joan Baez

Joan Baez’s “Birmingham Sunday” is a haunting tribute to the four young girls who were killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The song, written by Baez’s husband Richard Fariña, connects their deaths to the long history of racial violence that began with slavery. Baez’s pure, angelic voice contrasts with the horror of the event, turning the song into both a lament and a call for social justice.

Through its delicate yet powerful melody, “Birmingham Sunday” serves as a reminder that the legacy of slavery lives on in acts of racial terrorism. Baez’s performance immortalizes the victims while calling out the deep-rooted racism that continues to claim innocent lives.

#34 “Here’s to the State of Mississippi” by Phil Ochs

Phil Ochs’ “Here’s to the State of Mississippi” is a scathing protest song that condemns the deeply entrenched racism in Mississippi during the Civil Rights era. The song critiques the segregationist attitudes and violent resistance to integration, linking these injustices directly to the legacy of slavery. Ochs’ folk style, with its biting lyrics, addresses the systemic racism that continues to haunt the American South, exposing how deeply rooted the scars of slavery remain.

Though Mississippi is the focal point, the song speaks to a broader societal complicity in maintaining racial inequality. Ochs’ sharp, unwavering delivery turns the song into an indictment of a nation that has failed to reckon with its past.

#35 “Colonial Mentality” by Fela Kuti

“Colonial Mentality” by Fela Kuti tackles the psychological remnants of slavery and colonization, focusing on how colonial powers imposed their mindset on African nations. Kuti’s afrobeat rhythms provide a powerful backdrop for his message, which challenges Africans to reject the inferiority complex left behind by colonial rule. His lyrics argue that even after gaining political independence, many African nations are still mentally enslaved by the colonial mindset, continuing the exploitation of their own people.

The song’s driving beat, combined with Kuti’s impassioned vocals, makes “Colonial Mentality” a rallying cry for true liberation, both physical and mental. It is a call to throw off the chains of a historical oppression that began with slavery and continues in more insidious forms.

#36 “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is a soulful meditation on the injustices that still plague society, with strong connections to the legacy of slavery and systemic racism. Though written in response to the Vietnam War and social unrest of the 1960s, the song’s themes of violence, inequality, and marginalization trace back to the dehumanization of Black people during slavery. Gaye’s smooth, haunting vocals deliver the message of social change with empathy and a sense of urgency.

The song calls for understanding and peace but also serves as a reminder of how the wounds of slavery continue to manifest in modern-day struggles. “What’s Going On” resonates as a timeless plea for justice and compassion.

#37 “Can’t Truss It” by Public Enemy

Public Enemy’s “Can’t Truss It” draws a direct line from slavery to contemporary economic and social exploitation, framing modern oppression as an extension of the past. Chuck D’s forceful delivery and the song’s hard-hitting beats emphasize the anger and frustration of generations still dealing with systemic racism. The lyrics delve into the control and exploitation of Black people, from chattel slavery to corporate dominance, showing how the structures of oppression have evolved but remain intact.

The aggressive tone and unapologetic message make “Can’t Truss It” a powerful statement about the continuity of slavery’s legacy. Public Enemy turns the song into both an education and a warning about the cycles of exploitation that persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do many songs about slavery focus on both historical and modern issues?

Songs about slavery often draw parallels between historical oppression and ongoing struggles because the effects of slavery are still felt today. Many artists use music to highlight how systemic racism and inequality stem from that dark past.

What role do spirituals play in songs about slavery?

Spirituals were born from the enslaved experience and served as both a form of expression and resistance. They conveyed messages of hope, resilience, and even instructions for escape, making them foundational to music about slavery.

How does modern music address the legacy of slavery?

Modern songs often tackle slavery’s legacy by addressing systemic racism, economic exploitation, and social injustice. Artists use these themes to show how slavery’s influence persists in contemporary struggles for equality and freedom.

Are songs about slavery typically somber or can they be empowering?

While many songs about slavery reflect sorrow and suffering, others are deeply empowering, focusing on resilience and the fight for freedom. They honor the strength and endurance of those who resisted and survived oppression.