The Evolution of "Woke": From Lead Belly to Modern Activism
Hey there! Let's embark on an exciting journey exploring the fascinating evolution of the term "woke" from its roots with 20th-century Folk singer-songwriter, Lead Belly, to its place in modern activism. Back in the day, Lead Belly graced us with his empowering voice and meaningful lyrics, even coining the phrase "stay woke" on a memorable recording of his song "Scottsboro Boys." Little did he know that these words would gain momentum and go on to serve as a spark for the awakening of black political consciousness. Fast forward to 1923, where Jamaican philosopher and social activist, Marcus Garvey, encouraged people to "Wake up Ethiopia!", marking one of the earliest uses of the idea of wokeness as a concept. From these humble beginnings, the concept of being "woke" has evolved, growing into a powerful tool in modern activism, encouraging individuals to be socially aware and actively fight against injustice. Talk about an incredible journey!
