My essay, “On small towns, protests, and backs turned…” relies heavily on lyrics from nine songs that punctuate the end of each of its sections. Some are ironic, some directly connected, but all coalesce around a particular thread in my thinking.

All of these songs end up—intentionally or unintentionally—focused on the divides between us.

What we don’t do about those divisions might just be our defining characteristic as a nation.

“Devil Inside” by INXS

"Devil Inside" is the 2nd single from INXS 6th album "Kick". ------- Subscribe for more INXS: http://bit.ly/subscribe-to-inxs Facebook: https://www.facebook....

“Small Town” by John Mellencamp

“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield

There's something happening here What it is ain't exactly clear There's a man with a gun over there Telling me I got to beware I think it's time we stop, chi...

“Hell You Talmbout” by Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records

Janelle Monae and the entire Wondaland records family perform her socially conscious song "Hell You Talmbout" live at the kickoff night of the Eephus Tour at...

“Silence” by PJ Harvey

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group Silence · PJ Harvey White Chalk ℗ 2007 Universal Island Records Ltd. A Universal Music Company. Released on: 200...

“Biko” by Peter Gabriel

'Biko' is taken from Peter's third self-titled solo album. Video directed by Lol Creme. Follow Peter Gabriel on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7C4s...

“Know Your Rights” by The Clash

“Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie

You can support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueenHouse85 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenhouse85/ Facbook: https://www.facebook.com/Quee...

“Behind the Wall” by Tracy Chapman

Provided to YouTube by Elektra Records Behind the Wall · Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman ℗ 1988 Elektra/Asylum Records for the United States and WEA Internationa...

Or so the song goes.

A novel concept that needs to be a novel

Books — I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Still Made for Whiteness