MAJOR PROJECT: MIXTAPE

 Lison Ziegler 

 

Dr. Jaleesa Harris

 

African American Literature I  

December 7, 2025

 

MAJOR PROJECT: MIXTAPE

 

For my major project, I chose to make a mixtape; the theme of this mixtape is “People deserve real equality, not just partial progress”. The main text I chose is “Addressing the Atlanta Compromise” by Du Bois. I decided on this theme and this text because, as a future educator, it is very important that everyone gets the same; no one in a classroom should feel that the teacher is not giving them the same attention as another classmate. As educators, we have to face our biases and teach with equality. 

For my song choices, I chose these songs because they match the theme and connect to my culture and experiences growing up. Listening to them taught me how I felt about equality and standing up for what I feel is right and deserves to be heard. I added some French songs too because I grew up listening to them, and they made me feel a connection to the theme and the text I chose.

https://music.apple.com/fr/playlist/mixtape-english-205/pl.u-4Joma4ltJkpWV6p?l=en

1.        “Alright”, Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick’s song gives hope to people dealing with racism and everyday discrimination. It reassures listeners that even when things are tough, they shouldn’t give up on fighting for fairness. The message focuses on survival and pushing forward. It matches the idea that communities deserve better than partial progress.

2.        “Glory”, Common & John Legend
This song talks about the long fight for civil rights and how people continue pushing even when progress is slow. It connects to the idea that justice shouldn’t be something people have to wait forever to receive. The message shows that real equality takes courage and action. Like Du Bois, it calls for true freedom, not halfway change.

3.        “Freedom”, Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar
This song is all about breaking free from anything that holds people back. It encourages listeners to refuse limitations and keep fighting for justice. The intensity of the music reflects the frustration of living under inequality. It connects to the theme that people deserve full freedom, not just small improvements.

4.        “On écrit sur les murs” – Kids United
This was a song my family played a lot, especially during car rides, and it always made me feel hopeful, even when I didn’t know the deeper meaning. The song talks about filling the world with messages of peace and equality, something that feels comforting and powerful at the same time. Thinking back, those moments with my family made me believe that fairness and kindness should be normal, not rare. It matches the theme because it reminds us that real equality starts with what we share and teach each other.

5.        “Fight the Power” – Public Enemy
This song encourages people to speak out against systems that treat them unfairly. It sends a strong message that accepting inequality will only keep people stuck where they are. The energy of the song shows that standing up is necessary for progress. It reflects the same resistance that Du Bois believed was needed for real change.

6.        “Dernier appel”, Kery James
I remember first hearing this song when I was a little older, and even though I didn’t fully understand everything, I could feel the seriousness in his voice. Listening to it alone made me think about how unfair the world can be and how some people must fight harder just to be treated equally. Now that I’m older, I can see how the song demands real justice instead of empty promises. It connects to the idea that we can’t settle for small steps; we deserve actual change.

7.        “Liberté”, Tal
This is a song I remember hearing both alone and with my family, and it always felt uplifting. When I listened to it by myself, the message about finding freedom and confidence was something that motivated me. When my family played it, it felt even more special, like we were all sharing the same feeling of wanting a better, freer life. The message fits the theme because it reminds us that everyone deserves freedom, respect, and equal opportunities.

8.        “Man in the Mirror” – Michael Jackson
This song focuses on how change starts with individuals deciding to act differently. It reminds listeners that challenging inequality begins with looking at their own behavior. The message encourages responsibility and self-reflection. It matches the theme of working actively toward fairness instead of accepting things as they are.

9.        “Blackbird” – The Beatles
The song uses metaphor to talk about rising above oppression and learning to “fly” despite challenges. It encourages people who feel held down to believe in their strength. The quiet but powerful message supports the idea of personal and social growth. This relates to Du Bois’s push for people to claim their full rights and potential.

10.  “Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
This song celebrates individuality and pushes back against discrimination based on identity. It teaches that everyone deserves love, respect, and equality. The upbeat message inspires confidence and pride. It matches the theme of demanding acceptance instead of settling for judgment or bias.

11.  “La Rage” – Keny Arkana
This song is full of passion and anger toward social and political systems that keep people down. It shows how inequality affects everyday life and why people must fight back. The energy reflects a refusal to accept injustice. It fits the theme of resisting oppression and demanding something better.

12.   “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
This powerful song expresses the pain of discrimination but also the belief that equality will eventually come. It shows how difficult the struggle for justice can be, especially for Black Americans. The song encourages patience and perseverance. It relates to Du Bois’s belief that people shouldn’t stop demanding their rights.

13.  “Rise” – Andra Day
This song encourages people to keep moving forward even when life feels heavy or unfair. It focuses on resilience and lifting each other during hard times. The message makes it clear that giving up won’t create change, but unity and strength will. It fits the theme of fighting for real equality with determination.

 

I hope you enjoyed this mixtape and you felt a connection between these songs and the theme I chose.