About this episode
This episode explores the role of art in shaping social movements and identity throughout history.
In 1964, Sam Cooke released a song that captured both struggle and hope with unusual clarity — offering not just expression, but a shared sense of identity and momentum. And it wasn’t an isolated moment. From the Vietnam War to the Arab Spring, art has repeatedly shaped how events are seen, felt, and, at times, acted upon. The power of a picture, the weight of a song, the bravery of a book — these have all been real forces that lead to reach change. Which raises a more difficult question: in the present moment, what exactly is art doing? What does it owe to itself, and the times we’re living in? Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public. Follow the show here . This episode was hosted and reported by executive producer, Myra Flynn and mixed by Burgess Brown. Our video director is Mike Dunn and Emmanuel Dzotsi is our editor. Myra composed the theme music with other music by Blue Dot Sessions and Edwin Owusu. Kyle Ambusk is the graphic artist behind this episode’s Homegoings portrait . Thank you for listening. You can see this episode on our YouTube channel . To continue to be part of the Homegoings family: Subscribe to our YouTube channel Sign up for the Homegoings newsletter…
People in this episode
Host: Myra Flynn
Topics covered
- art
- identity
- social change
- music
- cultural impact
Keywords
- art
- social change
- identity
- music
- cultural impact
- Sam Cooke
- Vietnam War
- Arab Spring
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Vermont Public, Blue Dot Sessions, Edwin Owusu
Books & works: A Change Is Gonna Come
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