The March On Washington: A Chronological History of Negro Contributions is a remarkable album that celebrates the rich legacy of African American contributions to American history. Featuring a diverse array of artists, this album presents a comprehensive and compelling narrative of the African American experience from the days of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement.
The album's tracklist is carefully curated to reflect the various stages of African American history, beginning with "The Slave Ship" by Amiri Baraka and ending with "We Shall Overcome" by Fannie Lou Hamer. The songs are not only musically engaging but also informative, as they provide historical context and insight into the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout the centuries.
The album's standout tracks include "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday, a haunting and powerful song that speaks to the horrors of lynching, and "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke, a soulful and uplifting anthem that captures the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. Other notable songs include "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson, which has become known as the "Black National Anthem," and "Mississippi Goddam" by Nina Simone, a protest song that speaks to the violence and discrimination faced by African Americans in the South.