Here are Ten Most Popular Pancocojams Posts That Were Published in 2014

Compiled by Azizi Powell

A total of 1408 posts have been published on this blog since it was launched in 2011. In 2014 I published 432 posts on my pancocojams blog, including this post. To date, pancocojams has had a total of 1,317,472 viewer hits.

This year rather than showcase the posts that I liked the best, I'm showcasing ten posts published in 2014 that have the most viewer hits. Hyperlinks are given for each of these posts.

One video from each of the top five posts* is also included with that post's title & hyperlink.

Publishing these links in one post makes it easier for me to enjoy these posts again, and also provides an opportunity for you to check out some posts that you might have missed.

*One of the videos is actually from Part II of one of these showcased posts.

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LIST OF TEN MOST OFTEN VIEWED 2014 PANCOCOJAMS POSTS
The amount of viewer hits to date for each entry is given in parenthesis after its title.

1. How "Bye Felicia" Became A Popular Catchphrase [20,690]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-bye-felicia-became-popular.html

WARNING: The movie (as well as this scene) includes profanity.

friday clip



HyFlyer988Uploaded on Mar 11, 2007

felisha beggin

-snip-
This post has the highest number of viewer hits to date. The second most popular pancocojams post that has received the most views since this blog was first launched is "The Right Rhyming Pattern For Shabooya Roll Call Verses" http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/right-rhyming-pattern-for-shabooya-roll.html. [published Jan 30, 2012, current total of 16536 hits]

That "Bye Felicia" beat out "The Right Rhyming Pattern For Shabooya Roll Call Verses" in less than one year is surprising to me. But then again, I never know which pancocojams post will "hit" or not.

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2. Stand Battles & The Changing Meaning Of "Majorettes" In African American Culture [8432]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/stand-battles-changing-meaning-of.html

PURPLE DIAMONDS VS DANCING DOLLS



TDABEST2011, Published on Aug 11, 2012
-snip-
This post is #3 on the list of pancocojams posts with the most viewer hits since the blog was first launched in August 2011.

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3. The Origins And Meanings Of "Shante You Stay" & "Sashay Away" [7932]

http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-origins-and-meanings-of-shante-you.html

RuPaul's leitmotive: "Sashay away."



Antonio Casto, Published on Oct 20, 2012
-snip-
This post is #5 on the list of pancocojams posts with the most viewer hits since the blog was first launched in August 2011. #4 is Che Che Kule - Origin, Lyrics, & Videos http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/03/che-che-kule-origin-lyrics-videos.html [March 12, 2012, 7945]

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4. Seven Gospel Songs From The Emmanuel Singers SCOAN [Nigeria] [4943]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/seven-gospel-songs-from-emmanuel.html

EMMANUEL SINGERS - Oh Holy Spirit



Fans ProphetTBJoshua, Published on Mar 24, 2012

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5. Five Examples of Song Lyrics For "Li'l Liza Jane" (Little Liza Jane) [3585]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/five-examples-of-song-lyrics-for-lil.html

Nina Simone- Little Liza Jane



Achiko Kinkladze, Uploaded on May 5, 2011
-snip-
The video is from Part II of that two part series. Part II's link is given in Part I. For the record, that post had 491 viewer hits.

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6. Destined Kids - "Joy Joy Joy", "Emmanuel", and "Big Big God" (lyrics) [3488]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/destined-kids-joy-joy-joy-emmanuel-and.html

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7. What "Reading Someone", "Throwing Shade", & "No Tea No Shade" Mean [2959]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-reading-someone-throwing-shade-no.html

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8. What "Sissy That Walk" Means (with video examples) [2814]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-sissy-that-walk-means-with-video.html

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9. Toyin Adebola - "Kabi O Osi O" (Nigerian Gospel) with lyrics [2679]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/toyin-adebola-kabi-o-osi-o-nigerian.html

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10. Bill Cosby Show Hand Clap Segment (I Met My Boyfriend At The Candy Store) [2110]
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/bill-cosby-show-hand-clap-segment-i-met.html

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Happy Holidays And Happy New Year!

Viewer comments are welcome.

Seven Trinidadian & Tobagan Parang & Soca Parang Music (Christmas In Trinidad & Tobago)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases seven sound files of Trinidadian and Tobagan Parang & Soca Parang songs. Information about Parang & Soca Parang music is also included in this post. Selected viewer comments are also featured after some of these sound files.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the featured vocalists and thanks to all those who keep Trinidadian & Tobagan Parang and Soca Parang alive.

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INFORMATION ABOUT PARANG MUSIC
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parang
"Parang is a popular folk music originating from Trinidad and Tobago, it was brought to Trinidad by Venezuelan migrants who were primarily of Amerindian, Spanish and African heritage, something which is strongly reflected in the music itself. The word is derived from two Spanish words: parranda, meaning "a spree or fête", and parar meaning "to stop".

In the past, it was traditional for parang serenaders to pay nocturnal visits to the homes of family and friends, where part of the fun was waking the inhabitants of the household from their beds. Today, parang is especially vibrant in Trinidad and Tobago communities such as Paramin, Lopinot, and Arima.

A new form of parang, soca parang, has emerged. Soca parang is a combination of soca and parang.

Performance
In Trinidad, traditional parang music is largely performed around Christmas time, when singers and instrumentalists (collectively known as the parranderos) travel from house to house in the community, often joined by friends and neighbours family etc. using whatever instruments are to hand. Popular parang instruments include the cuatro (a small, four-string guitar) and maracas (locally known as chac-chacs). Other instruments often used are violin, guitar, claves (locally known as toc-toc), box bass (an indigenous instrument), tambourine, mandolin, bandol, caja (a percussive box instrument), and marimbola (an Afro-Venezuelan instrument). In exchange for the entertainment, parranderos are traditionally given food and drink: pastelle, sorrel, rum and "Ponche Crema" (a form of alcoholic eggnog).

While traditional house-to-house caroling tradition is still practised by some small groups and larger organized groups, modern parang music has also developed a season of staged performances called parang fiestas, held from October through to January each year, culminating in a national parang competition. Today, parang is especially vibrant in Trinidad and Tobago communities such as Paramin, Lopinot, and Arima."...

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FEATURED EXAMPLES
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.

Example #1: Crazy (parang) Yvonne

Andy wong kee, Uploaded on Oct 26, 2008

treat ur wife right
-snip-
Selected comments:
ronnie jhagrur, 2013
"awesome soca parang jam ...love it ...DJ RONNIE INT"

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Roger King, 2013
"There is no Christmas without d madman Crazy .... love him too baad !!!"

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Alfred Defreitas, 2013
"yepp love the track make me feel like a child again.................. all d ham n cake ...............miss dem days"

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Apphiaone Writes, 2014
"OLD SCHOOL!!!love it! Island vibes..."

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Example #2: Trinidad parang Marcia Miranda - bring out the ham



Andy wong kee, Uploaded on Nov 1, 2008
classic...i wish i had d vid
-snip-
Selected comments:
trinipulse1, 2009
"Lawd!!!...am lovin it .... in d christmas mood already!! Trini christmas is d bes!!"

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Mei Ling Gao, 2009
in reply to trinipulse1
"Lol me too! i cant seem to stop listenin to parang and its not even christmas. It is just makes me feel good [and really hungry too lol] My mum is trini so i grew up with trini xmas. The best!!!"

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jovanna407, 2012
"Its april and im listenig to parang already?"

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Example #3: Sharlene Flores - Parang Soca Fun



TrinidadAndTobago101, Uploaded on Nov 5, 2010

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Example #4: Soca parang SCRUNTER



ScorpioPetey, Uploaded on Nov 18, 2009

I WANT ME SOME portk for me Christmas
-snip-
Selected comment:
thegameright, 2011
"I grew up in Maracas Valley. the village of parang and christmas carols.Christmas there was like travelling on your way to heaven. How I wish my children can experience this. Scrunter u r an Icon. I will cherish my childhood memories living in that beautiful place like heaven called the valley."

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tariqdesir, 2011
"ah trini christmas is not a trini christmas without this song..:)"

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Dennisha Rollins, 2011
"Every year me and my play this music while putting up christmas decorations"

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Example #5: Scrunta - Leroy (way your mother gone)



TriniKingDeOriginal's channel, Uploaded on Nov 26, 2008

Scrunta - leroy classic parang
-snip-
Selected comments:
Rachael Jones, 2013
"King of soca parang"

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ramsundar bajan, 2013
"trin parang is d best in d hole world and we have d besssssst christmas lol"

sassytrini 868, 2014
"soca parang never gets old ah love it"

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Example #6: Sharlene Flores - Parang Soca Fun



TrinidadAndTobago101 Uploaded on Nov 5, 2010

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Example #7: BARON - IT'S CHRISTMAS (PARANG)



WOTLESS TRINIDADIAN, Published on Dec 1, 2012

CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE,THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS,HOPE YALL ENJOY THIS CLASSIC SONG

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Visitor comments are welcome.

List Of Noteworthy Pancocojams Text Posts (#3)

Edited by Azizi Powell

"Noteworthy Pancocojams text posts" (NPTP) is a new periodic feature that provides hyperlinks to examples of text emphasis pancocojams posts. "Text emphasis" posts are those whose content emphasizes quotes, comments, definitions, and/or lists more than videos. Indeed, these posts may not contain any videos.

"Lyric posts" - posts that focus on examples of the words to songs or the words to rhymes and cheers - are another category of a text emphasis pancocojams posts. However, I'm not including any examples of lyric posts in these noteworthy Pancocojams text posts lists. Examples of those lyric posts can be found by using the tabs below or using the internal search feature.

This NPCP list contains seventeen hyperlinks of Pancocojams posts which were published in 2014. Additional text emphasis posts from 2014 are found in List #1 & #2. These posts are only a sample of pancocojams text emphasis posts that were published in 2014.

I'm compiling these lists as a reminder of these posts and as a way of making them easier to access. The number given in parenthesis indicates the list number for that series.

Of course, what I consider to be a "noteworthy" pancocojams text posts may be different from examples of such posts that you might list. Please let me know in the comment section below which pancocojams text posts you've read that you consider to be noteworthy. Thanks!

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LIST OF NOTEWORTHY PANCOCOJAMS TEXT POSTS (#3)
These titles are given in the order of their posting date and not in any order of preference. The numbers have been assigned for referencing purposes only.

1. The Changing Meaning Of "Banji" (Banjee) - From "Paris Is Burning" to Sharaya J's "Banji" Record
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-changing-meaning-of-banji-banjee.html

2. The Differences Between The Dozens And Reading/Throwing Shade
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-differences-between-dozens-and.html

3. What "One Day Congotay (Congote)" Means
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-one-day-congotay-congote-means.htm

4. What "Reading Someone", "Throwing Shade", & "No Tea No Shade" Mean
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-reading-someone-throwing-shade-no.html

5. The REAL Sources & Meanings of The Saying "Hold My Mule"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-real-sources-meanings-of-saying.html

6. African Proverbs (information, text examples, and music example)
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/03/african-proverbs-information-text.html

7. A Partial List Of African American Play Party Songs
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/african-american-sources-of-various.html

8. What Testify (Giving A Testimony) Means In Church
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-testify-giving-testimony-means-in.html

9. The Origins & Meanings Of "Jaffe Joffer" & Other Names From "Coming To America" (with videos)
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-origins-meanings-of-jaffe-joffer.html

10. Mame Coumba Bang (Senegalese River Goddess), Information & Comments
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/mame-coumba-bang-senegalese-river.html

11. Linguistic Alert! Another Vernacular Meaning For "Sang" (with videos)
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/linguistic-alert-another-verncular.html

12. What Qualities Are Valued In Stomp & Shake Cheerleading?
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-qualities-are-valued-in-stomp.html

13. The History & Significance Of The Pan-African Red, Gold, And Green Flags
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-history-significance-of-pan-african.html

14. The History & Meaning Of The Red, Black, And Green Flag
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-history-meaning-of-red-black-and.html

15. Very Old Reference To John Canoe & Aunt Sally Stuffed Figures In The Caribbean
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/very-old-reference-to-john-canoe-aunt.html

16. The Source Of The "Shave And A Hair Cut. Two Bits" Tune
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/thethe-source-of-shave-and-hair-cut-two.html

17. The Devil, Jumbies, And The "Shut De Door"(Keep Out The Devil) Song
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-devil-jumbies-and-shut-de-doorkeep.html

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

List Of Noteworthy Pancocojams Text Posts (#2)

Edited by Azizi Powell

"Noteworthy Pancocojams text posts" (NPTP) is a new periodic feature that provides hyperlinks to examples of text emphasis pancocojams posts. "Text emphasis" posts are those whose content emphasizes quotes, comments, definitions, and/or lists more than videos. Indeed, these posts may not contain any videos.

"Lyric posts" - posts that focus on examples of the words to songs or the words to rhymes and cheers - are another category of a text emphasis pancocojams posts. However, I'm not including any examples of lyric posts in these noteworthy Pancocojams text posts lists. Examples of those lyric posts can be found by using the tabs below or using the internal search feature.

This NPCP list contains ten hyperlinks of Pancocojams posts which were published in 2014. Additional text emphasis posts from 2014 are found in List #1 & #3. These posts are only a sample of pancocojams text emphasis posts that were published in 2014.

I'm compiling these lists as a reminder of these posts and as a way of making them easier to access. The number given in parenthesis indicates the list number for that series.

Of course, what I consider to be a "noteworthy" pancocojams text posts may be different from examples of such posts that you might list. Please let me know in the comment section below which pancocojams text posts you've read that you consider to be noteworthy. Thanks!

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LIST OF NOTEWORTHY PANCOCOJAMS TEXT POSTS (#2)
These titles are given in the order of their posting date and not in any order of preference. The numbers have been assigned for referencing purposes only.

1. The Origins & Meanings Of The Word "Sambo"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-origin-meanings-of-word-sambo-means.html

2. The History And Meaning Of The Chant "No Justice, No Peace"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-history-and-meaning-of-chant-no.html

3. Singing Spirituals Using 19th Century Black Dialect
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/08/why-i-dont-like-use-of-19th-century.html

4. The Racist Roots Of The "Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed" Chant
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-racist-roots-of-five-little-monkeys.html

5. The Use Of "Mama" & "Papa" In The Congo To Refer To Non-Parents
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-use-of-mama-papa-in-congo-to-refer.html

6. Black Talk: Excerpt From "Sez Who? Hip Hop Nation: A Scholar's View"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-use-of-mama-papa-in-congo-to-refer.html

7. What Does Mayaya Lasinki Mean? (information, opinions, videos, & lyrics)
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/06/what-does-mayaya-lasinki-mean.html

8. How "Bye Felicia" Became A Popular Catchphrase
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-bye-felicia-became-popular.html

9. What "Sissy That Walk" Means (with video examples)
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-sissy-that-walk-means-with-video.html
-snip-
This post is an exception to the "text emphasis" category in that it also includes a large number of videos.

10. World of Warcraft 's Leeroy Jenkins & Black American Names & Memes
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/05/leeroy-jenkins-black-american-names.html

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

List Of Noteworthy Pancocojams Text Posts (#1)

Edited by Azizi Powell

"Noteworthy Pancocojams text posts" (NPTP) is a new periodic feature that provides hyperlinks to examples of text emphasis pancocojams posts. "Text emphasis" posts are those whose content emphasizes quotes, comments, definitions, and/or lists more than videos. Indeed, these posts may not contain any videos.

"Lyric posts" - posts that focus on examples of the words to songs or the words to rhymes and cheers - are another category of a text emphasis pancocojams posts. However, I'm not including any examples of lyric posts in these noteworthy Pancocojams text posts lists. Examples of those lyric posts can be found by using the tabs below or using the internal search feature.

This NPCP list contains ten hyperlinks of Pancocojams posts which were published in 2014. Additional text emphasis posts from 2014 are found in List #2 & #3. These posts are only a sample of pancocojams text emphasis posts that were published in 2014.

I'm compiling these lists as a reminder of these posts and as a way of making them easier to access. The number given in parenthesis indicates the list number for that series.

Of course, what I consider to be a "noteworthy" pancocojams text posts may be different from examples of such posts that you might list. Please let me know in the comment section below which pancocojams text posts you've read that you consider to be noteworthy. Thanks!

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LIST OF NOTEWORTHY PANCOCOJAMS TEXT POSTS (#1)
These posts' titles are given in the order of their posting date and not in any order of preference. The numbers have been assigned for referencing purposes only.These titles are given in the order of their posting date and not in any order of preference. The numbers have been assigned for referencing purposes only.

1. From Freedom To Justice: Changes In African American Protest Terminology & Strategies
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/12/changes-in-african-american-protest.html

2. What Did Darren Wilson Mean When He Said That Michael Brown Jr Was Like Hulk Hogan?
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/11/what-did-darren-wilson-mean-when-he.html

3. "Yoruba Names And Their Meanings" by Fela Sowande
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/11/yoruba-names-and-their-meeanings-by.html

4. "I Am A Liberian, Not A Virus" Video, Hashtag, & Comments
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/i-am-liberian-not-virus-video-hashtag.html

5. Definitions & Examples Of The Rastafari Word "Iley"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html

6. Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/jamaican-patois-rasta-talk-in-youtube.html

7. What "smh" REALLY Means (information & examples) Part I
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/what-smh-really-means-information.html
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I'd also include Part II of this series in this noteworthy list. Its link is given in Part I.

8. My Comments About A "Black People Talking White" Video
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/09/comments-about-black-people-talking.html

9. What "Nana" Means In Akan Culture & The Use Of The Word In Jamaican Maroons & By African Americans
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/09/what-nana-means-in-akan-culture-its-use.html

10.Words For Father & Mother In Various African Languages (A-L)
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/09/words-for-father-mother-in-various.html
-snip-
I'd also include Part II of this series in this noteworthy list. Its link is given in Part I.

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Todd Smith (arranger Brad Homes" - "Noel" (also known as "African Noel" (information, videos, & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest edition- December 12, 2024

This pancocojams post showcases two performances of "Noel", also known as "African Noel".

The content of this post is presented for cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Todd Smith, composer and Brad Homes, the arranger of this song. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks also to the singers and musicians who are featured in the video. And thanks to the publisher of these videos on YouTube.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
This song entitled "Noel" ("African Noel) is different from the song with the same titles that is based on the song "Banuwa". "Banuwa' is said to be Liberian folk song, but actually may not have originated in Africa.  A pancocojams post of that song can be found at http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/12/sing-noel-african-noel-videos-lyrics.html.

The Congolese lyrics and English translations for the song that is showcased in this pancocojams post.

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LYRICS: NOEL ("African Noel")
(Todd Smith), Brad Holmes, arranger

Noel, Noel
Yesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto
Noel,Noel
Yesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto

Kana nge zola ku zaba mwana
Nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama
Kana nge zola ku zaba mwana
Nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama

Translation:
Noel, Noel
Jesus has come to live with us
Noel, Noel
Jesus has come to live with us

If you want to know the child
You have to come kneel
If you want to know the child
You have to come kneel

Source: Nihal Alfred, 2011 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1JFj0RlAO8x [viewer comment]

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SHOWCASE VIDEO:
Example #1: "Noel" (arr. Brad Holmes) - Millikin University Choir



MillikinUniversity Choir, Uploaded on Oct 13, 2010


The first version of this arrangement of an African song by Todd Smith. The Millikin University Choir live (2005).
-snip-
Millikin University is located in Decatur, Illinois. (United States)

Here's some information about Todd Smith:
From http://www.penders.com/product_info.php/24019171/noel?products_id=24019171
"Noel is an African spiritual by Todd Smith, arranged by Brad Holmes.
Dr. Holds [sic] holds the DMA in choral conducting from Arizona State Univeristy. He has been Director of Choral Activities at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois since 1991. He is the conductor University Choir and Concert Choir (freshmen mixed ensemble) and teachers conducting and choral methods. He is a frequent guest conductor for festivals and clinics throughout the USA."...

-snip-
Here's some information about Brad Holmes:
From https://www.millikin.edu/academics/cfa/som/Pages/FacultyandStaff.aspx
"Brad Holmes holds the DMA in choral conducting from Arizona State University. Director of Choral Activities at Millikin since 1991, Dr. Holmes leads a staff of five conductors who work with 300 singers. In addition to directing the University Choir, he teaches conducting and choral methods. His extensive guest-conducting schedule includes engagements throughout the United States in district festivals, ACDA honor choirs, church music clinics and All-State choirs."...

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Example #2: African Noel by Brad Holmes



Wlwchoirs Uploaded on May 9, 2009

All State Honors Choir
Directed by Andre Thomas
performing at the MSVMA
Michigan Youth Arts Festival
May 9, 2009

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Visitor comments are welcome.

"Sing Noel" (also known as "Sing We All Noel") videos, information, & lyrics

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest edition - December 12, 2024

This pancocojams post presents three videos of the song "Sing Noel" ("African Noel").

Lyrics to two arrangements of "Sing Noel" are found below. In addition, the summary statement to the video given as Example #2 includes information about how to say "Merry Christmas" in various African languages.

The content of this post is presented for cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s and the arrangers of this song. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks also to the singers and musicians who are featured in the videos. And thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE

"Sing Noel" ("African Noel") is purported to be a traditional African song or a song that is based on an African traditional African song, Actually, the melody for "Sing Noel" is the same as the tune for "Banuwa Yo" (also known as "Banuwa") which is inaccurately credited to Liberians.

I believe that "Sing Noel" is a contemporary adaptation of the traditional French Christmas carol "Noel Nouvelet" ("Sing We Now Of Christmas") that uses the "Banuwa" tune. 

The Addendum to this post includes lyrics for and a video example of the traditional French Christmas carol "Noel Nouvelet" ("Sing We Now Of Christmas") and a video example of the song "Banuwa". 

Also adding to the confusion is another song with the title "Noel" ("African Noel") that was composed by Todd Smith and arranged by Brad Holmes. That Christmas song has words in the Congolese Kituba language. Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/12/noel-by-todd-smith-videos-congolese.html for an example of that song. 

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/11/seven-video-examples-of-liberian-folk.html fo the pancocojams post entitled "Seven Video Examples Of The Liberian Folk Song "Banuwa" In The United States & In Some Other Countries."

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LYRICS: SING NOEL (AFRICAN NOEL), Version #1

Andre J. Thomas, arranger

Chorus:
Sing Noel, sing Noel, Noel, Noel (4X)
Sing we all Noel! (2X)
O sing! (Sing Noel, sing Noel, Noel, Noel) (2X)

Oh come ye people. Gather near
to hear the news of good cheer.
About the King of Kings, the Lamb of God
Who is born this day in Bethleham.
Sing Noel!

Chorus

Source: various videos

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LYRICS: SING NOEL (AFRICAN NOEL), Version #2

Chorus:
Sing Noel, sing Noel, Noel, Noel (4X)
Sing we all Noel! (2X)
O sing! (Sing Noel, sing Noel, Noel, Noel) (2X)

Jesus, King of Israel,
God with us Emmanuel,
The Prince of Peace, Almighty God
Is born today in Bethlehem!

[Repeat from the beginning]

Source: My transcription from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiqNQzWEa9k [video with words imposed on the screen.]
-snip-
I'm interested in learning more about "Sing Noel" ("African Noel"). For instance, when was it first sung and is it an adaptation of the French carol "SIng We Now Of Christmas'? If you know information about this song, please share it in the comment section below. Thanks!

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FEATURED VIDEOS

Example #1: Choir African Noel



David Hill, Uploaded on Dec 17, 2008

arr. Andre J. Thomas. 2008 Dec 12 Dr. Greg Knauf, director

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Example #2: Sing Noel - African Christmas Song (HD)



NorthPoleChristmas, Uploaded on Jul 30, 2009

"Sing Noël" by The Marionettes Chorale & The Marionettes Youth Chorale
♫ Santa dedicates this to the many different cultural traditions of Christmas. He wishes you all a Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas. (This is part of a series of videos that inform children about Christmas traditions and cultural differences in the way this holiday is celebrated around the world.) No copy infraction intended on my videos. Thanks for watching!

People celebrate Christmas in diverse ways throughout different parts of the world. If you know of a Christmas song, that is specific to your country, please share it with us where Elf Lollipop Leroux can create a video for everyone to enjoy. Take care and Merry Christmas!


How to Say Merry Christmas:

In Akan (Ghana):
Afishapa

In Zimbabwe:
Merry Kisimusi

In Afrikaans (South Africa):
Geseënde Kersfees

In Zulu (South Africa):
Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle

In Swazi (Swaziland):
Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle

In Sotho (Lesthoto):
Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse

In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya):
Kuwa na Krismasi njema

In Amharic (Ethiopia):
Melkam Yelidet Beaal

In Yoruba (Nigeria):
E ku odun, e hu iye' dun!

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Example #3: Sing Noel-African Noel LRCA Choir



cdg127, Uploaded on Aug 21, 2010

2009 Warrior Choir sing part of African Noel

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ADDENDUM: SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS (French carol)

Sing We All Noel with Lyrics - French Christmas Carol ( Noel Nouvelet fr )




bobf72450, Published on Dec 15, 2013

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LYRICS: SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS

Version 2

Words: Noel Nouvelet, Traditional French, 15th Century
English Traditional Carol, 17-18th Century
Translator Unknown

Tune: Noel Nouvelet, French Traditional, 15th Century.

1. Sing we now of Christmas,
Noel sing we here.
Hear our grateful praises
To the Babe so dear.

Chorus:
Sing We Noel, the King is Born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!

2. Angels called to shepherds,
"Leave your flocks at rest;
Journey forth to Bethl’hem
Find the Lamb-kin blest." Chorus

3. In the stall they found Him;
Joseph and Mary mild
Seated ‘round the manger,
Watching the holy Child. Chorus

4. From the eastern country
Came the kings afar,
Bearing gifts to Bethl’hem,
Guided by a star. Chorus

5. Gold and myrrh they took there,
Gifts of greatest price;
There was ne’er a stable
So like paradise. Chorus

Source: http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/sing_we_now_of_christmas2.htm

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Banuwa



Jonathan Katz, March 23, 2017

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Four Examples Of The Liberian Folk Song "Banuwa"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents four videos of the Liberian folk song "Banuwa" ("Don't Cry"). This song appears to be part of the repertoire for a number of music classes in schools throughout the world.

The content of this post is presented for cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer of this song. Thanks also to the transcriber of these featured lyrics, the vocalists & musicians who are featured in the videos, and the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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LYRICS: BANUWA
From wilcokloosterman, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMe5EFqeHis, [given as Example #1 below], 2011
"Banuwa is a Liberian folk song used as a love song, lullaby, or even a processional. Here is the original text and translation:
Banuwa, Banuwa,
Banuwa yo
A la no
nehnio la no
Nehnia la no

Don't cry, Don't Cry,
pretty little girl don't cry.
Don't cry, Don't Cry,
pretty little girl don't cry.

Your father off at the village
your mothers out for a while,
your brothers down by the river.
No need to sit and cry."
-snip-
This comment is reformatted for this post. Two other commenters wrote the same or similar lyrics for this song.

Clearly, these lyrics in a Liberian traditional language aren't the complete lyrics for the English translation.

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FEATURED EXAMPLES
These examples are presented in chronological order with the oldest dated video presented first.

Example #1: Banuwa



mananachorus, Uploaded on Feb 5, 2007

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Example #2: {Ugandan] African choir sings banuwa



Nico van den Berge Uploaded on Jun 1, 2009

...www.zendeling.wordpress.com

One by one the choir members appear from their seat and walk to the stage in front. The choir of the African Bible University in Uganda sings Banuwa during the gradution ceremony of 2009. The Mzungu in the choir is my wife Inge. Does anybody know what the word Banuwa means? (we don't) nvandenberge@cs.com
-snip-
"Mzungu" = colloquial Swahili for White person

Here's what this video's publisher wrote in response to the question is this the original version of this song:
"
Nico van den Berge, 2010
"@jesst666 Well, uh, don't know if this is THE original version. We tried to have it as original as possible, but who on earth knows the original version of a folk song like this?"

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Example #3: BANUWA.MPG



Charles Hiram Romão Bruno, Uploaded on Feb 14, 2011

MÚSICA REALIZADA NA CAPACITAÇÃO CORAL DE PROFESSORES DO PROJETO GURI PELA "TI" SANDRA LIMA
-snip-
Portuguese to English partial translation - music from chorale class for student teachers
-snip-
Notice the chest body patting alternating with individual hand claps, and thigh slaps that the choir does for percussive accompaniment for their singing.

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Example #4: Banuwa Yo



Various Artists - Topic; Published on May 30, 2015

Provided to YouTube by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Banuwa Yo · The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger

Folk Songs of Four Continents

℗ 2004 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings / 1955 Folkways Records

-snip-
Update: January 2, 2019- This video replaces one that was originally embedded in this post but is no longer available.

It's likely that this 1955 Folkways record is the one that introduced this Liberian, West African song to the USA, if not also to other "Western" nations.

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Visitor comments are welcome.

From "Freedom Now" To "No Justice No Peace": Changes In African American Protest Terminology & Strategies

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest Update: December 15, 2018: additional video

This title was revised on December 15, 2018. The former title was "From Freedom To Justice: Changes In African American Protest Terminology & Strategies".

This post explores the changes that have occurred from the 1960s and thereafter in the terminology and strategies that have been used by African American protestors and their allies.

Also included in this post are two videos of 1960s civil rights marches, one video of the Jena 6 protests (2007) and five videos of 2013-2014 Black justice demonstrations.

This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on protest chants. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/03/chanting-at-trayvon-martin-march-rally.html, http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/examples-of-black-civil-rights-chants.html, and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/01/more-protest-chants-from-north.html for three other posts in this series.

The content of this post is presented for historical and cultural purposes.

Thanks to all those who have worked and those who are now working for equality and justice for all.

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1960s - "FREEDOM" AND "CIVIL RIGHTS"
"Freedom" meant being able to be an equal part of all aspects of American life.
"Civil Rights" meant full and equal access to all American public institutions and services.

The 1960s African American protest movement is called the "Civil Rights movement". The word "protestors" wasn't commonly used to refer to that movement's participants. The general public referred to the protest movements as "demonstrations" and called their participants "demonstrators". The movement's participants called themselves "freedom fighters", and "freedom riders". "Freedom riders" were Black people and White people who challenged racial laws in the American South in the 1960s by refusing to abide by the laws designating that seating in buses be segregated by race.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Riders)In addition to "freedom rides", the main tactics that freedom fighters used were boycotts of services, marches, rallies, and sit-ins. "Sit-ins" are any organized protest in which a group of people peacefully occupy and refuse to leave a premises. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sit-in) This tactic was first used in the Civil Rights movement to force the desegregation of public restaurants in the South.

Numerous songs and chants used by that movement included the word "freedom". An example of a "freedom song" is:
"0h freedom!
Oh freedom!
Oh freedom over me.
And before I be a slave
I'll be buried in my grave.
And go home to my Lord
And be free."

An example of a civil rights call & response chant from the 1960s is:
"What do we want?
(Freedom!)
When do we want it?
(Now!)"

An example of a civil rights unison chant from the 1960s is "Freedom now!"

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The late 1960s/1970s - THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT
The Black power movement* "emphasiz[ed] racial pride and the creation of black political and cultural institutions to nurture and promote black collective interests and advance black values (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Power)

The participants in this movement were referred to and referred to themselves as "Black power activists". The rallying cries for "freedom" and "civil rights" weren't used by Black power activists. Instead, the rallying calls were for "Black power!" and "Power to the People". Also, the
"Black power salute" was used as a widespread symbol of that movement. The Black power salute is usually made by holding the left arm above your head and sometimes extended slightly forward with the right hand in a fist. The facial expression is serious to indicate determination.

Quoting from the Wikipedia article on the black power movement whose link was previously given
"Though Black Power at the most basic level refers to a political movement, the psychological and cultural messages of the Black Power movement, though less tangible, have had perhaps a longer lasting impact on American society than concrete political changes...

The impact of the Black Power movement in generating valuable discussion about ethnic identity and black consciousness manifests itself in the relatively recent proliferation of academic fields such as American studies, Black Studies, and Africana studies in both national and international institutions. The respect and attention accorded to African Americans’ history and culture in both formal and informal settings today is largely a product of the movement for Black Power in the 1960s and 1970s."
-snip-
Wearing natural hairstyles such as the "afro" and "locks" ("dreadlocks") and adopting afro-centric
clothing fashions is also attributed to the late 1960s/1970s Black power movement.

It's significant to note that while singing protest songs was an integral part of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, singing (not including a person or people singing in front of an audience) isn't a part of Black protest movements since that decade.

*When used as a referent for Black people, it's appropriate for the letter "b" to either be capitalized or written in lower case.

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1980s
Some online references extend the Black power movement to the 1980s.

I've not been able to find any information about Black (African American) protest movements or chants in the 1980s

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BLACK JUSTICE PROTESTS - 1990s to date [strategies]
Since the 1990s, African American led demonstrations have been called "protests" and the participants in these demonstrations are called "protestors" and "demonstrators".

Instead of "freedom", "civil rights", or "black power", the rallying cry for these protests has been "justice". The word "justice" refers to "social justice", meaning "equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities" http://www.naswdc.org/pressroom/features/issue/peace.asp). In particular, since the 1990s, Black protests movement in the United States focus on the lack of justice for Black and Brown people in the criminal justice system and
the police's unequal treatment of Black and Brown people. Special focus of these protests has been the deaths of unarmed Black and Brown males by police officers and the lack of indictment of those police officers. Note that in the United States "Brown people" is usually a referent for Latinos/Latinas.

Note that a very significant aspect of the Black justice protest movements is the participation of persons across all racial, gender, age, and religious categories.

Among the tactics that justice protesters utilize are:
rallies
**
marches
Marches include planned organized marches to a specific location or locations and roving marches in which crowds move perhaps randomly throughout a large city.
**
sit-ins
**
die-ins
This tactic, which involves laying on the ground in imitation of a death, may have begun with Trayvon Martin protests in 2012. However, "die-ins" are most often associated with the death of
Eric Garner, New York City, July 17, 2014, Michael Brown, Jr. (Ferguson, Missouri, August 9, 2014, and a number of other Black males in 2014. In particular the practice of timing these die-ins for four and a half minutes is done to symbolize the four and one half hours that Michael Brown Jr. was left on the ground after he was killed by police officer Darren Wilson.

UPDATE: Read the correction in the comment section that si sent in that dates die ins to the 1980s if not earlier. "ACT UP and other gay-rights/AIDS activist organizations held die ins to call attention to the ignored AIDS plague in the 1980s."
-end of quote-
Thanks, si!

**
walk-outs
This tactic involves leaving (walking out of) a school or other place to as a form of protest and/or as an expression of support for protest or an issue or issues.
**
blockading (shutting down) streets, highways, and bridges
Protesters marching on streets, highways, and bridges and blocking access to those places in order
to draw attention to their demands.

**
Special mention can be made of the "Moral Mondays" protests that began in North Carolina in 2013.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_Mondays
"The protests are characterized by engaging in civil disobedience by entering the state legislature building and then being peacefully arrested. The movement protests many wide ranging issues under the blanket of unfair treatment, discrimination, and adverse effects of government legislation on the citizens of North Carolina. The protests in North Carolina launched a grassroots social justice movement that, in 2014, spread to Georgia and South Carolina,[1] and then to other U.S. states."
**
Unlike the Occupy protests in the United States and elsewhere that began in September 2011, with
the exceptions of certain sit-ins, Black justice protestors don't occupy locations for long periods of time.

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BLACK JUSTICE PROTESTS - 1990s to date [chants]
Among the rallying calls (chants) that are used by justice protestors are:
"No Justice, No Peace" (If we don't have justice, there will be no peace.)

It appears that "no justice/no peace" was also first used in protests against the murder of Malice Green by a Detroit, Michigan police officer in November 1992. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malice_Green)That unison chant is often heard in 2014 protests against the killing of unarmed Black and Brown people by the police and the lack of indictment of those police officers.

"No justice/no peace/no racist police" is an expansion of "no justice/no peace" that was also reported as being used in the Malice Green protest marches. That chant is also used in 2014.

**
"I can't breathe" (These were the last words that Eric Garner repeatedly said while he was being placed in a chokehold by police officer Daniel Pantaleo. Some die-ins last for eleven minutes to symbolize the number of times Eric Garner said "I can't breathe."

An expansion of "I can't breathe" is the unison chant "If we can't breathe/you can't breathe". That chant refers to the non-violent acts of civil disobedience that are done to draw attention to the issue of the lack of justice in the criminal justice system and the actions of bad police officers which go unpunished in that system.

**
"Shut it down!
(Read the comment about "blocking [shutting down] streets etc.)

**
"Hands up!/ Don't shoot".
"Hands up. Don't shoot" is a call and response chant with accompanying body gesture of both hands held overhead in the universal symbol of surrender. This chant and its accompanying body gesture dates from Michael Brown Jr.'s death. That chant and its gesture symbolize witnesses report of Michael Brown Jr.'s hands being raised in surrender when he was killed.

**
Black lives matter.

**
Forward together. Not one step back. [Moral Monday movement]

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FEATURED VIDEOS

Example #1: Martin Luther King Jr marches with people demonstrating for voting rights and oth...HD Stock Footage



CriticalPast, Published on Jun 29, 2014

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Example #2: MLK; March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom 1963/08/28



Universal Newsreels, Uploaded on Feb 21, 2009

Just one hundred years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves, 200,000 march in Washington to rally for civil rights and to urge Congress to pass the Civil Rights Bill. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. speaks and meets President Kennedy.

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Example #3: Thousands Block Times Square for Trayvon Martin Protest



Gabbee, Published on Jul 15, 2013

Reaction continues across the country following Saturday night's verdict in the George Zimmerman trial.

Zimmerman is a free man after being found not guilty on all counts in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

The protests have been peaceful, for the most part.

Protests went on Sunday throughout the New York City. The largest was a march from Union Square to Times Square.

"This whole situation with Trayvon Martin is definitely ... has hit home for everybody. "This could be my brother, our sister, whether you're Black, White, whatever," said Melanie Torrence a demonstrator.

Crowds began gathering in Union Square earlier in the day and by 6:30 p.m. had nearly doubled and began spilling into the streets.

"We have to do this to show support because it's absolute essential for everyone to know that we do not feel happy with the decision," said Kate Dolan a demonstrator.

Dolan, from the Upper West Side, said while Zimmerman may be free, she hopes the frustration and disappointment felt by so many can be channeled into changing policy and legislation like Florida's Stand Your Ground law that does not require people to retreat before using force.

"Well, I think we have to recognize the justice system doesn't always provide justice and that we have got to find ways to counter legislative movements that have created laws that are now fair," Dolan said.

At the side, a lone demonstrator showed support of Zimmerman and his acquittal.

"I feel like the media and all the people made it about racism when it was really just a matter of self-defense," the unidentified woman said.

She left after clashing with Trayvon Martin supporters. By 8:00 p.m., those demonstrators had taken over Times Square, many sitting in the street, on top of cars, blocking traffic and refusing to move.

The NYPD says the demonstration were peaceful and there were no arrests.

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Example #4: NBC News - Jena 6 - 9-20-07



musclegms, Uploaded on Sep 20, 2007

NBC finally airs real details about the Jena 6 that many media outlets won't.
-snip-
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jena_Six:
"The Jena Six were six black teenagers convicted in the beating of Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana, on December 4, 2006. Barker was injured in the assault by the members of the Jena Six, and received treatment for his injuries at an emergency room. While the case was pending, it was often cited by some media commentators as an example of racial injustice in the United States, due to a belief that the defendants had initially been charged with too-serious offenses and had been treated unfairly."
-snip-
Read more information about the Jena 6 in that and other online articles.

One of the chants aired in this clip was "What do we want? (Justice!) When do we want it? (Now!). That call & response chant is modeled after the 1960s chant "What do we want? (Freedom). When do we want it? (Now!).

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Example #5: Why Moral Mondays Are Returning in 2014 | Forward Together



NC Forward Together Moral Movement Channel, Published on May 14, 2014

On May 19th, 2014, the Forward Together Movement will return to the North Carolina General Assembly for it's first Moral Monday of the 2014 Legislative

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Example #6: Eric Garner protesters flood New York after grand jury clears NYPD officer in chokehold death case



Cnn News Rt, Published on Dec 3, 2014

Protests have started in several New York City locations after a US Grand Jury cleared an NYPD policeman of killing a black man last July. Eric Garner choked to death while being wrestled to the ground by the officer.
-snip-
A number of "Black lives matter" protests have been held throughout the United States, in Europe, and elsewhere in the world.

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Example #7: Marching for justice in the nation's capital



Reuters, Published on Dec 13, 2014, Thousands gather in Washington, D.C. for the "Justice for All" march - one of many protests across the country - to protest the killings of unarmed black men by law enforcement officers in the U.S. Nathan Frandino reports.

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UPDATE: December 16, 2014

Browns' Andrew Hawkins explains why he wore a 'Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford' T-shirt at


cleveland.com, Published on Dec 15, 2014
-sbip-
Here's an excerpt of Andrew Hawkins' response:
From http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/12/browns-andrew-hawkins-tamir-rice-john-crawford-shirt
..."Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins gives a statement on why wore a “Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford” T-shirt during warm-ups and introductions before the game Sunday against the Bengals.

Hawkins stood by his decision to wear the T-shirt despite the president of Cleveland’s police union calling the gesture “pathetic” and demanding an apology.

“I was taught that justice is a right that every American should have. Also that justice should be the goal of every American. That’s what I think makes this country special,” Hawkins said Monday. “To me, justice means that the innocent should be found innocent. It means that those who do wrong should get their due punishment. Ultimately, it means fair treatment. So a call for justice shouldn’t offend or disrespect anybody. A call for justice shouldn’t warrant an apology.”

Hawkins insisted the T-shirt was not meant to be a blanket criticism of police officers, noting that he has close friends and family who are in law enforcement. But there are some “not-so-good” officers, and they need to be held accountable if they make poor decisions."...

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UPDATE: December 15, 2018
No Justice, No Peace: The Sounds Of Ferguson | TIME



TIME, Published on Aug 19, 2014

A look at the protests happening in Ferguson, Missouri following the death of Michael Brown.
Subscribe to TIME ►► http://po.st/SubscribeTIME

Click https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11242108/Ferguson-timeline-of-events-since-Michael-Browns-death.html for a timeline of Michael Brown's shooting and its resulting protests.

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Sweet Honey In The Rock - "Ella’s Song" ("We Who Believe In Freedom") (lyrics, videos)

Edited by Azizi Powell

Note: This post is re-published from my newest blog "Civil Rights Songs". I launched that blog on November 29, 2014.

Here's a description of that blog: "Civil Rights Songs is an online resource for examples of and information & comments about American civil rights songs from the 1960s. Civil Rights Songs also showcases examples of additional American songs about protest and freedom.

Many of the songs that are featured in that blog were previously featured on my cocojams.com cultural website. I've not yet re-posted all of that content from cocojams's Civil Rights page to that blog.

The cocojams website will be discontinued shortly after fifteen years online. Thanks to all those who have supported my volunteer online efforts to preserve and share examples of and information & comments about Black culture.

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This post provides lyrics and two videos of the contemporary protest anthemn "Ella’s Song: We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest Until It Comes". Information about Ella Baker, the woman who inspired this song is also included in this post along with
information about Sweet Honey In The Rock, whose founding member Bernice Johnson Reagon composed this song.

The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Ella Baker for her life's legacy. Thanks also to Bernice Johnson Reagon for composing this song and thanks to the vocal group Sweet Honey In The Rock for performing it. Additional thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, and to the publishers of these featured YouTube videos.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SONG
"Ella’s Song: We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest Until It Comes" is a contemporary protest song that was composed by Bernice Johnson Reagon for the a capella African American heritage vocal group Sweet Honey In the Rock.

Quoting Nan Dillard in her review of "Ella Song" on http://ellabakercenter.org/blog/2013/12/ellas-song-we-who-believe-in-freedom-cannot-rest-until-it-comes"
["Ella’s Song: “We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest Until it Comes”] "is an anthem, a meditation on the ultimate lesson of the freedom fight passed down generationally by Ms. Ella herself that is meant to be spoken boldly out loud or under one’s breath as the situation demands to empower both purpose and resolve."

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INFORMATION ABOUT ELLA BAKER
Here's information about Ella Baker, the civil rights activist whose life work inspired this song:
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Baker

"Ella Josephine Baker (December 13, 1903 – December 13, 1986) was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned over five decades. She worked alongside some of the most famous civil rights leaders of the 20th century, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, A. Philip Randolph, and Martin Luther King, Jr. She also mentored many emerging activists such as Diane Nash, Stokely Carmichael, Rosa Parks, and Bob Moses. She was a critic of professionalized, charismatic leadership and a promoter of grassroots organizing and radical democracy.[1] She has been called "One of the most important African American leaders of the twentieth century and perhaps the most influential woman in the civil rights movement."

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INFORMATION ABOUT SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
From http://sweethoneyintherock.org/

"Sweet Honey In The Rock® is a performance ensemble rooted in African American history and culture. The ensemble educates, entertains and empowers its audience and community through the dynamic vehicles of a cappella singing and American Sign Language interpretation for the Deaf and hearing impaired. Sweet Honey’s audience and community comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures throughout the United States and around the world, and includes people of all ages, economic/education/social backgrounds, political persuasions, religious affiliations, sexual preferences and differing abilities."

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LYRICS: ELLA'S SONG
(Composed by Bernice Johnson Reagon)

Refrain:
We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Verses
Until the killing of Black men, Black mothers’ sons
Is as important as the killing of White men, White mothers’ sons

And that which touches we most is that I had a chance to work with people
Passing on to others that which was passed on to me

To me young people come first, they have the courage where we fail
And if I can shed some light as they carry us through the gale

The older I get the better I know that the secret of my going on
Is when the reins are in the hand of the young who dare to run against the storm

Not needing to clutch for power, not needing the light just to shine on me
I need to be just one in the number as we stand against tyranny

Struggling myself don’t mean a whole lot I come to realize
That teaching others to stand up and fight is the only way my struggle survive

I’m a woman who speaks in a voice and I must be heard
At time I can be quite difficult, I’ll bow to no man’s word
-Source: http://www.bernicejohnsonreagon.com/ella.shtml

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Example #1: Sweet honey in the rock - Ella's Song

Geepereet, Uploaded on Dec 2, 2008

Words won't do so you'll have to listen...........
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
Reverend Anita, November 2014
"This is the song and the words I needed to hear tonight, with the news that Michael Brown's killer would not be indicted. it can so easy to feel overcome with fatigue. We need each other to keep up the work in the face of each disappointment."

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Example #2: Ella's Song [photo collage]

Shannon Kane, Published on Oct 3, 2013

Performed by Sweet Honey In The Rock

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