Cordell Reagon

Cordell Hull Reagon (February 22, 1943 – November 12, 1996) was an influential American civil rights activist and a founding member of the Freedom Singers, a group that used music to advance the cause of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

Early Life

Cordell Reagon was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in a time of significant racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. From a young age, he was exposed to the struggles of African Americans in the South, which shaped his commitment to civil rights activism.

Civil Rights Activism

Reagon became involved in the Civil Rights Movement as a teenager. He joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), an organization that played a central role in the movement. His work with SNCC involved organizing and participating in sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives.

The Freedom Singers

In 1962, Reagon helped form the Freedom Singers, a musical group that traveled across the United States to raise awareness and support for the civil rights cause. The group was known for its powerful performances of freedom songs, which were traditional African American spirituals and gospel songs adapted with lyrics that reflected the struggle for civil rights.

The Freedom Singers played a crucial role in spreading the message of the movement, using music as a tool to inspire and mobilize activists and supporters. Their performances were not only entertaining but also educational, as they informed audiences about the realities of racial injustice and the need for change.

Later Life and Legacy

After his work with the Freedom Singers, Reagon continued to be involved in activism and community organizing. He moved to New York City, where he worked on various social justice initiatives.

Cordell Reagon's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, particularly through his work with the Freedom Singers, left a lasting impact on the movement and on American society. His use of music as a form of protest and education helped to galvanize support for civil rights and inspired future generations of activists.

Reagon passed away on November 12, 1996, in New York City. His legacy lives on through the continued efforts of those who fight for equality and justice.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Freedom Singers
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

References

• Guy,

 Sing for Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its Songs, 
  
 NewSouth Books, 
 2007, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-1-58838-193-4,

Cordell Reagon(link). SNCC Digital Gateway.

Accessed October 10, 2023.

External Links

• Civil Rights Movement Veterans: Cordell Reagon

Cordell Reagon

• 

  Mug shot of Cordell Reagon in Jackson, Mississippi