Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Hey, guys! For this weeks history assignment, we had to write a song to the tune of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. We had to mention poll tax, Redeemers, the Klu Klux Klan, segregation, lynching, and the driving of black leaders out of the south.

The song, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, was written by Wallace Willis.

Verse 1

Them old guard southerners rising up, to take my rights away. This time with poll tax, and no fair trials. Taking my rights away.

Verse 2

Them white men driving us lawmakers away, with guns pointed to our heads, no more voting and no more land, them white men say. Taking my rights away.

Chorus

Swing sad, swing very sad. They’re taking my rights away, I just got free, but not for long, they’re taking my rights away.

Verse 3

I’m sometimes scared, to leave my house, for the Klu Klux Klan, will lynch me bad and hang me round. Taking my rights away.

Verse 4

The brightest day, that I can say, is far away. For segregation keeps me down. Taking my rights away.

Verse 5

Them redeemers are no help, for they are not concerned, with all our fear and worries still. Taking my rights away.

Chorus

Swing sad, swing very sad. They’re taking my rights away, I just got free, but not for long, they’re taking my rights away.

This weeks history assignment was to write a mock-letter-to-the-editor in the local newletter.

If you would like to learn more, click here

Dear Sir,
The slaves are freed! Well, they're supposed to be. What does "freedom" really mean? Thats a question that is going through many former freed slaves minds right now.

I have just gotten back from a visit to the south, and I am deeply concerned for the freed Blacks. I thought I should start out explaining their condition to you.

The Blacks have no shelter. They are in dire need of food, and clothing.

The southerners are not treating blacks with equality. Southerners are killing the Blacks, and taking all sources of education away from the blacks who thirst for knowledge. They are treating them with unjustice!

Some people are starting to think, "Why did we fight the war in the first place? I mean, isn't slavery still here?"

1.We could take three major steps in improving their plight by organizing a group in the North who will teach the freed blacks how to read, and write.

2.We could have a food drive. Everyone. We could pitch in food to give to the freed slaves that had no money to purchase or grow their own crops. Or to the southerners whose land had been destoryed during the Civil War.

3. Be a friend

Thank you, Sir, for taking your time to read my letter. I hope that this will inspire you, as well as many others, to have a better understanding and outlook of the freed slaves.

Sincerely,
Emma Corder