Gill Scott Heron "The revolution will not be televised"

In order to gain a little context for my designs I did some research into Gill Scott Heron and the purpose of his song "The revolution will not be televised'.

The title of the song was originally a slogan among the 1960s black power movement in the USA. The core of this movement was to combat racial oppression, as well as to nurture and emphasise racial pride.  

Although this movement was positive for African Americans in many ways, it can also be seen in history as to have negatively impacted upon racial integration in America.

Martin Luther King believed that the term 'black power' was 'unfortunate because it tends to give the impression of black nationalism...black supremacy would be as evil as white supremacy'.

In reading this article (seen below) , however, I gained the impression that although the songs title does refer to this movement it does not promote the violent action and more extremist views of some groups of that time.

It explains Gill Scott Heron's active role in protesting for social change during his time as a student. As a political activist he avoided violent action, but instead used writing, poetry and music to instal motivation in others.

"The revolution will not be televised" is a song of an impassioned activist encouraging others to do something and make social change happen.