Amen

In his Inauguration benediction, Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowry said, “help us then now, Lord, to work for that day when nations shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness is a mighty stream, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for the day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right, that all those who do justice and love mercy, say “amen”, say “amen”, and “amen”.“
This reverend got it right with his message. He seemed to end with a rap. His prayer was for all
of us. What's that got to do with folk music? Today I feel it has everything to do with folk music. The Folk music community is known for activism. It is the voice of justice and freedom. Folk music is work songs, shanties, spirituals, ballads and blues. It is a lament, an ode, a plea. The good reverend asked us to work for our freedoms, equality and peace. Today I respond by saying "amen", "amen", "amen".