Disco and the Civil Rights Movement

Disco is so much more than “dad-dancing” and “flares”. In the 1970s, it served as a progressive and liberal outlet that welcomed people from all walks of life. In fact, in many ways, it was involved with the civil rights movement in the United States. Disco celebrated the differences of each human being and provided lyrics full of encouragement for love and peace. This music became a resource for African Americans to access a sense of pride and cultural identity. The genre promoted equality for both black and white singers, singing a type of music not seen as either black or white but simply as “music”.