Folk Music As an Oratory Tradition

Oratory traditions have had great significance to cultures across the African diaspora, expressed in many different ways. Starting with the motherland, griots worked to preserve history and culture through oral story telling. Passing this down through generations, the art of oral story telling can be seen in African American culture, more specifically through folk music. 

Within the United States, oratory has been significant in creating social change. Prominent figures like Frederick Douglas and Angela Davis used their speeches to inspire masses to resist oppression from US governmental systems

Folk music tells a story of resistance to a white supremacist society that continues to oppress and belittle African Americans. Folk music has been used as tool to mobilize and unite Black communities for generations. Oratory and folk music preserve culture and inspire change. Combined, they connect personal experiences with collective struggles and shape societal transformations.