On the faith and music, 1964

"There were more songs, and finally we stood, everyone, crossed arms, clasped hands, and sand 'We Shall Overcome.' Ending every meeting of more than half a dozen with it, we sang out all fatigue and fear, each connected by this bond of hands to each other, communicating an infinite love and sadness. A few voices tried to harmonize, but in the end the one true tune welled up in them and overcame. It was not the song for harmony; it meant too much to change its shape for effect. All the verses were sung, and if there had been more to prolong it, it would have been prolonged, no matter how late, no matter how tired they were. Finally the tune was hummed alone while someone spoke a prayer, and the verse struck up again, 'We shall overcome,' with all the voice, emotion, hope, and strength that each contained. Together they were an army. Across the room I saw Clara; she had somewhere found a yellow dress to wear. There were tears on her cheeks"

A Freedom Summer volunteer
Freedom Summer, Doug McAdam