Ballerific Music: 10 Black Protest Songs That Hit Harder Than Ever in Trump’s America

With what’s going on in today’s world, Donald Trump back in the White House, civil rights protections unraveling, and diversity and inclusion efforts under attack; it’s clear we’re living through another era of resistance. And once again, music is leading the charge.

Many of the most powerful protest songs by Black artists were created during moments of deep social unrest: the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the Reagan era, and the crack epidemic. These artists turned anger and pain into anthems of hope, unity, and action.

Fast forward to now, and we’re facing another wave of state violence, political division, and suppression of marginalized voices. The names and faces may have changed, but the fight is far from over. That’s why these songs still resonate, reminding us that the past is never really past—and the struggle continues.

Here are 10 anti-war and fight-the-power songs by Black artists that still speak truth to power in 2025.

1. Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On” (1971)

Born from the trauma of Vietnam and police brutality, Marvin’s soulful cry still rings true. In today’s world of political unrest and ongoing violence, the question remains—what’s going on?

2. Public Enemy – “Fight the Power” (1989)
A timeless anthem of rebellion. From the Reagan years to Trump’s America, Public Enemy’s call to challenge the system is just as urgent now as it was then.

3. Nina Simone – “Mississippi Goddam” (1964)
Nina didn’t hold back, calling out racism and violence in the South. Sixty years later, states are still trying to erase Black history—and Simone’s voice still demands to be heard.

4. Kendrick Lamar – “Alright” (2015)
Born in the age of Ferguson and Black Lives Matter, Kendrick gave a new generation a mantra of hope. “We gon’ be alright” became a rallying cry—and with Trump back, we need it more than ever.

5. Gil Scott-Heron – “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (1971)
Before there was social media, there was Gil. His warning about distractions and propaganda hits different in an era of algorithms and digital manipulation.

6. Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964)
Hope wrapped in sorrow. Cooke’s voice carried the weight of the civil rights movement. Today, with voting rights under attack, the promise of change still hangs in the balance.

7. Erykah Badu – “Soldier” (2008)
Badu blends poetry with protest, taking aim at political corruption and systemic neglect. Her call to stand strong in hard times couldn’t be more relevant right now.

8. The Staple Singers – “When Will We Be Paid?” (1970)
A powerful demand for justice and reparations. As conversations around reparations reemerge in 2025, this gospel-soul classic remains a sharp reminder of America’s unpaid debts.

9. Childish Gambino – “This Is America” (2018)
Gun violence. Racism. Distraction. Gambino captured it all in a single track. Six years later, nothing has changed—and his message still cuts deep.

10. Curtis Mayfield – “We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue” (1970)
A call for unity and self-reflection in the face of division. As political forces try to divide communities and erase diversity, Mayfield’s message is both healing and defiant.

These songs weren’t just made for their time, they were made for all time. And in this moment, with rights being rolled back and voices under threat, they remind us that music is more than art: it’s armor, memory, and resistance.