Bernice Johnson Reagon

Bernice Johnson Reagon

Bernice Johnson Reagon (born October 4, 1942) is an American musician, scholar, and social activist, known for her work in the fields of African American cultural history and music. She is a founding member of the a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock and has made significant contributions to the preservation and dissemination of African American spirituals and freedom songs.

Early Life and Education

Bernice Johnson Reagon was born in Dougherty County, Georgia, and grew up in a deeply segregated society. Her early experiences with racial discrimination and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement profoundly influenced her life and work. Reagon attended Albany State University, where she became active in the movement, participating in protests and demonstrations.

Civil Rights Movement

During the 1960s, Reagon became a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), where she used her musical talents to inspire and mobilize activists. She was a part of the Freedom Singers, a group that traveled across the United States to raise awareness and support for the Civil Rights Movement through song.

Academic Career

Reagon pursued an academic career, earning a Ph.D. in history from Howard University. Her scholarly work focuses on African American cultural history, with an emphasis on music as a form of resistance and community building. She has served as a professor at several institutions, including American University and Spelman College.

Sweet Honey in the Rock

In 1973, Reagon founded Sweet Honey in the Rock, an all-women, African American a cappella group. The ensemble is known for its powerful performances that blend spirituals, hymns, gospel, and jazz, often addressing themes of social justice and empowerment. Sweet Honey in the Rock has received numerous accolades and continues to perform internationally.

Contributions to Music and Culture

Reagon's work extends beyond performance; she has been instrumental in preserving African American musical traditions. She has curated exhibitions and produced recordings that highlight the historical and cultural significance of African American music. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the National Humanities Medal.

Selected Works

• We Who Believe in Freedom: Sweet Honey in the Rock... Still on the Journey (1993)
• If You Don't Go, Don't Hinder Me: The African American Sacred Song Tradition (2001)

Legacy

Bernice Johnson Reagon's impact on music, culture, and education is profound. Her dedication to social justice and her ability to harness the power of music to effect change continue to inspire new generations of activists and artists.

References

• Library of Congress Authority Record
• MacArthur Foundation Profile

External Links

• Official Sweet Honey in the Rock Website