Sweet honey in the rock - Ella's Song

Words won't do so you'll have to listen...........

[@dorothyesked1802]

I had the honor of seeing these ladies in concert. Extremely powerful messages with beautiful voices.

[@thessingnetwork]

Dr. Reagon is a Beloved Ancestor now. So much thanks and gratitude for her tremendous legacy.

[@acsmith2601]

Truth ❤

[@fluffydogge]

This old white man has had his soul fed by Sweet Honey in the Rock for over 20 years now--wonderful group on every song.

[@oro881]

Soul has no skin color. Soul is the colors.❤

[@ms.kimy.5607]

Reminds me of 🎵🎶Artists I listened to Mahalia Jackson Mavis Staples Shirley Caesar w/Our beloved 💓Nana EAY🕊️🤲🏽 God Bless🙏🏽 2025

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I’ve been listening to them for many decades…on cassette to begin with…I’m now 73. They kept me going through the most difficult time of my life. I owe them.

[@rosiediaz9661]

Me too!

[@sjsturgis]

Same here -- and I've still got GOOD NEWS and B'LIEVE I'LL RUN ON on vinyl. I lived in D.C. during their early years and got to hear them live pretty often. And they're helping me get through these hard times too.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I imagine there are a lot of folks out there who were helped by their music…probably new people as well

[@fayskelley]

I’m 75. One of my favorite groups of all time. ❤

[@CharlesHSpencer44]

Still nourishing at 80!

[@genevievekirchman4615]

This song gives me chills with where we are - and aren't - in 2020. THIS should be our national anthem! Let it sink in to your heart and soul!

[@avrilduck8326]

I couldn't agree more!

[@joannaclark9197]

absolute chills!!

[@francinecoleman383]

I agree with you in 2022

[@mimgott9]

I'm ALWAYS MOVED by these talented ladies. We have a long way to go - I'm up for the trek and doing what I can to encourage everyone towards an anti-racist position and inclusive beliefs and behaviors.

[@lovesings2us]

I agree in 2023. Now we've lost beautiful presence of Tyre NIchols on this earth. But we carry him and so many precious others in our hearts and we cannot rest until freedom comes.

[@Geepereet]

I’ve just read she passed away yesterday 17 July and run through her history. Respect is all I can say.

[@cesareoperez7276]

Saying "black lives matter" does not diminish the value of other lives. It is really saying, "Hey People, remember that Black lives matter, too, just as much as other lives." As a brown man who was once almost shot by police, I know that others are endangered by militaristic policing. So don't rag on those who say 'Black lives matter," because they are saying that your life matters, too. Or as Charles Dickens said, through his character Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one." Peace and love.

[@phoenixb9113]

hmmm, Human perceptions stem from experiences. We do our best and when we learn better, we do better. I can attest to being raised by racist bigots. and they didn't limit themselves to just 'black people. Yet, because others came into my life with different belief systems, later, in my teens, I rejected those beliefs and participated in civil rights movement,, which also included the woman's movement as well as the LGBT movement. I'm old now and very sick , else I'd be out there doing my thing, but instead here I am, doing my part. Yes, I have some personal 'hate crime stories I could share, but won't! Current events, actions that seem to divide us further apart then to unite us like before disturbs my 'inner activist, and I worry about our future generations....just as MLK dedicated his life to speak up for. I do believe our youth are facing a difficult road and need to rise up. They definitely need to be encouraged- So here is a seed I will drop...If someone started a conversation with you, and you disagreed with what they believed yet, lets say you wanted to try to see if you could influence (say give them new information) them to alter their viewpoint. Yet as soon as they realized you didnt both agree, they abruptly began attacking your CHARACTER (labeling or name calling), instead of disagreeing with what you presented to them as your personal opinion or belief, what do you think would be the likelihood that you would remain open-minded and give reasonable thought to whatever they said? Sure, I wholeheartedly agree that you have every right to your opinion and beliefs... I also happen to believe with Cesareo's post (the one you responded to). And Yes, sometimes it infuriates me to no end some of what goes on. However, in my history of activism, I've made lots of mistakes out of anger... changing someone else's beliefs, CANNOT be forced. Hate leads to Violence, and violence isnt just physical...Although it can lead up to it very quickly when passions run deep and people don't 'act responsibly. Promoting the 'US against THEM' doesn't work . We MUST Rise Above our animalistic rage. And yes, stand in our beliefs!!! I've learned my greatest opportunity to influence another to change their mind is in 'one on one, respectful conversation. I cannot do that unless I myself am practicing self control.and am committed in refusing to contribute to breeding more HATE and Violence myself. Lastly, I definitely feel honored and privileged to have personally experienced .these talented artist back when... and many others like them, who dedicated their careers to 'point out' many dark injustices- yet in doing so, they encouraged unity, not hate or separatism. Sad times here. By no means am I suggesting you believe whatever, however, if my writing this trigger's your inner activist, and I don't know if it will, but I do believe in the saying .... let it start with me!!! Then, I've planted a seed. A seed of hope! Peace & blessings.... We MUST rise above!!! Maya, (Angelou) We do miss your wisdom so much!!!

[@thegayflareoffreedom732]

Cesareo Perez But a black lives matter activist telling kill all the white babies is Racist, never compare BLM to the civil rights movement, MLK is where it is really at, and the boy who was just shot 20 times, God rest on his soul, that brought me to tears, but BLM as a whole is no better than the KKK, I support the civil rights movement and equal rights, not supremacy over any race

[@grahamnicholls2852]

Thank you for writing what I was too lazy and incoherent to. As someone else (below) has expounded, anyone threatened by that is too stupid for words. Or, unfortunately, is deliberately being obtuse. As a privileged, white, Christian male, I am ashamed of my coreligionists who miss the point of the BLM movement.

[@joshuabrown3654]

That's where you're wrong, though. It isn't interpreted to mean "only black lives matter." It's the insinuation that people think black lives DON'T matter. And god damn, can we not just enjoy this music without some stupid political bullshit?

[@PhilipVHull]

@@joshuabrown3654 You don't need slogans to *know* (not "insinuate") that many Americans don't believe that black lives matter. Anybody who doesn't know this by now must have been living in a cave alone for the past several decades.

[@iamtroydavis]

Too few people know the name, Ella Baker (the "Ella" of this title). A very powerful activist/organizer/orator among young people working for racial justice. The lyrics are taken verbatim from a speech she gave.

[@emmetcameron1026]

Thank you for this context. I've loved this song for years without knowing its namesake.

[@ramonafrances4364]

lynn hopkins Thanks for the backstory, Lynn.

[@gaiawright6788]

Thanks for the info; wasn't aware. Blessed be.

[@tika5807]

lynn hopkins thank you for the backstory. I have found myself humming and singing this song to comfort and center myself this weekend after the violent death of young black man George Floyd this week. Just today I learned about Ella Baker and the full story. 🙏🏽

[@shirleyferrill4361]

Rest Easy Bernice Johnson Reagon 😢😢😢 Trying to stop my tears isn’t working So I am going to go cry

[@sjsturgis]

"We who believe in freedom cannot rest."

[@macphallic]

"We who believe in Freedom cannot Rest!" I am singing this through tears, because it is such an enduring struggle and the toll is heavy.

[@juliemiller548]

We whites have been silent for too long. That will change - first with me! Thanks so much for your words of truth!

[@mimgott9]

@@juliemiller548 Count me in and on your side - side-by-side!

[@lucihubbard8853]

Listening in January 2024 and boo hoo crying.

[@charlessimmons7048]

Ellas Song continues to inspire me at 81 to fight for justice & to build a better world.

[@ruthgoldman9791]

Rest in power, Dr. Reagon. I know you will continue to guide us.

[@samuelgates5935]

DAMN 50 YEARS AND PEOPLE STILL DON'T KNOW THESE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN 😓😓

[@funvideofan1625]

IKR!

[@cparks2454]

Powerful tribute to unsung Civil Rights Leader Ella Baker, who largely went unrecognized and unsupported by the predominately male led movement. Love that she led and served youth and students ANYWAY for many decades! Thanks Sweet Honey. Done as only they can do!!! LOVE THEM. Have seen them many times LIVE and it is always an awesome experience. We WILL NOT REST!!

[@jjlie6745]

@cparker2454 Thank you for acknowledging- recognizing Ms Ella' Baker and her restlessness work, although she WASN'T rightful ACKNOWLEDGED in the history books. 🎉❤!

[@funvideofan1625]

R.I.P Bernice Johnson Reagon (Oct 4, 1942 - July 16, 2024) 😭😭😭 I thought she was at least going to sing with sweet honey in the rock one more time after her retirement in 2006. But never did, Sweet Honey is not the same without her 😭

[@Durtlepower]

That lady who is doing the sign language is singing different words at the same time. That must really connect the hemispheres of the brain.

[@kristendunn3294]

That's Ysaye Barnwell. She is a musician without equal.

[@funvideofan1625]

Little Fact: When Ysaye Joined the group in 1979, Bernice want her to sing and sign at the same time, and Ysaye say something like “I can’t do both sing and sign at the same time it’s too crazy” that’s when Ysaye invited her friend Shirley Childress Saxton in 1980, and she sign the group until her death in 2017.

[@CarrieTucker-j6l]

Solid as a rock...! Unity is blessed.

[@lyrckmorriss1173]

My first music came from them in a vhs tape. I’ve seen them live. Brought me to tears. Such grace and beauty in their music.

[@suekelman5373]

Sweet Honey has transported me to calmer places in my heart for decades. I am grateful. And when you see them in person (God willing some day), they resonate through your whole body. Such a gift to us all.

[@rileysmiley9585]

I am grateful as well! 💙

[@langdonhagen442]

❤

[@phyllistuggle1481]

Yesss

[@darrylgrantmcclain]

We who believe in freedom cannot rest,” the song says. Well Dr. Reagon, you rest in the Reservoir with the Ancestors. Of course, we are already calling upon you (accessing the Source) now.

[@MelissaETaylor]

Of all my experiences I've never had anything as soul caressing as SHITR. It was an honor to have attended their concerts.

[@sachel.samone]

The fact that this is 2020 and this song is STILL relevant and could have EASILY been written today.....Whew Jesus.

[@abracadaverous]

It's damn near impossible for me to hear Sweet Honey without being moved to tears.

[@rukeyser]

Had to be here today. Love to Toshi.

[@PaiBae]

I remember hearing this when I was a little girl. The older I get the more I know. #justiceforgeorgefloyd and the countless other names that did not make hashtags ✊🏾

[@thomasnorman8023]

I had the pleasure of seeing them twice at B'klyn Academy of Music & Prospect Park with their message u've to c them live to get the full effect what l don't understand jazz station do not play their music l live in Fl now but l would come back to NY just so my wife to experince what felt people of color need to c them SOLID !!!!

[@adrienne8211]

May her voice live on in Glory. We need to keep her alive in this world too.

[@funvideofan1625]

I hope Bernice will sing this song with sweet honey in the rock again one day, because I miss hearing her singing voice in the group

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

I WAS LOOKING FOR HER IN 2024. SIGH.

[@soul2178]

Completely and utterly moving!! There is something spiritual about this music. When will we rise up and finally live out our calling and take our rightful places??? O people of spirit, light, and life, let's get right!!

[@bwmertz]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@ronjross]

Ella Baker's words/speech put to music. Powerful...

[@yentakvetch]

I am seeing this group this evening, Feb. 11, 2023. Beautiful.

[@LilyBell-Beneaththecrust2023]

Lucky you.

[@deborahharris5195]

This song is so very pertinent now, in the times we're experiencing. The words ring so true!

[@maaretklaber4061]

incredible version pre-1980 when ysaye was still singing and signing at the same time, wow !!

[@Nancy6797]

The power of music. What a glorious sound from this group. The country needs their music now more than ever.

[@carrotop96]

Thank you Jasmine Guy and the late Mrs. Afeni Shakur for putting me onto this song…beautiful

[@bwiseafricam5255]

My heart is full. It is my national anthem moving forward ❤

[@Hummingbirdification]

I 1st heard this song in the 80's....so sad that it is still very relevant 30yrs later...

[@TifaneeMc]

February 2021 and it feels like this song could have been written today. The young people are still leading the charge. Thank you to these sisters for being a timeless voice of revolution.

[@emmanuelmorel9350]

I just got introduced to this song and group and I am hooked

[@cadburylibrary6640]

Love that the group is carried now by new ones... and they are singing this... this still my favorite version....

[@ta_nimal2023]

Black Lives Matter. We can not rest. God Bless Sweet Honey in the Rock! Watching in 2018!!!

[@teresacrow7612]

This song was so touching being so real when we're actually really living it we can feel it 💔this song brought me some real true tears 😭💧 🕊️🩷💔😪🙏🕊️🕊️

[@MsOrgonomics]

"Her words set to voice and rhythm are a charge, a call to action wrapped in sonorous tones that harkens back as far as the slave days and forward to a new generation of equality, fairness, justice, and acceptance for everyone no matter what their origin."

[@JazzMaestra]

This is my favorite Sweet Honey & the Rock song. Bernice Johnson Reagon is one of the marvels of the 20th century!

[@ekdaufin1485]

The power and Holy Spirit in their voices!!! Yea!🎉

[@reverendanita5837]

This is the song and the words I needed to hear tonight, with the news that Michael Brown's killer would not be indicted. it can so easy to feel overcome with fatigue. We need each other to keep up the work in the face of each disappointment.

[@jasminepayne364]

I'm watching a freedom show on GPB and this song is playing in the background and this is my new favorite song even though I'm white and my grandparents are very racist and thought me that black people are bad and I think different and as a white child this is a beautiful song❤ I still say I'm a. Hold because I'm not even a teenager yet and this is a great song because I think black people need more freedom like white people they should not be forced to live like they do!!!

[@moefiki9901]

I grew up listening to them. Im 31 now lol. Thank You for being a part of my life 💜💜💜💚

[@fuki_slam]

That's so cool 🤎🎶

[@Mimi2Y2BYAZPHIL]

This song is, sadly, STILL relevant!!

[@b3lume]

2024 ✊🏼 Upset the setup

[@seriela]

"Until the killing of black men, black mothers' sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother's son, we who believe in freedom cannot rest." #blacklivesmatter

[@AlexB-si5uz]

But all lives matter, sir/Ma'am. Equality means everyone's death is equally important. By saying Black Lives matter, you're essentially saying no one's life matters if they aren't black. I mean, lets face it, Black people aren't the only ones being segregated. Do they matter? Absolutely. But, they matter just as much as everyone else.

[@MomaKingOracle]

+Alex R Yis'real are the Most High's chosen people. They are what matters most to Him. Take it up with Him, He's in charge.

[@barbaradane9526]

Dear Alex, I believe your heart is in the right place. Just wanted to say that the phrase "black lives matter" arose in the context of a world where black lives have been statistically proven to be especially targeted for elimination. It is in no way a comment on other lives. We understand that ALL lives matter, of course, but as a society, we act as if black lives did NOT matter. I am an 89 year old white ally of this important movement, because I have seen the problem grow larger all my life. It is important to realize that giving anything, from cookies to civil rights, to one person does not translate into taking it from someone else. Remember the loaves and fishes?? There is always enough to go around, but someone or some institution is holding onto too much. Thank you for your concern, and your value of human life. Your mama taught you well.

[@kittyrock1]

I hope in the past 6 months, you've had enough time to think about this. "Until the killing of black men, black mothers' sons, become AS IMPORTANT as the killing of white men, white mothers' sons, we who believe in freedom cannot rest." There are a small group of people who think black people are more important but that has never been the big message from the majority. My son's life is important. You're not less important to the world but I need the whole world to understand he is not less important either.

[@clydegrubbs5404]

Alex, that is not what "Black Lives Matter!" means. Before one makes a judgement one should know the facts.

[@tanglewife]

Well this wasn't remotely the song I was looking for even though it has the same title, but I'm glad I ended up here because this is brilliant!

[@terryhopeful]

I am in love with Sweet Honey in the Rock. Everything they sing...and sign... moves me. And that has been true through all the years. This is very beautiful, thank you.

[@clairemarsh9848]

Do all the new organizations that have people in the streets & on-line know this song? Every time I hear it, I'm so grateful that there are young people who are carrying on what we did in the '60's.

[@celesteboles3026]

Needing this song today.

[@KeyAnkhAmen]

R.I.P. Queen…. thanks for your Inspiration.

[@KEYAIRRA2004]

I remember learning this song from the age of 5 until like 10 and I never understood the words until I got to be like 15 and her message was so strong that it can make you cry to this day that we still are struggling 2 achieve the goal that she sung about we who believe in freedom we can never rest

[@malikfreedom]

Blessed us with the tremendous sounds of the soul from wayyyyy back. This is real music.

[@thefeays]

So grateful that our choir will have the honor of bringing this message to our congregation. The freedom train doesn't run backward...

[@beverlykelly4585]

Wise, beautiful, soulful leader Ella - a treasured gift - feeling her powerful strength !!!!!!

[@lydiagreen3851]

I miss you guys, peace

[@shivasahadeva317]

I lived in Zambia and what a wonderful country. I heard this type of music in all the bars there on a sunday afternoon. Africa is the only continent that will survive the rubbish we are going thro now. And Miriam Makeba, , If she was only still alive now. I met her and even danced with her. Amen. sing it out loud Africa. I love you.

[@KathieConnects]

Learned this a young activist. It means more and more to me as time goes on.

[@gaiawright6788]

we must remain vigilant. Thanks for your passion and activism

[@KimJPI]

Exactly why I'm here. I fell in love with this song years ago in my late teens and it has stuck with me since. After tonight, it came back to me and I had to go out looking for it.

[@joyfull5310]

Yes, we who believe in Freedom must continue on working for it inside and outside oneself.

[@25abbafather]

We who believe in freedom, can not rest, here me talkin' to you!!!!! Amazing artists....and your message lifts us UP!!!! Thank you...

[@SHERETTA123]

So happy I came across this group.... I love them

[@dopealiciousangele4190]

Came here after watching the Women's March. This song is so relevant right now 😪

[@SoulRebel876]

Dopealiciousangel E me too Sis

[@lolitamichael6939]

Each generation of our people need to know this song, sing it and act it out!

[@marykriofske8484]

Shannon, I had not heard this “Sweet Honey in the Rock” song. Thanks, it is so amazing.

[@salinagrrrl69]

I saw them in 1987 when the line up then came to my campus. I was very entertained.

[@susanyellott4145]

Susan Caldwell. Thank you for reminding us of Ella Baker today.

[@IsaDesOsiers]

Sweet Honey in the Rock is one of the most excellent a capella groups I know of. Have loved their music for a long time. This song is very timely to what we are all looking at right now worldwide. Black Lives Matter

[@marylouwilliams411]

Simply Amazing! So powerful and moving

[@briancarlson62]

Fantastic, beautiful, compelling. This makes my heart rise.

[@smlevy42]

Am soooooo stoked to go see Sweet Honey in Philadelphia on Feb. 20th!

[@BigMeach1]

Now you SLAYED me for that...What a PERFECT TRIBUTE to his memory!!! Thank you for opening my eyes like that!! WOW..you did that!!

[@SorceressXzen]

I also grew up with them and remember the changing of in the times in the Village / Soho areas of NY. Good to see a kindred spirit, whose heart is for the whole, and the deep love that surrounded these women when we all came together. Namaste

[@Molake]

Ther is nothing like the ORIGINAL Sweet Honey... we are so Blessed by them!!!!

[@aniruirui00]

how can poeple even dislike this song it's important and beautiful.

[@aan3]

Love this song! Its shame I only discovered Sweet honey in the Rock recently. And at the 50th Anniversary of March on Washington via a fellow protester who wanted to sing this song while we marched. :)

[@fregetyoann]

This is absolutely DIVINE !!!!!!

[@alieamarthakamara3758]

THANK YOU DRAZEN FOR BRING THIS INSPIRING GROUP TO MY LIGHT.

[@Geepereet]

I'm sure that's the spirit making dreams come true, keep on fighting so we will win all!

[@JAMESP0WER]

This is phenomenal. Absolutely brilliant.

[@kenamasunsmith3976]

This rendition?...their harmony as sisters - their harmony of voices, reminds me of the last vestiges of unity that we held. Our voices dont carry this kind of commitment to each other as much. the word says they forgot about God and so he cause them to forget their own souls. Lets bring back soul. These women sound like freedom.

[@gospelgriot8464]

Most truthful and poetic comment I've ever read. Amen and Amen, Kenamasun!

[@shoutacre]

thank you sweet honey in the rock for this song to inspire and encourage us!

[@amanja0308]

Beautiful...Absolutely Beautiful!!!

[@shemanic1]

LOVE IT! Had me dancing with a tear in each eye

[@s.clairegreen9577]

What an inspiration! Beautiful educational, musical, truth, awesome!

[@undergroundkween]

This is absolutely beautiful!

[@bonnielou]

I just took note of a new Asian girl group that like to sing a cappella - they are hoping to be role models for young Asian girls as they are each from five different countries. Their voices took me back in time to my concert at the Univ. of Ky. in the late 70's or early 80's - we feminists rushed to see SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK - and wept with happiness at the beauty and strength of these women!!! I am happy for the memories and will look to see them once more!!!

[@faraboverubies31]

exquisite, lovely, and powerful. love these ladies.

[@Celohyoudee]

Who’s here after “Dear mama”? Gone but not forgotten! Tupac & Afeni!

[@deezyvisuals]

Lmao literally searched this up after part 5

[@Celohyoudee]

@@deezyvisuals looks like part 5 is the last part… shit was deep.

[@joann546]

George Floyd and hundreds of other Black men killed by police live on in this song. Thank you, Sweet Honey, for decades of beautiful teaching.

[@nishaartisttranspersonalar6088]

I found a way to uncover my sense of Freedom, by weaving through the polarities (dualities of life). I noticed that after awhile 'belief' wasn't working. I wanted to know freedom in every cell of my body. It took me serious courage, and most of the time, it was painful, and yet a truly beautiful process (through the ugly). It's called "Anthroposophy" (the wisdom of the human being).

[@ThePjoy17]

WE WHO BELIEVE IN FREEDOM CANNOT REST UNTIL IT COMES!!!!! RIP Trayvon.

[@janetlawrence4324]

RIP Bernice. What a legacy.

[@AdiposeArtistry]

great song to start off black history month : )