Songs About Community and Connection
published 3/10/22; updated 9/22/23
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
Continuing the popular series of Song Playlists for Teachers, here are a variety of perspectives on diversity, tolerance, and solidarity. I like to include a lot of different musical styles: this time, there are are several Indigenous performers in the mix. (If you’re interested in more Native perspectives, see “Indigenous Perspectives on Mindfulness.”)
Teachers, please note: With such a multicultural audience teaching young children through adults, I can’t guarantee that all of the songs and videos will be appropriate for your particular context. I’ve put brief descriptions to help you choose, but please preview anything you plan to share with your students.
Olooh, a War Dance for Peace, Kasai Allstars
“The song refers to an ancestral custom in certain villages [in the Congo]: when a problem occurs between some inhabitants, they look for a peaceful solution by performing a specific war dance, bearing weapons in their hands. It's a dance which used to signal the end of hostilities, and serves nowadays to solve conflicts.”
One by One, Shelley Morningsong
Award-winning Native American singer/songwriter Shelly Morningsong wrote this song to emphasize “the power of Native American Youth in impacting their own lives and those of their people.”
One Drum, Leela Gilday
Dene-Canadian singer/songwriter Leela Gilday sings about how native peoples may speak many tongues, but “we are marching to the beat of one drum.”
One World (We Are One), Mag 7
video featuring performers from different tribes
“We Are One [is] a collaboration to show the richness, diversity, and beauty of Indian Country.”
Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand, Diana Ross
lyrics; audio of Diana Ross; performance by Heather Headley
“Heather Headley performs Diana Ross' song ‘Reach out and Touch’ for former Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter at [a] Points of Light Tribute event.”
Unity Song, Saturday Night Live
In this satirical video, a diverse group of people sing about what they have in common: all the things they find annoying. (Note to teachers: a couple of words and images may not be appropriate for your classroom.)
Related Posts
There are many more song playlists and resources on community and compassion here at MindfulTeachers.org, including the following posts: