RESPECT: Here Are 5 of Aretha Franklin’s Most Important Contributions to Civil Rights | Alternet
▻https://www.alternet.org/respect-here-are-5-aretha-franklins-most-important-contributions-civil-rig
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has died at the age of 76. Franklin, who had suffered from pancreatic cancer and other severe health problems, was among the most iconic and influential R&B singers of all time—and during the final days of her life, she was visited by R&B legend Stevie Wonder as well as veteran civil rights activist, the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Many of Franklin’s hits, from “Chain of Fools” in 1967 to “Think” in 1968 to “Day Dreaming” in 1972, are staples of classic soul. Franklin’s contributions, however, were not only musical, but also, political—and she was an important figure in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s.
Here are five of the Queen of Soul’s most important contributions to civil rights and politics in the United States.
1. “Respect” Became a Civil Rights Anthem
2. Franklin Embraced the Activism of the Black Church
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented Franklin with Southern Christian Leadership Award
4. The Queen of Soul Sang at Martin Luther King’s Funeral
5. She also sang at Barack Obama’s Inauguration❞