Solidarity

Artists like Grammy winner H.E.R. (seen performing here) are using their voices, in all senses, to fight for what's right. (Credit: The Come Up Show, Flickr) We live in troubled times, and fighting for social justice is more critical than ever. Much of the nation is currently focused on the increasingly violent actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who have taken several lives of civilians over the past several weeks. But the truth is, we now find ourselves facing numerous overwhelming catastrophes – beyond encroaching fascism, we are also bearing witness to wars, sickness, lethal inequities, climate change and loneliness of epidemic proportions. What does fighting all of that even look like? The mere prospect of trying can feel prohibitively daunting. But try we must – whatever form that may take in our individual lives. Maybe it’s having difficult, uncomfortable conversations with misguided loved ones. Maybe it's being a safe harbor for the littlest among us. Maybe it’s grabbing a sign and heading to a protest. Maybe it’s sharing resources with others, within your means. Maybe it’s finding ways to weave your principles into your work, and your creations. We've seen one particularly poignant example of this last possibility in a now-viral performance by the Brass Solidarity Band at the site of ICE murder victim Alex Pretti's memorial, in which they energized the protesting public by fusing Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me" with a familiar protest chant: "The people, united, will never be defeated!" The women artists below have embodied this spirit as well, by raising their voices – literally – against that which ails our society. The songs featured on this playlist push back against sexism, racism, authoritarianism and cultural erasure. They encourage us to recognize and honor one another’s inherent humanity, no matter where we come from or how old we are. So, take a listen, and take heart – because as these tracks also remind us, there is so much strength in solidarity. Together, we can work to make things better. This post, first published in January 2023, has been updated for 2026.

Solidarity

13 Protest Songs by Women Artists to Light Your Social Justice Fires

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