Drum Major for Justice – Lady Day
Although she would have celebrated her 106th birthday this year, I knew very little about the late Eleanora Fagan, better known as Billie Holiday. That is until I watched The United States VS. Billie Holiday last month. I realized that until now, I’d misunderstood who she was as an artist and a woman. Not only did the film open my eyes to the brief life of Lady Day, but it also revealed the United States government’s violent history and interference with Black Americans, civil rights, women and its failed tactics in “handling” drug addiction.
The former Federal Bureau of Narcotics’ role in Holiday’s struggles parallels the disproportionate targeting and arrest of African Americans that we’ve seen over the years. The image of Holiday’s foot cuffed to her hospital bed is indelibly etched in my memory. They used her illness as a weapon against her and criminalized her song lyrics.
“Strange Fruit” is a 1939 song by Holiday based on a poem published in 1937. The lyrics read: “Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood at the root;” highlighting the ugly truth of the violent white supremacy that stands as the prologue of American history.
Films like The United States VS. Billie Holiday are often difficult to watch, but so important. My admiration for Billie Holiday has grown and Andra Day’s stellar performance reminded me that even though she faced many challenges, Holiday continued to use her talent as a means of activism. It’s truly inspirational! I watched The United States VS. Billie Holiday as I worked on writing my post for Women’s History Month in March. It made me curious about other entertainers in history who have battled the United States government with their words.
“I have personally seen many lynchings and much brutality. The horror of seeing men, women and children killed like animals will never fade from my mind.”
– Josephine Baker
After some research, I discovered an article with claims that the FBI had a file on Josephine Baker. The singer and civil rights activist gained surveillance due to her outward comments on racial discrimination in the U.S. It’s an interesting read and details the plan to sabotage her trip to Cuba in 1953.
These women are two of many in the longstanding fight for human and civil rights. I can only hope that my journey as a woman in this world will also include contributions to the battle.
“Strange Fruit” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978 and named song of the century by Time magazine in 1999.
Join the virtual discussion for The United States VS. Billie Holiday hosted by Drum Majors for Justice Film Group on April 30, 2021 at 4 p.m. EST. Register today »
Films to watch:
Written by: Tamia Smith, Social Media and Digital Marketing Intern, Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival