Powerful 'We Shall Overcome' Song Resonates with Civil Rights Movement

Dan Lee reflects on the profound impact the anthem had on him and others during the Civil Rights era

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The iconic protest song 'We Shall Overcome' was first sung during a 1945-1946 labor strike by African-American women seeking higher wages at the American Tobacco Company in Charleston, South Carolina. The song later became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, with Dan Lee, a professor at Augustana College, sharing a personal story of how the song deeply impacted him when he heard of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination while a graduate student at Yale University.

Why it matters

The 'We Shall Overcome' song represents a powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, giving voice to the struggles and aspirations of African Americans seeking equality and justice. Its enduring legacy continues to resonate with those who experienced the transformative events of that era.

The details

The song was first brought to prominence by Lucille Simmons, an African-American woman who participated in the 1945-1946 labor strike against the American Tobacco Company in Charleston, South Carolina. Simmons later introduced the song to the Highlander Folk School in New Market, Tennessee. Years later, in 1965, folk singer Pete Seeger led the audience in singing 'We Shall Overcome' at the Highlander School's 25th anniversary celebration, where Martin Luther King Jr. was the keynote speaker. The song's simple yet stirring melody and lyrics became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement, with Lee recalling how he and his peers would sing it in their dormitory rooms, at sing-outs, and on other occasions.

  • In 1945-1946, the song was first sung as a protest song during a labor strike by African-American women seeking higher wages at the American Tobacco Company in Charleston, South Carolina.
  • In 1965, folk singer Pete Seeger led the audience in singing 'We Shall Overcome' at the Highlander School's 25th anniversary celebration, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave the keynote address.
  • In 1968, Lee was a graduate student at Yale University when he heard the news of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

The players

Lucille Simmons

An African-American woman who participated in the 1945-1946 labor strike against the American Tobacco Company in Charleston, South Carolina, and later brought the 'We Shall Overcome' song to the Highlander Folk School.

Pete Seeger

A folk singer who led the audience in singing 'We Shall Overcome' at the Highlander School's 25th anniversary celebration in 1965.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The civil rights leader who gave the keynote address at the Highlander School's 25th anniversary celebration in 1965, where 'We Shall Overcome' was sung.

Dan Lee

A professor at Augustana College who shares a personal story of how the 'We Shall Overcome' song deeply impacted him when he heard of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination while a graduate student at Yale University.

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What they’re saying

“There's something about that song that haunts you.”

— Dan Lee, Professor, Augustana College (qconline.com)

The takeaway

The enduring power of the 'We Shall Overcome' song serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative events and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, and how music can unite people in times of adversity and inspire them to overcome injustice.