We Shall Overcome

Amidst the post Obama inauguration, there has been so much talk about hope for the future, change, international relationships, foreign policy, and, well, African Americans... in general. Even here in Chennai it is impossible to turn on the television and avoid news about the Obama presidency. I can't imagine what it must be like at home right now. The spotlight is finally on this marginalized group, and for once, not in a negative way. The post George W. political climate, coupled with February being black history month, has prompted the American Consulates in India to join together and host events across the country to celebrate and pay "tribute to the contributions that African Americans have made in American history." This year’s theme is “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas,” and it explores the issue of race and citizenship in the United States. This month also marks the centennial of the NAACP which was founded on February 12, 1909. The NAACP had a significant role in the transition of Blacks from slavery to freedom, the desegregation of primary schools in the 1950s, and equal employment.

February also marks the 5oth anniversary of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s journey to India, where he said he saw for himself the results of Gandhi's nonviolent campaign to end British colonial rule. After his month-long trip, he was quoted as saying “I left India more convinced than ever before that nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom.” The 50th anniversary of that historic journey is being commemorated with a visit to India by King’s son, Martin Luther King III; members of the U.S. Congress, including Representative John Lewis, the last surviving speaker from the 1963 March on Washington; Clayborne Carson, editor of several volumes of King’s papers; and jazz musician Herbie Hancock. Rumors have also been circling about the possibility of Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys making an appearance. This State Department–sponsored tour will include two musical performances by Hancock plus a special tribute by Indian musicians.

Um. The final casual remark about "tribute by Indian Musicians" involves a concert here in Chennai featuring L. Subramanian, ARR, and the faculty and students of KM Conservatory. WHAT?!!! Yeah you know, Alicia, Stevie, Herbie and I - we go way back. Um.... HUH?! Selva called me into his office last week when he was meeting with members from the American Consulate and they were discussing budgets and logistics of the upcoming events. Selva then turns to me and says "so, in honor of Martin Luther King, in this concert, we want you to transcribe the popular and uplifting song "We Shall Overcome" for four-part chorus, harp, violin, viola, cello and solo voice. The concert is in 20 days. Have fun and good luck." I think they were expecting me to say thanks, get up and leave at this point. But my jaw dropped to the floor and my eyes must have been glazed over because Selva actually had to say "ok, we need to discuss other issues, so, you may leave." All I could say was "I'm uh, I'm uh... I'm..." And one of the women said "still digesting?" I coughed out a "yes" and stumbled out of the room.

I mean, forget about the possibility of being in the same concert as these well known professionals, but to come up with a transcription in less than a week and have the students and faculty perform in 20 days??? I was speechless. It may not sound like much, but this is a HUGE undertaking, which Selva is probably unaware of because he has minimal knowledge on the subject. Wikipedia says that "We Shall Overcome" is a protest song that became the key anthem of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. In 1963 folksinger Joan Baez memorably led a crowd of 300,000 in singing "We Shall Overcome" at the Lincoln Memorial during Martin Luther King's March on Washington. Joan Baez! 300,000! And now I, me, Kavita, I, get to do a transcription of it that will commemorate the 50th anniversary of MLK's journey to India?? With Herbie Hancock??????????? Jigga whaaa?? What an incredible opportunity!

Let me just say first off that this could very well be a disaster. I have zero knowledge of the harp, or even string instruments for that matter in terms of technique, resonance, and even range. I've already finished two verses and they may not be playable. I just have to present myself to the other faculty as an amateur and say "so uh, if some of what I wrote is impossible, I give you permission to change it." I'm going to sing the first verse with the harp, cello and choir as my backup. Then i'll step back into the choir and we will all sing the second verse. Then hopefully I can add a Hindi verse, and Indianify it somehow. Who knows. I'll take what I've written to school tomorrow and have the choir go over it and then maybe they'll have some good ideas about Indianification. And then I'm going to come back at the end and we'll all sing the last line in unison.

So that's what I'm working on right now. It could be really good or really bad. The concert is supposed to be somewhere between the 22nd and the 26th. Not quite sure when, but I'll keep you updated. This is going to be a crazy month. I've posted two versions below: The first by Joan Baez and second by Bruce Springsteen.