Remembering Aretha Franklin Two Years After Her Passing
On August 16, 2018, the world became significantly dimmer when legendary singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, and women’s rights activist Aretha Franklin sadly passed away.
The iconic singer who made classic songs like, “Respect,” “Rolling In the Deep,” “See Saw,” and so many more songs become hits, Franklin was and still is one of the most famous African-American singers and activists of all time. The singer who earned the moniker “The Queen of Soul” was not only the voice of a generation but became a voice for black women everywhere. By covering Otis Redding’s “Respect”, she demanded respect for black women all over the world.
She also acted as a civil rights activist by donating money to prominent civil rights groups and performing at benefits and various protests. She fought for equality for all, both through her music and through political statements for the rights of women and people of color. Another one of her most famous songs, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” became another anthem for women, and specifically women of color, everywhere.
“We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right” – Aretha Franklin https://t.co/dz0E8L6EvC #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2020 #EachForEqual pic.twitter.com/shaYOADjX3
— Aretha Franklin (@ArethaFranklin) March 4, 2020
One of her last major performances was when she sang, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” as part of a tribute to singer-songwriter Carole King during the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. Her performance was so powerful that it brought tears to former President Barack Obama’s eyes.
We believe that if Franklin were here today, she would be proud of what we are doing. She would have been marching with us for Black Lives Matter through the streets, combating racism, and hoping for a better future in which we are all equal. She would have sung for all of the innocent black lives lost and cried out her plea for a safer world for all.
Aretha, we miss you, and your light will never burn out. In fact, it burns brighter than ever today, as we remember the legacy you left behind.
