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Photographer Janette Beckman and curator Julie Grahame have organized a one time fundraiser for the ACLU that showcases images of musicians who have recorded protest songs or are known for their activism. Forty-three photographers have donated images of 50 artists, from John Lennon to Nina Simone to Bad Bunny, and 100% of the profits will go towards the ACLU and their efforts to protect equality, freedom and rights. In addition, to the images there is a playlist of songs for the fundraiser.
Bob Marley, who performed at Crystal Palace Bowl in 1980, is known for songs such as Get Up, Stand Up, War, Redemption Song and Concrete Jungle that advocate for social issues, human rights and resistance. Photograph: David CorioWed 10 Dec 2025 21.55 CET
Snoop Dogg, Los Angeles, 2001
The song Lavender (Nightfall Remix) advocated against police brutality and racial profiling, and Make America Crip Again was an EP that became a political statement against Donald Trump’s slogan. Photograph: Gregory Bojorquez, courtesy of Cloutman Creative Studio
Bruce Springsteen, New York, 2017
Songs such as American Skin (41 Shots), The Ghost of Tom Joad, and Born in the USA highlight systemic injustice, racism, and the struggles of working-class and migrant individuals. Photograph: Danny Clinch, Transparent Clinch Gallery
Doechii, New York, 2025
She is known for songs like Anxiety that advocate for mental health awareness and has used award show speeches to speak out against government overreach and oppression. Photograph: Sacha Lecca
John Lennon, New York City, 1974
He’s known for anti-war songs such as Give Peace a Chance, Imagine and Power to the People.Photograph: Bob Gruen
Erykah Badu, New York, 2011
Her music frequently serves as a commentary on issues related to police brutality, inequality, and self-liberation such as Soldier, The Cell and Master Teacher.Photograph: Mike Schreiber
Fugees, New York, 1993
Their music advocates for social change, as heard in their song Ready or Not, which speaks to the hardships of surviving through adversity. Photograph: Lisa Leone
Nina Simone, London, 1968
One of Simone’s most prominent songs, Mississippi Goddam, was a direct response to systemic racial inequality in the US exemplified in the handling of the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and Medgar Evers’ murder. The song became an anthem for the civil rights movement. Photograph: Michael Putland
Bad Bunny, Philadelphia, 2022
He is known for advocating for Puerto Rican rights and creating songs that shed light on its political struggles, such as Afilando Los Cuchillos, El Apagón and Una Velita.Photograph: Greg Noire
Dolly Parton, Tennessee, 2003
Her songs, including A Woman’s Right and Coat of Many Colors, have addressed social issues, and she has been outspoken and financially generous as a philanthropist.Photograph: Clay Patrick McBride
Tupac Shakur, New York, 1995
Songs like Changes, Trapped, Keep Ya Head Up and Me Against the World addressed systemic oppression and how it leads to racism, poverty, police brutality and social injustice.Photograph: Michael Benabib
Queen Latifah, New York, 1990
Songs like Ladies First and U.N.I.T.Y. combated sexism and domestic violence in hip-hop.Photograph: Ernie Paniccioli
Pharrell Williams, New York, 2010
He has launched non-profits to assist in the education of children from low-income families as well as entrepreneurs of color.Photograph: Jake Chessum
Chappell Roan, Chicago, 2024
Roan launched The Midwest Princess Project to help support trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities.Photograph: Josh Druding
Mos Def, New York, 2000
He has been outspoken on issues of injustice, organizing a number of benefits and events, while songs like Dollar Day criticized the government response to Hurricane Katrina.Photograph: Armen Djerrahian
Missy Elliott, New York, 2010
She has made groundbreaking strides for women in hip-hop and her songs are powerful statements empowering and celebrating Black women.Photograph: Jonathan Mannion
Taylor Swift, New Jersey, 2018
Swift has spoken out against Donald Trump and the overturning of Roe v Wade while songs like You Need to Calm Down have focused on LGBTQ+ rights.Photograph: Enid Farber
Childish Gambino, Atlanta, 2018
In Gambino’s most well-known protest song, This Is America, he speaks out against gun violence, police brutality, and the systemic issues facing Black people in America. Photograph: Greg Noire
Destiny’s Child, New York, 2001
Their music advocated for women’s empowerment and self reliance while Beyonce later used her music to criticize systemic racism in America.Photograph: Ray BurmistonExplore more on these topics
