Mixtape

 Ashawna Davis

 Professor Harris

English 2016-45498
11-29-2025

                                                             

                                                        Major Project 

My mixtape is all about how people can go above hard times and become stronger because of the challenges they go through, and this connects to Booker T. Washington’s “The Awakening of the Negro” because he explains how African Americans had to rebuild their lives after slavery and how they pushed themselves to learn, work, and grow instead of giving up. In the reading, Washington says that education and learning new things helped Black people move forward and become more independent, and my mixtape shows that same idea through music that shows things from struggle to strength. At the beginning of the mixtape, the feeling is very sad because it represents the times when people feel stuck, scared, or like the world is against them, which is how many Black people felt right after slavery when they had almost nothing, but Washington says ‘‘their spirit stayed strong because they wanted a better life.’’ Even though it starts in a dark place, it shows how strong people are just like Washington wrote about when he said ‘‘education gave hope and helped people rise.’’ Then, the mixtape starts to change a little, and the songs start to feel better. This part shows when a person starts believing that they can keep going even if things are still hard, kind of like how in “The Awakening of the Negro” Washington talks about how ‘‘learning to read, gaining knowledge, and growing in character makes people more confident.’’ The songs in this part show courage and trust that life can get better one step at a time, which is exactly what Washington wanted, and he believed hard work and education would help African Americans build a better future. As the mixtape continues, the music becomes stronger and more confident because the person in the story is growing and discovering their own power, just like the people in Washington wrote about who became skilled workers, teachers, and leaders. They start to see that they are smart and valuable, and they can make a difference in their own life and in their community, which is the same thing that Washington pushed when he said ‘‘progress comes from improving yourself and helping others. ’By the end of the mixtape, the music is joyful and loud in a good way, showing success and the feeling of becoming the best version of yourself. It shows someone who made it through tough times and didn’t let those tough times stop their dreams, the same way Washington believed that even though slavery tried to ruin Black people, it did not take away from them being able to rise. The ending reminds us that even when life starts out hard, it doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. My mixtape is supposed to inspire people to keep moving forward no matter what happens because struggle is not the end of the story. Instead, it can be the beginning and be ready to help others grow too, which was the whole message of “The Awakening of the Negro.”

1. “A Change Is Gonna Come” — Sam Cooke

This song shows the pain from not being treated and hope for a better future, just like Washington said ‘‘progress takes time.’’

2. “Alright” — Kendrick Lamar

Even with struggle, people can rise and believe “we gon’ be alright,” which shows strength through pressure.

3. “Rise Up” — Andra Day

This song matches the idea of lifting yourself and your community up even when life feels impossible.

4. “Keep Ya Head Up” — 2Pac

Encourages people not to give up, especially in hard situations and showing hope even in darkness.

5. “Glory” — Common & John Legend

Connects to the fight for civil rights and how victory comes from long struggle and bravery.

6. “Black Butterfly” — Deniece Williams

Shows a huge transformation and going from trapped to finally free, which is Washington’s goal for Black progress.

7. “Optimistic” — Sounds of Blackness

Teaches that success starts with believing in yourself and not letting the past hold you down.

8. “Break My Soul” — Beyoncé

Shows that breaking away from things that block success and learning to create a better life.

9. “Never Would’ve Made It” — Marvin Sapp

Celebrates surviving struggles with faith and strength even after pain.

10. “Love Yours” — J. Cole

Shows self-worth and appreciating what you have while growing into a better person.

11.“Freedom” — Beyoncé (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Shows the fight for equality and pushing forward even when freedom is not fully given.

12. “I Smile” — Kirk Franklin

Shows joy and faith even through problems and smiling through struggle shows emotional elevation.

13.“Stronger” — Mary J. Blige

Represents the final stage, which is being confident, powerful, and proud of who you became after surviving hard times.

Works Cited 

Washington, Booker T. “The Awakening of the Negro.”

American Literature, americanliterature.com/author/booker-t-washington/essay/the-awakening-of-the-negro.