Emma’s Revolution
We had the pleasure of speaking with Emma’s Revolution on Nonviolence Radio. Our interview started off on a high note, when Michael pointed out to the folk duo (Pat Humphries and Sandy O.) that he was distantly related to the Lithuanian-born anarchist namesake. Emma’s Revolution is a folk group in the traditions of Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan but with a unique voice and power. Their hard-driving rhythms and clever lyrics inspire hope, celebration, and deep reflection on the eternal struggle between freedom and authoritarianism, which by the way, Emma Goldman exemplified in her own life, having been deported to Russia for her anarchist interpretations of freedom and justice. Incidentally we learned from Sandy and Pat that the iconic quote attributed to Emma Goldman, was in fact never uttered by her! Just as Gandhi never said “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Emma never said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” though both utterances are in the spirit of the reputed authors.
All of their songs inspire, but we have some favorites. Michael’s is “Choir,”: “Has anybody seen the choir? I want to preach to the converted…” It turns the accusation of “preaching to the choir” on its head by pointing out that the choir can be powerful, and to reflect, plan, and strategize together is not a luxury, but a necessity. Not to mention, when the choir is in harmony, their song carries further!
They gave us the honor of the radio premier of their new song “You are not God,” a tribute to the courage of Bishop Budde, who used her platform before President Trump to remind all of us that whatever we call God, that God is a source of compassion. (Perhaps this moment was like famous rebuke of Senator McCarthy “Have you no decency?”) Sandy described how the song writing process surprised her, and a voice emerged that she didn’t expect!
Emma’s Revolution is dedicated to the grass-roots of peace. You’ll see them at anti-nuclear rallies, church services, peace conferences, as well as popular venues like the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Check their music and sing along!