Bernice Johnson Reagon (1942–2024) was an American singer, scholar, and activist known for her pioneering work in African American music and her significant contributions to the civil rights movement.
Born in Baker, Georgia, Reagon grew up in a family deeply rooted in African American musical traditions and oral history. She studied at Albany State College before earning a PhD in History from Howard University. As a dedicated member of the civil rights movement, she contributed to its musical repertoire and helped lead powerful protest songs that galvanized communities.
Her musical career took shape with the formation of the groundbreaking a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, which she founded in 1973. Their performances combined African American spirituals, gospel, and modern music, serving as a voice for social justice and empowerment. Her work, including the acclaimed album We All Know Who We Are (1975,) demonstrated her ability to weave historical themes with contemporary issues.
As an academic, Reagon wrote extensively on African American culture and the significance of music in social movements. Notable works include If You Don’t Go, Don’t Hinder Me: Song Tradition (2001,) We Who Believe In Freedom: Sweet Honey In The Rock: Still on the Journey (1993,) and We’ll Understand It Better By And By: Pioneering African American Gospel Composers (1992.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Bernice Johnson Reagon
Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.
—Bernice Johnson Reagon
Topics: Being True to Yourself, Living, Challenges, Discovery
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