2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: 'Strange Fruit'

"Strange Fruit" is a powerful and haunting song that was written by teacher and social activist Abel Meeropol in the 1930s. The song was famously recorded by jazz singer Billie Holiday in 1939 and has since become an enduring anthem of the civil rights movement.

The lyrics of "Strange Fruit" vividly describe the horrors of lynching and racial violence against African Americans in the southern United States. The title refers to the bodies of lynching victims hanging from trees, which is likened to "strange fruit" growing in the South.

Billie Holiday's emotive and poignant performance of "Strange Fruit" brought attention to the brutal reality of racism in America and helped to raise awareness of the need for social justice and civil rights reform. The song remains a powerful reminder of the injustices faced by African Americans and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

"Strange Fruit" has been covered by many artists over the years and continues to be a profound and important piece of Black history, shining a light on the dark legacy of racial violence in the United States.