It's no secret that anger is the easiest way to meet injustice. It's simply human nature for our brains to toil with those dark thoughts that we know are irrational, but we allow ourselves think them anyway. But is anger, hatred, and pent up frustration really the most effective way to voice our opinions?

Mother -

I very much admire the passion you have for your music. I can see it during those times where you allow yourself to experience true freedom through that soulful voice of yours.  I see the same passion in the effort you have given for the Civil Rights Movement. But I also know that it is all too easy to mistake anger for passion.
A voice like yours - one that doesn't just speak, but rather, belts confidently what others are too afraid to say - is refreshing during a time like this. You are unapologetically yourself, unfettered by any responsibility to be seen by others as a "respectable lady." But slowly, your voice has morphed into something I can't recognize anymore. It has ceased to be uplifting in my ears, and I have started to fear hearing your songs, laden with lines like "kill, kill, kill..." What has become of that beautiful voice?
Your music has been full of the hatred anyone would need to escape from for much too long. I don't blame your burning need to escape, but I hope that one day you will learn to love music again like you once did.

--- Lisa