The song that fueled protests and a legacy of hope

Throughline revisits an episode from the NPR archives exploring how 'We Shall Overcome' became the defining anthem of generations of protesters. The episode traces the song's roots in Black gospel tradition and its transformation into a universal call for justice and equality. Over 19 minutes, the show examines the song's role in the civil rights movement and its enduring power to unite people across different struggles and eras.