The story of the Civil Rights Movement as you’ve never heard it before.

Airing on WABE August 4, 2025 at 8PM

What is Harmony of Freedom?

Harmony of Freedom commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act through the power of music and memory. Blending performance and testimony, the documentary follows an Atlanta-based orchestra comprised of people from all ages and backgrounds as it brings to life The Montgomery Variations by Margaret Bonds - a rarely heard Civil Rights-era masterpiece. Interwoven with interviews from activists, historians, and witnesses, including National Center for Civil and Human Rights CEO Jill Savitt and musicologist Dr. Marva Carter, the film explores how art can preserve history and inspire ongoing change. Directed by Jackson Allred and hosted by poet Jon Goode, this story of resilience and unity bridges generations in a city that helped shape the movement.

Partnering with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Georgia State University and WABE, this is an event that brought the whole city of Atlanta together - you do not want to miss it!

Why?

Harmony of Freedom exists to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by remembering the Civil Rights Movement through music and film. The Harmony of Freedom Orchestra is a realization of Dr. Kings dream, where we brought individuals from every age, ethnicity, and background together. Rather than holding hands and singing “free at last!”, we have opted to play it instead.

    • $250,000 in Donated Resources

    • 17 Orchestras Represented, from Students to Pros

    • 4 Atlanta Institutions

  • Institutional Partnerships:

    • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

    • Ebenezer Baptist Church

    • Georgia State University

    • WABE

    17 Orchestras Represented:

    • Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

    • Atlanta Opera Orchestra

    • San Antonio Philharmonic

    • Georgia State University Faculty

    • Juilliard Symphony Orchestra

    • Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra

    • Emory University Symphony Orchestra

    • Kennesaw State University Orchestra

    • Schwob Philharmonic Orchestra

    • Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

    • Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony

    • ASO Talent Development Program Alumni

    • Boston Civic Orchestra

    • Georgia Philharmonic

    • Camerata Música de Atlanta

    • Georgia Symphony Orchestra

    • Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

    • Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra

  • Harmony of Freedom is airing on WABE on August 4, 2025.

How can I get involved?

If you would like to contribute to this project, financial or otherwise, please contact us by filling out the form below and connect with us on social media. We would love to hear from you!

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