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Guy Carawan
1927 - 2015
Guy Carawan
1927 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1927
DIED
2015
Guy Carawan Obituary
For years, Carawan was a leader of the Highlander Research and Education Center in Tennessee. It served as a gathering place for social-justice activists, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
The song "We Shall Overcome" was adapted by Pete Seeger and others at Highlander from the spiritual "I Will Overcome." As Highlander music director, Carawan taught the song to activists who led the sit-in movement of the 1960s. He even sang it at the first organizing meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee on April 15, 1960, Carawan's wife, Candie Carawan, said.
It included a verse added a year earlier by a 13-year-old African-American activist named Mary Ethel Dozier. Candie Carawan said Dozier came up with the words, "We are not afraid," during a sheriff's department raid on what was then the Highlander Folk School as she, Guy Carawan and others sat in the dark, waiting.
The Carawans marched with King in Selma, Alabama. Guy Carawan made recordings to preserve the civil rights movement and Appalachian folk songs.
He also helped spread another staple song of the civil rights movement. Candie Carawan said her husband was in South Carolina working with the citizenship schools that helped African Americans to pass voter registration tests when a local activist heard him sing, "Keep Your Hands on the Plow."
Alice Wine told Carawan they had a different way of singing the song - "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize."
Candie Carawan said her husband died Saturday at his home in New Market after suffering from a form of dementia for years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Heather Carawan, and his son, Evan Carawan. A private funeral service is planned.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
29 Entries
Tammy Jones
April 19, 2021
Heather,I don´t know if you remember me but we went to school together at Rush Strong School. I seen where your dad passed away. I always remember him coming to the school playing for us kids. I know he was very talented. He had a long life as I seen he was 87 at his passing. I just wanted to express my sympathy and to let you know your dad put lasting impressions on us kids to last a lifetime. Always looked forward to him coming to the school to play. Hope your ok & doing well.
Lena Williams
July 26, 2015
Rest in peace.
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Edythe Ann Quinn
May 27, 2015
Truly, knowing Guy and Candie Carawan at Highlander (1988-1994) will always be among the most treasured experiences of my life. Each time I teach the Civil Rights Movement, the words of We Shall Overcome enter our lessons and spirits. The Carawans' passion for Social Justice endures. Rest in Peace, Guy; and healing love to you Candie and your children.
May 25, 2015
Dear Carawan Family,
I am very sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Mr. Carawan certainly lived by what is recorded at Acts 10:34&35 He will be remembered by many especially those lives whom he personally affected. God does not forget the works of such individuals and has promised to resurrect the righteous from there sleep like inactivity which is death. At that time life will continue everlasting. Rev 2:3&4 ,1Cor. 15:26. Until that promise is fulfilled may God give you the power beyond what is normal to cope.
warm regards
Barbara
Brenda
May 20, 2015
I am so thankful to Mr. Carawan for the contributions he rendered to help me enjoy the rights and freedom I have today. I promise to cherish them and help my descendants to do the same. Such a lover of God and neighbor like Guy Carawan well understood that "God is not partial." (Acts 10:34-35) My condolences to the loved ones he left behind!
May 11, 2015
May the God of all comfort sustain your family during this time of sorrow.
May 11, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.Draw close to God and he will comfort and heal your sorrow.May your fond memories be pleasant.
May 11, 2015
May the Hearer of Prayer bring comfort to the family and loved ones during this time of sorrow.(2Cor.1:2-4)BM, NC
JDJ
May 11, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
May 11, 2015
Thank you for your vital contribution to the vital ongoing cause of civil rights. RIP, Mr. Carawan.
A. H.
May 11, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jean and Frank
May 10, 2015
RIP, Guy. My old friend, roommate at UCLA, and Best Man at my wedding in 1952. Has always been in our hearts whenever we hear and sing We Shall Overcome. A true patriot and peace lover. My conscience. Our toast to your splendid life. See you soon. Dr. Frank and Jean Montalvo
May 9, 2015
May 9
Gone! But not forgotten. Those God keeps in His memory they become precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:5 you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
History Lagrone
May 9, 2015
Guy carawan was a good man he did lots of civil wrights work.
So to that I thank him . Him he helped with what goes on in the world today.
KM
May 9, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Carawan will be remembered for his contribution to civil rights. May God also keep him in His book of remembrance.
May 9, 2015
At this time of distress , please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. It is Gods will for his children to live happy, peaceful and healthy long lives forever here on earth. Please know that his purpose hasn't changed and is still in progress, until then just remember that God has him in his memory. ( Isaiah 55:11)
May 9, 2015
So sorry for the loss,may God give you peace......
May 9, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Linda
May 9, 2015
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving - kindness comfort and help you through this difficult time (Psalms 119:50,76)
May 9, 2015
may the God of all comfort provide encouragement and much comfort at this very sad time.
May 9, 2015
I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Judy Aplin
May 9, 2015
Ah, Candee -I am so very sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a life long partner - a beloved husband. You and your children are blessed with many important memories. I send you love and hopes for peace. Judy Aplin, Lewisville, TX
Devonia Cochran
May 9, 2015
Thankful for his mighty contribution. Thanks to him , that song will live on forever !
May 8, 2015
Rest in peace. Your contribution to the civil rights "songtrack" has become a legacy to the movement. Gloria McKissack, Nashville Civil Rilghts Veterans Association
Stacy
May 8, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
Scott Chamberland
May 8, 2015
Rest in Peace
Ohio
May 8, 2015
May God draw close to you as you draw close to him at this difficult time , my deepest sympathy.(James 4:8)
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