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About this project

The Story

During the 19th Century fight to abolish the African slave trade Christian communities around the globe claimed their identity as abolitionist congregations. To make that claim a reality they sang songs laying out the evils of human bondage, proclaimed their part in the sacred stand against this injustice, and prepared themselves for the work to be done between Sundays - harboring runaways and working to change the laws of the slave system.

Today 27 MILLION people in the world remain in slavery. From child soldiers in modern civil wars, to bonded laborers in sweat shops, to women trafficked in the international slave trade - these are the victims of this ongoing evil.

The Abolitionist Hymnal is our chance to sing the songs of freedom for those enslaved persons today. Borrowing from the texts of the past and set to new tunes this collection of songs is meant for gatherings of 21st Century abolitionists to sing. Hopefully these songs remind us of the evil that lurks and the power we have together to lay this monster low whether across the world or in our own backyards. Will you join us?

The Plan

Once successfully funded The Abolitionist Hymnal will be released in three phases -

EP + Songbook (download) (2-3 Months) The first installment of the Abolitionist Hymnal will be acoustic versions of the freedom songs released through NoiseTrade on carlthomasgladstone.com . NoiseTrade allows listeners to download the tracks in exchange for either "pay what you want" or "email 5 friends about this project" options. Along with raising some funds for the next phase, this will give everyone who wants a chance to download tracks and songsheets, start learning the music, and introducing it in their abolitionist communities.

Studio Album + Songbook (bound) (4-8Months) Once the songs are out there, work will begin on full studio versions of the songs. These will be compiled into the main studio release of The Abolitionist Hymnal and made available in CD and download format on iTunes and Amazon music services. A companion bound songbook will also be made available at this time.

Studio Album + Remix Album + Songbook Collection (9-12 Months) Finally, once the studio album has been released, artist friends and other communities will be invited to remix The Abolitionist Hymnal songs and/or record their own versions of the tunes. These will be compiled into the Abolitionist Hymnal Remix Album and made available in a collection package with the original EP, the studio album, the songbook, and other various extras that we think of along the way.

The Outcome

By the end of this process we hope to have set the stage for a movement of communities singing their way into radical work for the freedom of the enslaved today. We also hope to encourage other artists in their important role in keeping this and other justice issues in front of our communities for shared consideration and action.


Project location: Detroit, MI

27
Backers
$3,206
pledged of $3,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding Successful

This project successfully raised its funding goal on March 14.

Pledge $5 or more

The Roll Call - for every $5 pledged one name will be added to the Abolitionist Roll Call. This list will be printed in the Abolitionist Hymnal album art to recognize those taking small but important stands against the monster of modern slavery.

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Pledge $10 or more

The Band of Angels - For every $10 pledged you will receive a handmade originally designed "Band of Angels" 1-inch button. Wear this to let the world know that you are on the lookout for signs of slavery today. Your name will also be added to the Roll Call.

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Pledge $25 or more

Underground Railroad Operators Club - For every $25 pledged you will receive a pre-release bound collection of the Abolitionist Hymnal chord charts and lead sheets. Perfect for musicians and song leaders looking to get a head start raising up abolitionists in their faith-communities through singing. Your name or that of your worshiping community will also be added to the Roll Call.

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Pledge $50 or more

The Watchword Society - For every $50 pledged you will receive advance copies of the Abiltionist Hymnal in cd and digital download form. You will also receive bound and signed collections of the Hymnal chord charts and lead sheets. Your name, or a name that you choose to honor will be placed on the Roll Call.

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Pledge $100 or more

The Church of God Waking - For each $100 pledge you and your community can claim your place as one of the stops on The Aboltionist Hymnal debut concert tour. Carl and friends will come to your town to teach and play these freedom songs for a house concert, church service, or other performance venue. The names of those hosting the event will be added to the Roll Call of abolitionists.

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Project By

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Carl Gladstone

Straightpin Detroit, MI

Carl is a singer/songwriter of original acoustic music on the prophetic edge. Based in and around Detroit, Michigan, Carl attempts to combine in his songs the serious, sacred, lamentable, and laughable parts of life. Collaborations with older texts have also proven a fruitful artistic course for his work which springs from his place in community life (Christian and otherwise) around this city.

  1. carlthomasgladstone.com
  2. emergedetroit.org