Free to Sing

I Like to Sing! A little Black girl establishes herself as the story's narrator, declaring that she likes to sing but that her big sister sometimes criticizes her voice. On the other hand, her mother encourages her to continue. Mama's Words The narrator recalls her mother's advice to feel free to be herself, forget what other people may think, and embrace song as a way of expressing herself. Why Sing? Sing What? Who Sings? We are enjoined to consider the ways in which song can be used and the things it can accomplish: it can be an outlet for emotions; it can commemorate special occasions; it can be a tool for learning and teaching; it can be used privately and in connection with the natural world; and it can bring comfort. To sing is a free and personal choice, and songs can be sung anytime and anywhere-not only to entertain crowds like Josephine Baker did, but even to share an important message, just as when Fannie Lou Hamer and the Freedom Fighters sang to give people strength and advance civil rights. Your Voice, Your Choice... Just Sing! People sing for many different reasons, but what's most important is that everyone is free to sing for their own reasons and in their own ways. The narrator emphasizes the importance of doing "your thing" and invites readers to join her in feeling free to sing!