Muslim World Report

Brass Band Turns Protest into Celebration Against Hate in St. Paul

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 6, 2025 9:59 AM | 7 min read | 1484 words

TL;DR: In April 2025, a brass band in St. Paul, Minnesota, transformed a protest against hate into a vibrant celebration of community resilience. This event highlighted the power of music as a tool for activism, encouraging solidarity against rising nationalism and xenophobia. The use of musical expressions can redefine protests, making them powerful platforms for justice and community cohesion.

Brass Against Hate: Music as a Tool for Protest in St. Paul

The Situation

In April 2025, St. Paul, Minnesota, metamorphosed into a vibrant stage for a powerful demonstration against hate and intolerance. Amid ongoing struggles faced by various communities in the United States, a peaceful protest emerged, drawing a significant crowd of supporters who stood in solidarity against rising nationalist sentiments and xenophobia. This gathering, however, encountered counter-protesters espousing divisive ideologies, manifesting the broader societal conflict over identity, belonging, and the politics of hate.

What unfolded was not merely a clash of ideologies but a poignant commentary on how communities can channel creativity and solidarity to confront and dismantle hate. A brass band, with its lively and uplifting music, emerged as a unifying force, effectively drowning out voices of the opposition. This dynamic interplay of sound and protest illustrated how cultural expressions can transform the narrative surrounding dissent.

Musical Empowerment

The band’s performance did more than entertain; it transmuted the atmosphere of the protest into a communal celebration of resilience, instilling a sense of collective empowerment and purpose. Music, with its profound ability to evoke emotional responses, became the soundtrack of resistance. One participant articulated the sentiment succinctly, asking, “How loud can they be?”—a powerful assertion of using sound to drown out hatred and intolerance.

The significance of this event extends beyond the immediate context of St. Paul, reflecting a global landscape where communities grapple with heightened nationalism and hate speech. Just as the brass band in St. Paul endeavored to supplant fear with joy, similar movements worldwide have harnessed the transformative power of music to articulate aspirations for justice, equity, and community cohesion (Snyder, 2020).

Music as a Catalyst for Change

Historically, music has played a pivotal role in movements for social change, serving as both a form of protest and an expression of cultural identity. The recent protest in St. Paul underscores the urgency of employing creative expressions to counteract toxic narratives. Music’s role in such contexts is critical—not merely as a backdrop but as an instrument for mobilization and activism.

The tactical use of music to elevate voices advocating for peace resonates with findings from Andrew Snyder (2020), who has shown how instrumental protest in Brazil’s carnival scene has revolutionized public spaces for dissent. The power of sound to convey collective grievances and foster solidarity exemplifies a broader trend of utilizing cultural practices to navigate sociopolitical landscapes marked by conflict and division.

What if the Brass Band Movement Gains Momentum?

If the use of brass bands and musical accompaniment in protests expands across the United States and globally, it could revolutionize the landscape of civil dissent. This grassroots movement could potentially enhance the efficacy of peaceful protests by:

  • Attracting larger crowds and media attention
  • Diminishing the potency of counter-protesters

Historical precedent is evident in how genres from jazz to folk have galvanized social movements throughout the years (Snyder, 2018). The power of a brass band, reverberating through city streets, could embolden communities to tackle hate speech with creativity rather than confrontation.

Imagine protests evolving into powerful platforms for messaging—not just against hate but in favor of:

  • Justice
  • Equality
  • Community solidarity

The brass band’s ability to transform the atmosphere invites a reimagining of protests as celebrations of unity and resilience, reminiscent of how celebratory cultural events have historically contributed to social movements (Snyder, 2020; Banks et al., 2014). This transformation could lead to a new normal in activism, where musical accompaniment becomes as integral to protests as the messages being delivered.

However, the expansion of this movement may provoke backlash from extremist groups who perceive a united front fostering inclusivity as a direct threat to their ideologies. Critical questions arise about the safety of artists and activists involved. One observer noted, “Look how damn pathetic the counter-protesters look! They must feel like dolts.” This highlights music’s potential to uplift spirits while undermining the confidence of those who resist unity.

What if Counter-Protesters Escalate Tactics?

Should counter-protesters escalate their tactics in response to protests like the one in St. Paul, the implications could be dire. The emergence of more aggressive strategies, including confrontational rhetoric or even violence, would place peaceful demonstrators in precarious positions, necessitating reevaluation of their methods. Potential consequences include:

  • Significant injuries or fatalities
  • Polarization of communities
  • Mischaracterization of peaceful protesters by media

Increased aggression may incite law enforcement agencies to adopt a more militarized approach to handling demonstrations, resulting in heightened tensions and arrests. As the narrative shifts dramatically to frame those advocating for peace and equality as provocateurs, the polarizing effect of these dynamics risks dissuading citizens from participating in collective actions.

What if Music is Co-opted by Extremist Groups?

The appropriation of music by extremist groups presents a profound concern. Should these factions leverage music—perhaps by organizing their own rallies promoting divisive narratives—the unity fostered by music could be undermined. To address this, it is critical that communities reclaim music as a means of fostering solidarity and resistance against hate.

Proactive measures include:

  • Promoting inclusive cultural programs that elevate diverse voices
  • Strengthening grassroots music initiatives advocating for social justice

By reinforcing the power of community through music, a counter-narrative to extremist interpretations can be established. This approach emphasizes the need for musical narratives that resonate with peace, tolerance, and inclusivity, thereby undercutting attempts by extremists to reshape cultural conversations.

Strategic Maneuvers

In the wake of events like the St. Paul protest, various stakeholders—activists, community leaders, and policymakers—can play crucial roles in shaping the narrative around protests. Here are strategic approaches:

Activist Engagement and Community Collaboration

Activists should continue to embrace creative expressions, particularly music, as vital tools in their arsenal. Organizing events featuring local bands can foster a culture of solidarity, encouraging broader participation. Emphasizing existing musical traditions within diverse communities can counteract cultural appropriation attempts by extremist factions.

The Role of Community Leaders and Local Governments

Community leaders and local governments have vital roles in facilitating peaceful protests. By creating supportive environments through:

  • Safe spaces for demonstrations
  • Active countering of hate speech

Local governments could also collaborate with artists and musicians to host cultural events celebrating diversity and promoting peace.

The Influence of Educators and Public Figures

Individuals in influential positions, such as educators and public figures, should utilize their platforms to amplify voices advocating for peace and unity. Educational programs centered on the history of music in social movements can inspire future generations to engage in activism thoughtfully and creatively.

The Potential for Music as a Tool of Resistance

The events of St. Paul serve as a reminder of music’s enduring power as a form of resistance. Its ability to create emotional connections can bridge divides and foster an environment conducive to dialogue and understanding. This transformation of protests into celebrations of resilience exemplifies how music can play a central role in activism.

By harnessing the transformative power of music, communities can cultivate a shared identity that transcends divisions. As activists and communities navigate the complexities of a polarized landscape, the lessons from the St. Paul protest will continue to inform and inspire future efforts in social justice advocacy.

Addressing the Risks of Music Co-option

While music as a tool for protest is well-documented, recognizing the risks of its co-option by extremist groups is crucial. Encouraging grassroots initiatives that celebrate diverse musical traditions can create counter-narratives to extremist interpretations of culture.

Cultivating partnerships with musicians committed to social justice can also enhance community events’ overall impact. By prioritizing marginalized voices in planning and executing events, organizers can ensure that music remains a tool of resistance against hate rather than division.

References

  • Banks, N., Hulme, D., & Edwards, M. B. (2014). NGOs, States, and Donors Revisited: Still Too Close for Comfort? World Development, 61, 203-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.09.028
  • Durbach, N. (2000). ‘They Might As Well Brand Us’: Working-Class Resistance to Compulsory Vaccination in Victorian England. Social History of Medicine, 13(1), 45-66. https://doi.org/10.1093/shm/13.1.45
  • Gillham, P. F., Edwards, J. E., & Noakes, J. A. (2012). Strategic incapacitation and the policing of Occupy Wall Street protests in New York City, 2011. Policing & Society, 22(2), 220-245. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2012.727607
  • Kalyvas, S. N. (2004). The Urban Bias in Research on Civil Wars. Security Studies, 13(3), 111-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/09636410490914022
  • Levitas, R. (2012). The Just’s Umbrella: Austerity and the Big Society in Coalition policy and beyond. Critical Social Policy, 32(3), 451-473. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261018312444408
  • Snyder, A. (2018). Critical Brass: The Alternative Brass Movement and Street Carnival Revival of Olympic Rio de Janeiro. Unknown Journal.
  • Snyder, A. (2020). Politicizing Carnival Brass Bands in Olympic Rio de Janeiro: Instrumental Protest and Musical Repertoires of Contention. Latin American Music Review, 41(1), 62-90. https://doi.org/10.7560/lamr41102
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