Skachester: Ashes or Embers? Truth Ignites!
"Skachester" is a vibrant and energetic ska anthem that delves into the layered history of Rochester, New York, acknowledging that the familiar "boomtown" narrative often overshadows the perspectives of those present long before. The song's infectious rhythms and powerful delivery aim to peel back the simplified versions of history, particularly highlighting the impact on and the perspectives of the Haudenosaunee people who called this land home. As the song progresses, it explores Rochester's subsequent development, its struggles with social injustices, and its powerful legacy of resistance, notably through the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movements.
The song's purpose is to:
Challenge perceived “dominant” narratives and inspire deeper inquiry: It encourages listeners to question the traditional historical accounts and seek a more comprehensive understanding of Rochester's past, acknowledging the perspectives of all present, including the Haudenosaunee.
Educate and connect through a fuller historical context: By weaving in the complexities of the region's history, the song aims to foster a more nuanced understanding of Rochester's journey and its ongoing relevance.
Empower collective action through truth and remembrance: By bringing marginalized histories to light, the song seeks to inspire a more informed and inclusive approach to addressing present-day challenges and continuing the fight for equity and justice for all community members.
To facilitate meaningful engagement and learning, we've created accompanying lesson plans encouraging students to explore the lyrics and the rich historical context embedded within the song.
Digital download now available!
"Skachester" is a high-energy ska track that dives into the layered history of Rochester, NY, urging listeners to look beyond the familiar "boomtown" story and consider the perspectives of all who were present, including the Haudenosaunee. Through infectious rhythms and powerful storytelling, the song aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the past to fuel a more inclusive and just future for the community.
Skachester: Ashes or Embers? Truth Ignites!Welcome to Skachester! We seem to be having some turbulence! I know it’s all confusing, and it’s getting really late. Let’s talk; gotta try. Let’s go get a garbage plate...before we say goodbye.Verse 1:Let’s go back to a different time, A boomtown city without “all this crime,” The Lion of the West that’s what they say. From Flour to Flower and history is made.Chorus: It only takes a moment To share what you’ve heard, Realize that history is not always What you learn.Verse 2 A peacemaker crew until Allan came through, Build a place for water, and here come the offers, Take a few pictures put some salt in your eyes, Suddenly, garbage is food you can prize!Verse 3: Take a trip underground but don’t make a sound, Commute from the suburbs to avoid all the crowds, Ladies make a stand to help lead the way, Uprising ensues. The State destroys the avenuesChorus: It only takes a moment To share what you’ve heard, Realize that history is not always What you’ve heard.Spoken Poem:The Underground Railroad Frederick Douglass and the North Star. A city of resistance, Full of abolitionists. Hidden tunnels and passages, where hope would play. William Wells Brown, writing his story down. The Fugitive Act, a bitter price to pay. Amy and Isaac Post, people run to be safe. Quaker hands offer a network of aid.Bridge: Housing keeps us separate...Color defines, No one likes it when there’s only one side!Spoken Part 2:The 1830s, when right and wrong conflicted. Resistance to slavery, where history's pages struggle. Voices silenced, stories untold, where memory crawls. Redlining, segregation, shaping the streets Fight for civil rights, the echoes resonate within the aqueducts, a city's complex fate. Hidden histories, demanding brighter days, the past speaks through the changes overdue. The struggle for equality, an ongoing journey. From flour to flower, a chance to empower. Don’t get sidetracked by the man in the tower.Chorus: It only takes a moment, o share what you’ve heard, To realize that history Is not always learned Always open, we don’t judge, Super friendly...just because?Educational resources
Beyond the Boomtown: Deconstructing Rochester Through "Skachester"
A 5 to 7-day Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit plan on the history of Rochester, NY, using the song "Skachester" as a springboard, incorporating Teacher Clarity 2.0, John Hattie's work, and the Science of Reading principles.