THEY WANT YOU ASLEEP
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STAY WOKE
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THEY WANT YOU ASLEEP - STAY WOKE -
Wake Up America!
Wake Up America is a nonprofit civic initiative dedicated to strengthening democratic culture, public dialogue, and civic education. Led by educators, artists, and lawyers, the project encourages historical awareness, media literacy, and critical engagement with language—especially when words are distorted to undermine democratic norms. We invite you to join us in staying alert, informed, and engaged in the shared work of sustaining a democratic society.
Stay Woke
- LEAD BELLY
In 1938, the blues and folk singer Lead Belly recorded a performance of "Scottsboro Boys" at the Library of Congress with folklorist Alan Lomax. At the end of the song, Lead Belly explained the historical context in which nine African American teenagers were wrongfully convicted for a crime they didn't commit. He added: "I advise everybody be a little careful when they go down through there... Stay woke, keep their eyes open." This is the first known use of the phrase "stay woke." The case inspired Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.
Democracy requires
civic engagement
Photo by Rob Bulmahn, Philadelphia, PA – No Kings protest, June 14, 2025.
Exclusive Artwork
by Shepard Fairey
Originally created in 2017 as a call to moral action, Shepard Fairey's Wake Up! urges us to open our eyes and speak out for human rights.
In 2025, he reimagined the piece to support the Wake Up, America! campaign, amplifying its message to educate, stay informed, and defend democracy.
(Free download for non-commercial use only)
PRINT IT. SHARE IT. SHOW IT.
THEY WANT YOU ASLEEP
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STAY WOKE
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THEY WANT YOU ASLEEP - STAY WOKE -