Dixie: A Song, A Symbol, A Struggle

What can one song tell us about American history, identity, and conflict? Join Peabody Award-winning journalist Trey Kay, host of the podcast Us & Them and producer of the Studio 360 episode “American Icons: Dixie,” for a thought-provoking exploration of the song “Dixie.” Once a minstrel tune and later a Confederate anthem, “Dixie” remains a powerful and polarizing symbol in American culture. Through audio clips, historical insight, and guided discussion, the class examines the song’s origins, its evolving meanings, and the debates it continues to spark. No musical background is needed—just a willingness to engage with a complex and important piece of our shared past.

Instructor: Trey  Kay