NPR Music stations recently reached out to musicians for home and field recordings of songs that will add to the national discussion of race and equality. The result is "Songs for Change," a playlist that's fueled by creativity and the belief that music has the power to bring us together and make help make positive changes in our communities.

Songs came in from all across the country, including from Boston-based artist Billy Dean Thomas. In the video, Thomas explains that "Freeman" is a song about finding the hope and courage to free yourself from feelings of abandonment and neglect.

WGBH is a member and contributor to NPR Music Live Sessions, a music video platform of emerging and established rock and indie artists in collaboration with other NPR Music stations across the country.