From the hands of the oppressed to the voices of protest, the banjo has always been a symbol of resistance against tyranny and hate. Born from the ingenuity and resilience of enslaved Africans, it carries the spirit of defiance. The banjo is not just an instrument—it is a weapon against oppression, a voice for the people, and a beacon of hope in dark times.
At Pisgah Banjos, we proudly follow in the footsteps of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, who knew that folk music isn’t just art—it’s a call to action. Guthrie’s guitar declared, “This Machine Kills Fascists,” while Seeger’s banjo carried the message, “This Machine Surrounds Hate and Forces It to Surrender.” These weren’t just slogans; they were battle cries in the fight for justice, wielded against oppression and fear. Today, we carry that tradition forward, using the banjo as both an instrument and a statement
Standing Against Oppression
Across the world, democracy is under siege. Corrupt billionaires and autocrats manipulate governments through fear, lies, and propaganda to maintain their power. We see it in Russia’s war against Ukraine, where innocent lives are being destroyed by the greed of a few powerful men. We see it in the United States, where equality, democracy, and basic human rights are under direct attack by an administration that thrives on division and deception.
We refuse to stand by in silence. Pisgah Banjos stands with the Ukrainian people and all those fighting against oppression.
We also stand in solidarity with the federal workforce, dedicated public servants who are being targeted, demonized, and terrorized by the very people who are supposed to protect them. These workers uphold the foundations of our democracy, yet they are under attack by an administration that seeks to dismantle institutions and sow fear. They deserve respect and support—not threats and intimidation.
To our international customers: This administration does not represent us. Like many Americans, we are horrified by the damage being done to our nation’s reputation. But know this—millions of us are resisting.
The Private Sector Must Take a Stand
With governments failing to protect the most vulnerable, it’s up to small businesses, artists, and communities to step up. Too many corporations stay silent to avoid controversy, but Pisgah Banjos refuses to sell out our values.
We know taking a stand invites criticism, but staying silent while democracy crumbles is far worse. While others cower in fear of Trump and his enablers, we have a backbone. The banjo has always been a symbol of resistance, and we will continue making it a beacon of hope in these dark times.
The Banjo as a Symbol of Resistance
The banjo has always been on the right side of history. It was born from struggle, carried through generations of resilience, and wielded by those who refuse to be silenced. From the enslaved people who first built it to the folk singers who carried it into battle against fascism, racism, and greed, the banjo has been a force for justice.
We at Pisgah Banjos promise to keep that tradition alive.
We will not be silent. We will not back down. We will resist.
Patrick David Sawyer
Founder/CEO of Pisgah Banjos
Patrick Sawyer protesting hate speech by Gary Birdsong with his banjo on the campus of Appalachian State University in 2007
