Although the Civil Rights Movement has become popular for its political aspects -- the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, the bus boycotts, the sit-ins -- it was also a time for great African American cultural advancements. During this time period many African Americans also made great strides in their chosen fields. The political situations often influenced the topics and paths of musicians, authors, artists, and athletes. While Malcolm X gave speeches Romare Bearden painted his views of politics on canvas. James Brown and Spike Lee used the struggle for Civil Rights and Black Power as a focus for their songs and movies. Authors like Maya Angelou chose their subject matter according to the political situations of the time. Society was also influenced by the great literary, artistic, and musical works of the time. For example, the song "We Shall Overcome" was used by blacks to unite together at protests and sit-ins. During this time period it would have been impossible for the areas of politics and culture to be completely isolated from each other. Because of the dynamic time period each area affected the other in different ways.