The Choir

 

So, my routine in the mornings is to wake up, grab a cup of coffee and scroll TikTok until I am conscious enough to form words. Until recently I wouldn’t say that this habit was good or bad, it was innocuous at best. But this morning, and every morning as I scroll lately I see evidence of what is happening to our country. Violence against people of different races of various citizenship status and violence against Americans for defending them. It’s become a bad habit because it puts me a terrible headspace for the day.

America what are we doing about this? Why isn’t everyone who believes this is wrong standing up in defense of our fellow human beings? Is it a feeling of helplessness? Do you feel like your voice doesn’t make a difference? But it does! I’m a musician so let me lay it out to you in a way that makes sense to me. We have spent decades walking through this world as solo artists. We’ve built our own reputations, vibes and personalities and rightfully so. But today’s political happenings and human rights violations in our own country demand that we become a choir.

We as Americans must raise our voice as one and let them know that this is not okay. There are safe ways that we can do that without putting ourselves in danger or adding to the pandemonium of protests that may or may not be legal, safe or peaceful. Firstly, write a letter to your representatives to let them know that this is unacceptable. Call them to the carpet! Representing your interests is their job. Secondly, and if you are so inclined, pray for our country. We are so far off the mark right now it’s not even funny. This is not what God wants for us. Finally, pay attention to what’s happening around you. Don’t bury your head in the sand like I’ve done for so long thinking your voice can’t make a difference. Make noise, be loud about your dissatisfaction with the war the government is starting against both legal and illegal immigrants.

We must pull together. We must walk this walk as one and depend on one another for strength and support. We are divided as a nation; we’ve allowed so many political disagreements to define each other as good or bad people that we’ve put up walls to divide us. Human rights should be bipartisan, even if we disagree as to what the final answer is. We may not have the answer as to what the final process should be to become an American citizen, but we al know this is wrong and cruel to our non-white brothers and sisters. Stand up America!