buzzz worthy. . .
The music of modern civil rights efforts is changing. . .
The music of modern civil rights efforts is changing. . .
Music
artist David M (aka David Minott) is using music to remind us of those who
fought for justice and racial equality.
In his moving world beat
song, "Lest We Forget," the Jamaica-born world-music
songwriter / singer invokes the names of African American leaders such as
Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Garvey to illustrate the contributions that
black people have made to society and to encourage listeners to remember their
sacrifices.
This soul-searching
song which opens with excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's famous "I
Have A Dream" speech, not only speaks to the Civil Rights Movement and the
hard work of Dr. King, but also gives credence to the work and sacrifices made
by stalwarts such as Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela,
Steven Biko and others who have been instrumental in the struggle for equality
and justice, paving the way for positive change.
"Trayvon Martin
is not unlike many others in our past who have fallen victim to violence and
racial injustice," he says. "His slaying and the movement that it has
inspired serves as a wakeup call to all of us that there is yet much work to be
done before all men, regardless of race, are indeed treated equal."
Written in 1994 on the
eve of the inauguration of South African President Nelson Mandela, "Lest
We Forget" is equally as relevant today as it was back then, says
David M. "The feeling that I had on that day has been renewed many times
over the years. From the election of President Barack Obama to the many other
achievements by men and women of African descent, I am proud of our
achievements and humbled by the opportunity to pay homage to them in song. I am
also reminded of how far we still have to go and how many of our people are
still being victimized by racism and hate crimes. The death of this
defenseless, unarmed teen makes this message ring true like never
before."
David M says he plans
to use the song to motivate the spirit of unity for all mankind, globally.The
poignant video for "Lest We Forget" has been featured on BET's
"Lift Every Voice," Music Choice, Tempo and BET-J. The song was
also the focus of a Black History Month 2011 campaign called
"Our Silence Speaks Volumes."
Says David M, "It
is my hope that this song will urge us to remember many of our fallen brothers
and sisters, from Emmett Till and Medgar Evers to Malcolm X and Martin Luther
King and, of course, lest we forget -- young Trayvon Martin."