#humanitythroughart

If you turn on your local news channel, no matter the time of day, there are often stories about injustice and inequality that leave you feeling distressed. Whether it be the constant fight against world hunger or the daily updates on the troops overseas, the hopelessness that fills our bodies is hard to swallow at times. Thankfully, we have artists who work tirelessly to bring light when there seems to be only darkness. Creativity is a beautiful gift to be shared and by encouraging positivity, art allows the body to heal and release negative energy. Injustice cannot be defeated overnight. As long as our community continues to grow and become aware of the change that is possible, we can move mountains.

To prove the power of art, here are three examples of how art has inspired positive social change in our culture:

1. The United Nations enlisted the help of Beyonce Knowles to represent the “I Was Here” campaign for The World Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2012, hosted in New York City. “I Was Here” launched as a global humanitarian campaign and challenged people all over the world to perform good deeds for others. On the day of the event, at the U.N. Headquarters building, Beyonce performed her hit song “I Was Here” while a powerful video was projected on a large screen behind her. The production showcased the incredible efforts that are being made across the globe by various humanitarian organizations. The campaign generated 1 billion messages of hope and services to those in need around the world.

*To learn more about the “I Was Here” campaign, click here!

Beyonce has always had a passion for helping others and is well-known for supporting relief efforts. She uses her positive energy and artistic abilities to shed light on important socio-political issues in a way that unites the community.

2. The tragic death of Michael Brown has gathered public support and peaceful protesting against the police force in Ferguson, Missouri. Marcellus Buckley (age 22), a Missouri native,  is an example of how creative expression can influence others and inspire positive social change. Marcellus has been an active member of the Ferguson protesting since they began on August 14, 2014. He uses spoken word to gain the attention of local law enforcement officials. Marcellus appreciates that his poetry offers a nonviolent expression of anger. He believes that in order for change to occur there must be a peaceful approach to protesting. As Ferguson struggles to heal from the violent acts imposed by their law enforcement, Marcellus and his spoken word will continue to fight for equality and love.

Click the link below to hear Marcellus recite his spoken word:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-x522yH3xE#t=102

Poet turned activist, 22-year-old Marcellus Buckley is bringing the bleak reality of Ferguson, Missouri to the eyes and ears of local officials.

3. Founded in 2006, Get Lit is a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, California. It uses the performance of classic and spoken word poetry to increase teen literacy in Southern California. Get Lit offers a creative outlet for at-risk youth who are interested in learning to read and write. The element of performance is included in Get Lit’s mission. Teens are encouraged to take their poetry to the stage and release their thoughts on life in front of an audience. The organization is providing teens in need an environment that is both welcoming and educational as they transition to becoming adults in violent or unstable homes. Since Get Lit was founded, over 50 schools in California have incorporated this program into their after school programs.

If you’d like to learn more about Get Lit, please visit their website at http://getlit.org/getlit/.

Get Lit members Rhiannon McGavin, Zariya Allen, and Belissa Escoloedo performed their poem “Somewhere in America” on the Queen Latifah Show on January 20th 2015.

So there you have it. One piece of art, one inspired individual has the power to generate change and positivity in the world. In the words of Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Don’t be afraid to make waves - change won’t happen without them.

By: Ellen Bedecarre-McNamara

Social Media Representative Intern

Face Forward MN - Humanity Through Art

Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @ellenbmac!