Let the Youth Speak: Statements on Black Liberation
Violence and unjust treatment to the Black community has been an issue for centuries. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arberry, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, our very own Shaun Fuhr, and so many more innocent Black people murdered by the police this year further unveiled our country’s deeply rooted systemic racism and anti-Blackness.
Totem Star Artists came together to share some empowering words with our community. Each artist with various backgrounds and important perspectives in sharing their truths with us.
We all have so much power to cultivate the positive change that we want to see. To see a society that better serves our Black communities, that better serves our young people, and that better serves our humanity with true equity & justice for all.
Often times, the change starts with our young people. It starts with us listening to our young people.
We love you all. Let's continue to do the work!
Grae Violett
@graedreamer
“To me, art is a lifestyle. A mentor of mine (and several other smart people) once said that in order to be a good artist, you have to live life. You have to be a good human. Part of being a good human is recognizing when other humans are in pain. For a long time, black pain has been ignored. I’m happy to see that people are finally starting to notice the injustices and inconsistencies in our system.
While I haven’t been able to attend any protests due to distance, I have amplified black voices, including mine, during this time. I’ve spoken up on injustices that I have seen, shared resources and other relevant facts regarding the movement, and most of all, have found time for myself.
If you are a black artist, put yourself first. Don’t feel guilty for needing a mental break from online or offline activism. You’re living the movement just by looking the way you do. You’re protesting just by existing. Your art is relevant and valid and extremely black, simply because you are black. So cut yourself some slack, and remember your importance.
If you’re an NBPOC or white artist, please LISTEN when black people speak. Protesting is wonderful, but please be aware of your actions and if they’re endangering the same people you want to help. Also I know that we’re fighting against black deaths but we’re also fighting for black lives. That includes black joy and black creative expression. So don’t forget to check on your black artistic community, and amplify their work. That means sharing their art, doing the work to make them feel welcome in predominantly white artistic spaces, and GIVING THEM CREDIT. By doing that, you create a more inclusive environment, which means more beautiful art for everyone to enjoy.
Last but definitely not least, please don’t forget to show love to black female artists and black queer artists. We exist, we’re valid, and our black lives MATTER.”
- Grae Violett
AMINA
@minasgallery
“My experience attending protests started very young. I used to go to protests against the annexation of Palestine. I used to protest against gun violence, but it was very detached. Then, I faced a reality that many of our people have faced which forced me to tell my brother's story. I saw how these victims can be overlooked. From a very young age, I knew that when people would gather for a protest, pain and grief would be at the heart of it. I would remind myself that we are here because we are amongst the lucky ones. We are privileged to have another day. We must voice the stories and memories of the victims. It’s their right that they have over us, to make sure whatever happened to them never happens again. My emotions fluctuate, but I always shake at a protest. The adrenaline and anger that I feel. The grief and pain in my heart. It’s important that we (youth) are there because it is happening also to us. We can’t detach ourselves. We are the truth.
Our voices have power and we have seen proof of this through our art and social media presence. We are the target because we are the future. Mobilizing can be done in more ways than before and the youth are the ones who are finding new ways. We have to be there and show up.
As an artist, I have been grateful for the opportunities that I had with community spaces. This where people gather and listen. Art is so malleable that it can be used as a form of protest. Tell your stories and raise awareness. Express your pain and oppression. Be bold, Black and proud. Exist and be unapologetic. As a Black Muslim woman, my art and poetry is political by default because my mere existence is political. Me having a voice and being bold, unapologetic, and proud of who I am, shakes white supremacists because they want us locked up so bad. They want to put the chains on and hold the key. Singing has always been a part of the movement.
Through struggle, songs of liberation were sung throughout the fields and throughout the streets. It will still be sung for generations more until it is replaced by songs of freedom and success.
My one advice to my fellow Black folks, don’t forget to heal your vessel. Our souls will always feel for the movement and our brothers and sisters. Wounded soldiers who tend to their wounds, will fight harder and better than wounded soldiers who continue with wounds that aren’t cared for. Be gentle on yourself. Be kind to one another. If you need to walk away from an argument, then do it for your peace of mind. You didn’t lose, you won because you chose yourself.
KIDDUS FECTO
@kiddusfecto
“During times like these, I feel it’s very important to speak on things that are affecting society such as police brutality and the injustices in America. I’m an African American male witnessing my people deal with police brutality in the media and it’s maddening. We don’t deserve the mistreatment these pigs are giving us and we shouldn’t tolerate it any longer. We have to come together and stop fighting one another because at the end of the day, we’re fighting the same enemy. THE SYSTEM. In order to do that we must treat each other better and support one another.” - Kiddus Fecto
FRESA
@biansayy
“My experience at the protests has been absolutely life changing. The feeling of such a large mass of people uniting together in one place to fight for an issue we all believe in gave me chills the first time I experienced it. It’s so moving and empowering to be a part of such a historic thing. I think it’s important for our youth to be involved in these protests because the children are the future of our society.
Our kids are gonna be the governors, presidents, and mayors of our future and it’s important for them to be involved in the communities around them. By attending these protests, these kids and teens gets to experience first hand the power and beauty of a community as a whole, they get to see just how important issues like the Black Lives Matter movement are.
I think at this current time, it’s important for us artists to do two things: 1) use our voice and our art to speak on these subjects and 2) really take a look at how Black music and culture has influenced our own craft. Black culture is by far one of the most influential when it comes to creative outlets such as music, art, and poetry. It influences us in ways that we might not even realize. Google a list of music genres that Black people created, and the list will name almost every genre you could possible think of. This time should be used to not only educate ourselves on how we are influenced by Black art, but also to use our voice and speak out in support of Black communities.
To my non-Black friends, this includes all POC, it is important not to become complacent with the state things are in right now. We cannot allow complacency to take over as we sit in the safety of our homes, thinking that these issues do not apply to us. Because as a race we are human, and any issues that affects one group of humans should be a threat to all humans. Just posting a hashtag or donating a few dollars and then calling it a day is a prime example of privilege. And yes, even POC can have levels of privilege. Our Black brothers and sisters don’t get to post a story and then go home and call it a day. This is their life every single day, and we have to realize that. It is our job to use our privilege and our voice to talk to those around us. We need to talk to our relatives, our friends, our neighbors about why Black Lives Matter. Our role is to educate and spread information so that everyone understands exactly what we are fighting for.”
- FRESA
Aurelio Valdez
@aurelioxvaldez
“Art right now is CRUCIAL. As someone who benefits entirely from Black culture and who has learned a lot through my mentors who identify as part of the Black diaspora, the music I make will always be in solidarity and support for Black liberation!”
- Aurelio Valdez
Pink Anbu:
@sarah2pink_
“every drop of water makes the waves stronger.
i feel like i'm not in the position to speak as an expert, but listening amplifies. there's many things to be done, and we must start with and within ourselves. change starts with you, and i catch myself at my own ignorance at times, but we all have to check ourselves. it is ok to grow and learn from someone else's perspective. knowledge is gold!
but do what you want to, and ask yourself what you are fighting for.
is it equal rights and love? defunding the police and reallocating funding to the education system and the community? intentions show so make sure you do it because you want to, not because you have to. and above all else, do it with love!
remember Black Lives matter!
And always have.
Respect the Black community, respect POC communities, and respect those who dont dont come from the same background as you. Love conquers all and we must act with love.
and also, justice.”
- Pink Anbu