Greetings,
This is my statement on my song and digital artwork Saint Emma.
First, I want to say it’s both inspirational and amazing how these students from Parkland, Florida came out of a tragedy and created a movement so powerful.
I was inspired. I create when I am inspired. This is my creation.
The students at Stoneman Douglas High School endured a tragic event, and they said never again. Then they didn’t just say it, they put words into action. They went on national TV and debated elected officials, in just a few weeks they put together a huge march, and they created a movement.
Who wasn’t inspired by that?
Emma González is just one of many of these young leaders, but I focused on her for a few reasons. Some of those reasons include her incredible speeches. (Youtube them if you haven’t watched them before.) Her leadership, her charisma, and other things I noticed while watching 60 minutes. Ms. González is wise beyond her years. I saw her called a hero by a pop star, and she didn’t respond like most teenagers her age. She isn’t alone in the quest to end mass shootings, but she is leading the charge.
The movement in itself is pretty unbelievable.
But sadly, another reason I created this art piece and wrote this song was because I saw Ms. González and her classmates and co-founders get attacked online. I am sure it was probably in person too, but the propaganda and images and comments made me sick to my stomach.
Despite these attacks, Ms. González and company pushed forward. They are moving things in the right direction, pushing the limits, and changing the world. (at least our country) e
School shootings and mass shootings need to end, and if anyone can do it is the kids from Parkland, Florida. If anyone can lead them it is Emma González.
Now on a personal level, this hit home because like many Americans I watched live last year as students scrambled out of the the school in Florida. I also watched the live footage of Columbine High School, and how many in between in 20 years?
One school shooting should have been enough.
Nothing was done for two decades until Ms. González and her classmates decided that enough was enough. Is it not time that we agree with them?
Lastly, I will be the first to say that I am not smart enough to offer solutions to a problem of this magnitude. I am donating the profits from these prints and this song(s) to these young men and women because they seem to be smart enough and capable enough to end this god awful trend.
Ms. González and her peers will do the right thing. I have faith.
Sincerely,
Michael Barber
iTunes or GooglePlay
