Tag: activism

Oakland's Museum Of Children's Art's Epic, Shameful Fail

Photo credits: mecaforpeace.org

We here at Justice Through Music Project, a national non-profit that focuses on the impact of art and music on young people around the world, strongly condemn the September 8th decision by the Oakland, California Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) to cancel a planned exhibit of art created by children of Gaza during the last war in Gaza. More than 250 children were killed and more than 1000 were injured during that three week war. 

"In dictatorships, art is censored because authorities do not want the population to see the truth," said JTM Director Brett Kimberlin. "And now, here in the land of the free, thugs masquerading as activists, have forced MOCHA to buckle to keep art, as seen from the eyes of children, from being shared with the public. These children, who have no political or religious agenda, innocently expressed themselves in very poignant ways yet they have been censored by those with an agenda because they don't like what the children portrayed. While it is antithetical to a free society to censor such works, it is shameful that a museum that professes to exhibit children's art would cower under pressure from a handful of belligerents who gleefully cheered when the exhibit was cancelled. We urge MOCHA to fire all those board members who voted to cancel the exhibit and to establish strong written standards prohibiting censorship of and outside influence on future exhibits."

JTM works with artists around the world to express themselves through their art, and to challenge injustice and abuse of power wherever it arises.

Read our press release here, check out the Middle East Childrens Alliance website for more information on this, and watch a video of the art made by the Children of Gaza, Art of War below:

Billionaires.org has been doing some great stuff, and we though we'd turn everyone on to their latest, "Don't Vote!". That's what the billionaires want. If you disagree, register to vote, and vote in 2012!

Musician JD Malone seeks to lift people up, and make them feel better about their situation, and to urge people do "Do What You Can Do" to change your life and others. On the website it says:

“Do What You Can Do is a project headed by musician JD Malone that carries a potent message that enables the average person to change their lives by doing what they can do to make a difference in other people’s lives and in so doing, change their own.

How do we address the fallen spirit of people who just don’t feel connected – who don’t think their voice can even be heard?

Resolving this problem is what’s at the core of the Do What You Can Do Project.

Getting people to feel better about themselves in today’s economy where people are losing their homes, their jobs, and wondering why America has become a little less than it used to be is a daunting task. The way to change America is to change the mindset of the people – one person at a time. People need to know that they can make a difference by becoming a part of a unified community consciousness that enables them to reconstitute a better America.”

Watch the video below, and check out http://dowhatyoucando.com/

Also, check out JTMP and Op-Critical's video "Change the World"

In what would have been her 28th birthday, Amy Winehouse's family is using the day to launch the Amy Winehouse Foundation. On the website they say, "The Amy Winehouse Foundation is being set up in Amy’s memory to support charitable activities in both the UK and abroad that provide help, support or care for young people, especially those who are in need by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction. ”

The website also says that until they get up and running, "Comic Relief in the UK and America Gives Back in the US have set up the Amy Winehouse Fund to receive donations in her name. ” Please donate generously to JTMP to help us spread music activist news and register voters, and these other organizations to help the Amy Winehouse Foundation. Thank you.

They plan to use proceeds to help launch and propel the organization with the release of "Body and Soul" a duet with Tony Bennet, the video of Amy and Tony performing together in the studio is below. Find out more at http://www.amywinehousefoundation.co.uk/ .

HONK! is putting on its 6th HONK! Festival in Boston on September 30th through October 3rd, a gathering of musicians that express themselves about various issues and causes they support. Brass, or horns, are strongly encouraged but one can also find drummers. Causes range from migrant labor to environmental issues. Participants often dress up in costume, and have props to voice their concerns for their cause. The line between performer and audience is very blurry, on purpose. 

"Honkers" are explained on their website: "Across the country and around the world, a new type of street band is emerging. Acoustic and mobile, borrowing repertoire and inspiration from a diverse set of folk music traditions – New Orleans second line brass bands, European Klezmer, Balkan and Romani music, Brazilian Afro Bloc and Frevo traditions, as well as the passion and spirit of Mardi Gras and Carnival– these “honkers” all share a commitment to several core principles. Metaphorically speaking, they honk their horns for the same reasons motorists honk theirs: to arouse fellow travelers, to warn of danger, to celebrate milestones, and to just plain have fun."

They march and play their music and honk their horns "because it’s the best way they know to protest a world of violence and oppression." and "to celebrate the causes and institutions they support: multicultural festivals, peace conferences, social forums, artists collectives, community gardens, children’s workshops, neighborhood fundraisers, block parties, relief benefits and homeless shelters."

For more information watch the video below, and check out the HonkFest.org Website.