GRAND RAPIDS — In Minneapolis, community gatherings of singers have inspired people across the nation to gather together in resistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement occupation.
Northern Minnesotans have been inspired as well.
In a recent Bright Spot conversation on the KAXE Morning Show, we talked to Bernadine Joselyn and Barb Spears. They are the organizers of "Singing for Our Neighbors: A Community Sing-Along for Unity and Healing" at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids.
"When we saw the resistance singing emerge in the Twin Cities in response to [Operation] Metro Surge, we were inspired to have that experience here in our home community," Joselyn said.
The event will blend familiar songs like "If I Had a Hammer," with new songs in a call and response style.
"We aren't singers ourselves, really. We just love song and singing together," Joselyn said.
Spears reminisced on her experience living in Minneapolis, where she was part of community singing groups in outdoor parks.
"It doesn't matter where you're from, who you are. Music and singing just really bring us together," she said.
Monetary donations will be accepted for the Yesod Fund, a south Minneapolis organization that helps those navigating instability.
Joselyn and Spears said they hope folks will sing along, but participants can also clap or stomp along, or grab a hand drum.
Spears said, "Your voice is one of many, so come!"
Listen to our conversation above.
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The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
