It’s no secret that I have a major love for music. Through all the ups and downs in my life, I find that my favorite songs just carry me through. I have been a sincere follower of Michael Franti (pictured here) for at least a decade.
His music is truly liberating. It reminds me of the important things in life: love, acceptance and care for all people, gratitude, and joy. He reminds us that we can always do what’s right, even when it’s hard. He shows us how one person’s life can make a difference in so many others.
Last summer, at about this time, I went to this inspiring show called ‘Party in the Park.’ It was right in front of the capitol, which was lit up in orange in honor of gun violence prevention.This was a beautiful night in Denver. For those of you who are not from Colorado, you just have to come enjoy one of our summer nights. It. Is. Just. The. Best!
I saw Michael Franti just walking around, meeting people and listening to their stories. I had the distinct pleasure of giving a hug to one of my greatest musical heroes (that’s me with Michael Franti – that huge smile on my face is for real!).
Fast forward to today. As you know, this summer brings its own set of unique challenges. These are unprecedented and uncertain times for our great nation and for the world.
But not today. Today, I got to lay down in my favorite porch swing and listen to this song.
This song says, about 100x, “And we don’t stop. And we don’t quit.”
I am reminded of the very heartbeat that is infused in all we do here at CLEAR. Our hearts ache when our families suffer. Our anger flares when we see a system that fails them. Our tears flow when people are mistreated. We love the kids and families we have the chance to meet and work with every day. We are filled with joy as we see kids make progress and families heal.
We have profound gratitude to live in this great country and to have the freedom to do what we want to do with our lives. On this important day in this country we love, we are humbled by this opportunity to serve families.
We are filled with enthusiasm and a rockin’ spirit as we think about how many families we can reach with this work. We feel just charged, or should I say ‘psyched’ that what we do matters to others’ lives. We really get to make a difference.
Interlude: This is the part where Marcy dances around a little to her ‘favorite’ tune (below). She thinks she is an awesome dancer. 🙂
So, here as we celebrate Independence Day, we want you to know that we will never stop fighting for you!
We don’t stop. And we don’t quit. And we don’t stop. And we don’t quit.
I can hear the song ringing in my ears as I write this.
Have a listen, and maybe a quick little dance around the living room or the back yard.
Happy Independence Day! We hope you have a chance to celebrate your freedom and to hug a loved one for us. And in all things, you’ve got this, you rock, and we’re here for you.
Dr. Marcy Willard
Enjoy it for yourself here
Selected excerpts for those who like the cliff notes version are below. But I really hope you’ll have a listen sometime.
Everybody Ona Move
By Michael Franti and Spearhead
Everybody let’s move
Ah aha ha ha ha
Everybody let’s move
Ah aha ha ha ha
And you don’t stop
And you don’t quit
And you don’t stop
And you don’t quit
Everybody ona move
Ah aha ha ha ha
Everybody let’s move
The whole world sings this song…
Yes, all walls will fall
All walls will fall
I never quit, I never give up
I’d hate to have me as my own enemy
Because
Music is not competition
Music is not repetition
Music is love, love for the masses, love for all classes
Love conquers all
Love accepts all
Love respects all
Love dares to dream…
#soulrockers #partyinthepark #michaelfranti #rebelrockers
