(September 15, 2020) The year 2020 has illustrated the how systematic racism, economic and health disparities combine to choke the life the country and its citizens. That sad reality is summed up in on three-word phrase - ‘I can’t breathe.’ Those were among George Floyd’s final words when a police officer put the full weight of his body into Floyd’s back – suffocating him. Many of the estimated 192,000 people who died from COVID-19 thus far this year said some form of that phrase, as have the people who wear masks to minimize their chances of contracting the virus.
Singer Makalani’s new song “Oxygen of Freedom” captures the desire of those protesting on the streets who are simply yearning to breathe free. The lyrics pose questions to the powers that be that the oppressed have raised for generations: How can this country truly be free when vast segments of its citizens struggle to secure and exercise rights that the privileged take for granted?
(September 15, 2020) The year 2020 has illustrated the how systematic racism, economic and health disparities combine to choke the life the country and its citizens. That sad reality is summed up in on three-word phrase - ‘I can’t breathe.’ Those were among George Floyd’s final words when a police officer put the full weight of his body into Floyd’s back – suffocating him. Many of the estimated 192,000 people who died from COVID-19 thus far this year said some form of that phrase, as have the people who wear masks to minimize their chances of contracting the virus.
Singer Makalani’s new song “Oxygen of Freedom” captures the desire of those protesting on the streets who are simply yearning to breathe free. The lyrics pose questions to the powers that be that the oppressed have raised for generations: How can this country truly be free when vast segments of its citizens struggle to secure and exercise rights that the privileged take for granted?
In a way, “Oxygen of Freedom” is Makalani’s 21st Century take in the concept of Four Freedoms that FDR described so many years ago. FDR talked about freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of speech and freedom of worship. To that, Makalani adds freedom to learn from past mistakes and freedom to be. Check out “Oxygen of Freedom” here.
By Howard Dukes
Makalani – “Oxygen of Freedom”