The CNN special "Shine A Light" hosted by Jake Tapper highlighted young adults who are still dealing with the loss of their parents in the September 11th terror attacks. H.E.R. performed two extraordinary and touching covers, Stevie Wonder's "Love's In Need of Love Today" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." The coolest part is Stevie Wonder reached out and said he loved H.E.R.'s rendition! Keep scrolling to see the full cover!
The special was organized by nonprofit 9/11 Day, 12 other 9/11 organizations, and the City of New York. According to the press release, it paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, their families, survivors, rescue and recovery workers and volunteers, and those in the military. The now young adults deeply affected by the events of 9/11 talked about its impact in their life.
"Shine A Light" was filled with musical performances that included Brad Paisley, Common, and Maroon 5. Former New York Giants Eli Manning presented along with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio who joined forces again just as they did back in 2001, after the 9/11 attack for the 'Concert for New York City.'
David Paine, the 9/11 Day President and Co-Founder/Producer of "Shine A Light" shared the intent behind the program. “We created ‘Shine A Light’ so that the 9/11 community could tell its story directly to the American public and demonstrate that even in the face of great tragedy, good things can arise if we’re willing to simply shine a light on the natural goodness that lives in ourselves and in all of us.” They encouraged viewers to take a moment to pay tribute by posting and sharing one act of kindness, charity or service on 911day.org.
Cover Photo Credit: H.E.R. Official Music Facebook
The search continues in finding the person who attacked Vilma Kari, a 65-year-old woman in New York. The attack happened last Sunday as the Filipina woman was walking on her way to church. Vilma’s daughter Elizabeth has set up a GoFundMe to for her medical bills as well as other hate crimes victims. The GoFundMe, has exceeded way past the initial $20k goal, currently over $100K.
***Author's edit: The suspect has been identified
The woman was kicked and beaten by the attacker who yelled "F--k you, you don't belong here," according to sources. Keep in mind last Sunday was also Palm Sunday. The beginning of Holy Week which is widely observed in the Filipino culture. It was a time to celebrate the beginning of Easter, but instead the victim was beaten and left without help.
The video footage from a nearby building shows the suspect kicking the victim to the ground then continued to stomp on her head several times. As the victim was down, according to the New York Post, "several men from a nearby residential building witnessed the crime...but did not try to help the woman." Although the Filipina woman has a fractured pelvis, she is in stable condition at NYU Langone Hospital. The violence happening in the Asian American community needs to be addressed and people need to be held accountable for their actions. We have to continue to protect each other especially our elders.
If you'd like to help Vilma Kari, a GoFundMe page was started by her daughter, Elizabeth Kari.
CONTINUE TO AMPLIFY OUR VOICES
With last year being some dark times, we can only help each other reach brighter days. It's up to us to bring the change and treat everyone with kindness. In a recent catch up catch up with Guapdad 4000 at his album launch for 1176, he spoke out on the rising anti-Asian violence and offered encouragement.
"It's up to us to step forward first, to protect each other first before we ask for any other help. But also have hope in other people and humans that they see us coming together."
GUAPDAD 4000 SPEAKS OUT ON RECENT ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE
Cover Photo Credit: Rappler Facebook
