My Experience At Artists for Aid
Written by Diana Garcia
Image courtesy of Ronaldo Bolanos
Los Angeles. A week ago.
From the moment I walked into the auditorium, a beautiful, soulful sound hit my ears, and that vibration created a calming ambience. The set up on stage for the Artists for Aid benefit concert made the space feel intimate; it was as if we were all sitting in a welcoming, familial living room with these talented artists and performers. Bella Hadid and Pedro Pascal were our hosts for the night.
I was driven to go for many reasons. Of course, I’m dedicated to supporting the fight against genocide, the fight to free Palestine and Sudan. This particular event focused on immediate relief for children and medical care in Palestine and Sudan; I, and so many others, came because we resonated with the seriousness of this cause, and we wanted to do something to help. Motivated also by my love of music and the acts that would be featured, I came to be surrounded by art, by uplifting melodies. What I left most intrigued and inspired by, however, was Safia Elhillo’s poem. Safia Elhillo is a Sudanese-American author and poet known for her passionate and compelling books. They spotlight themes like politics, society and identity, and the poem she read was completely raw, emotional, and hopeful. Elhillo drew me in completely and became the highlight of my night.
Other artists that advocated for Palestine and Sudan were Snoh Aalegra, Clairo, Ravyn Lenae, Blood Orange, Faye Webster, and many more. Omar Apollo brought a lively energy, and ignited some magic crowd work by getting the audience to help him remember lyrics to his hit song“ Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All).” Lucy Dacus stunned listeners with a cover of “The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Fields alongside surprise guest, Chappell Roan.
Throughout the star-studded night, performers never failed to give Mustafa the Poet, musician and organizer, his flowers for putting together an extraordinary gathering of devoted people, taking the time to assemble, perform, and advocate for this movement.
Across the world from me, Palestine is struggling to gain liberation while facing attacks on their hospitals and healthcare facilities, enduring starvation, experiencing a shortage of resources, and being forced out of their own homes. The Palestinian community stands in solidarity alongside Sudan, as they are facing related tragedies, and it is important for all of us to stay educated and aware of the ongoing ethnic cleansing in both places. Everyone who is able to provide support, speak out on these issues, and fight against the oppression triggered by these heinous and genocidal acts, should. The Artists for Aid event did exactly that.
“Everyone who is able to provide support, speak out on these issues, and fight against the oppression triggered by these heinous and genocidal acts, should.”
In the end, the benefit concert was able to raise 5.5 million dollars for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and the Sudanese American Physicians Association. The night was an influential testament to music of all genres and its ability to convey hardship, grief, and love, but it was also a testament to community. It’s a reminder to continue putting your heart on the line for the Palestinian and Sudanese people, and it is also a reminder to lean on your local communities, to refuse the silence, offer support, and remain open to understanding.
