Ghosts Of The Forest's Celisse releases 'Freedom,' a rallying cry and call to action
Her message: We are the answer.
Celisse Henderson, the soulful New York singer and guitarist who joined Ghosts of the Forest on vocals last year, released a new track and music video this morning called “FREEDOM.”
Give it a watch on YouTube, or click here to find it on your favorite streaming service.
Here’s what Celisse had to say about the song:
I wrote the song FREEDOM immediately after Philando Castille and Alton Sterling both lost their lives within 24 hours of one another in July of 2016. I, along with millions of people, watched video footage of these unarmed black men losing their lives in the most horrific ways.
The truth that these unjust deaths revealed about our country, including the systemic failings of our criminal justice system, became my personal call-to-action. Then the 2016 election night happened, and the results added a whole new layer to the purpose of this song and project.
Now, almost four years later, too little has been done, and the story remains the same. With the horrific and unjust killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd weighing heavily on our hearts and minds, it is time to release FREEDOM as a rallying cry and a call to action to stand up and fight for our freedom.
Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.” This project endeavors to challenge its viewers to think about one single thing they can do to change the world around them. I believe that WE (the people), ARE THE ANSWER!
At the end of the clip, Celisse offers three things each of us can do to help — donate, volunteer locally, and share the clip.
All proceeds from “FREEDOM” will be donated to the Movement 4 Black Lives and Campaign Zero.
Her bandmate offered some words of encouragement — and a pledge to listen, learn, and vote for leaders who will step up to this moment.
The lyrics
"Freedom" by Celisse Henderson
Look at the world that we live in
Look at the trouble and pain
Look how all is forgiven
When we lose so many in vain
See how some things are changing
See how some things are not
See which people get answers
And then see which ones are forgot
We hurt just like you
We bear the shoulders of truth
We ‘re told this land is for you and I
Then why are we the ones to die
We are standing up
We will be light
We all deserve the right to freedom
Let this be the night
Young old black and white
Come join the right to fight for freedom
Look at all this frustration
Look at all this regret
Look at how we’ve been broken
And then tell me how we’re the threat
Can you see us just like your brother
Can you see me just like a friend
If all lives really do matter
Then tell me when the killing will end
We hurt just like you
We bear the shoulders of truth
These words are not just to comfort me
I sing for equality
We are beautiful
We are valuable
We all deserve to be free