Always in Awe

Today I sang at a memorial for those who have lost their lives due to sexual exploitation. It was held at a community center on 118th ave so I biked there before it started so I could help set up and ground myself before singing.

I grew up in McCauley, a few houses away from Giovanni Caboto Park where I played barefoot outside until my mom would call me home to do my homework or practice violin.

Giovanni Caboto Park in Little Italy AKA my neighbourhood

BACK IN TIME....I remember when my mom first taught me about the girls that got picked up in our neighbourhood, and some that worked and made money that way. I saw a lady standing on the corner a couple days later and I must have been staring because she stuck her tongue out at me. As I got into my early teens, i learned that so many of these women went missing and were killed and most of them lived in my neighbourhood. The girls I played with at the park. As I grew up I realized more and more how vulnerable we are.

Being at the memorial today, held by CEASE (Center to Empower all Survivors of Exploitation), and hearing all the names of those lost, seeing and talking to their loved ones and hearing the healing in the voices of survivors was incredible. It was the pause and reflection I needed to ground me in my own journey and in the intention behind what I love to do : sing, create and serve.

At the memorial, I sang 3 songs : Escape, Besamé Mucho and Remedy.

Escape : I sang this song to start, describing a time in my life I had to escape from the reality around me because it was too painful to live in it. It is a song of grief and loneliness but also of coping and perseverance.

Besamé Mucho : This one was a wild card because it is in italian, a language I don't speak (but im pretty sure I killed it hehe). I love this song so much and the meaning behind the words of loving someone even if tomorrow is uncertain is sad but beautiful. I wrote an english part to highlight that theme.

Remedy : I wrote this song to remind myself that I have the answers within me, I wanted to end with this message to bring hope and courage to those grieving.

I am so grateful to have been part of the memorial and so proud of my neighbourhood and all the people in it who care so much for one another and have faith in justice and restoration. Thank you for reminding me why I sing.