A Celebration of Resistance, Resilience, and Solidarity for Palestine
On a day dedicated to unity, peace, and activism, Amplified Voices stood as a powerful reminder that change can begin with the collective power of individuals coming together. The event brought together a vibrant mix of musicians, artists, community leaders, and organizations to raise funds and awareness for Palestine. It was a day of celebration, resistance, and resilience — amplifying voices that continue to fight against oppression, military imperialism, and the ongoing genocide and colonization of Palestine.
A Day to Unite and Uplift
The core mission of Amplified Voices was to create a platform where community members could share their voices, promote their causes, and support the ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine. It was an inclusive event, where mothers, fathers, aunties, uncles, grandparents, caregivers, organizers, and community members united in their commitment to resist oppression and stand in solidarity with those facing hardship. Through music, art, culture, and community organizing, the day highlighted the power of collective action in the face of adversity.
Ticket sales for the event directly benefited families in Palestine, providing much-needed support to those enduring the hardships of military occupation and violence. Every aspect of the day — from performances to speeches — was designed to amplify the call for peace, denounce the injustices of imperialism, and foster a sense of global unity.
The Power of Music, Art, and Culture
At the heart of Amplified Voices was a stunning lineup of musical performances that blended genres, cultures, and messages of resistance. Headlining the event were Lauren Jauregui, SKG (Helecia Choyce) and Shylah Ray, each of whom used their platform to speak out against injustice and inspire change through their music.
Lauren Jauregui, a passionate advocate for social justice and Palestinian rights, brought her powerful voice to the stage, speaking out about the need for solidarity and resistance. Her performance resonated with the audience, reminding them of the power of unity in the fight for liberation.
SKG (Helecia Choyce), known for her powerful storytelling through music, used her performance to address themes of resistance, survival, and collective strength.
As an artist and activist, SKG’s music offered both catharsis and a call to action, urging the crowd to stand up for those who are voiceless in times of crisis.
Shylah Ray, another key performer of the day, brought her soulful and heartfelt sound to the stage, providing a moment of reflection and empowerment for all who attended. The music of QUIN, Low Leaf, and Aztlan Underground also filled the air, offering sounds of resistance rooted in a mix of hip-hop, soul, and Latinx and Indigenous music. These performances were more than just entertainment; they were anthems of activism and resilience.
Artists like Martha Gonzalez of Quetzal, Elijah Badua, César y Xochi of Cambalache, Ella Hue, Atomik:Kangaroo and Omar Velasco added their unique voices to the day, using their art to highlight the struggle for justice and solidarity with oppressed peoples around the world.
Voices for Peace: Speakers and Community Organizing
In addition to the music, the event provided an essential platform for powerful speeches and community organizing. Butch Aware, a key speaker, delivered an impassioned address on the importance of solidarity with Palestine and the need for global resistance against colonialism and imperialism. His words inspired the crowd to continue the fight for justice, equality, and peace.
The event also featured representatives from a range of organizations who spoke about their efforts to support Palestinian families and fight for justice. Organizations such as Ojai Ceasefire, Ventura Tenants Union, Jewish Voices for Peace, CODEPINK Santa Barbara, and Students for Justice in Palestine shared their work and engaged the audience in a collective call for action. These groups have long fought for peace, human rights, and an end to systemic violence, and their presence at Amplified Voices demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing.
Other participating organizations, such as KIDZ in Need, Veterans for Peace, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Artists Against Apartheid, also played an important role in making the event a space for education, advocacy, and fundraising. Their presence reminded attendees of the interconnectedness of struggles for justice across the world, as well as the urgency of solidarity with those most oppressed.
Building Unity Through Collective Action
Amplified Voices was more than just a one-day event; it was a testament to the strength of global solidarity and the collective power of people committed to justice. The day showcased how music, art, and community organizing can come together to create a powerful space for resistance and resilience. It also demonstrated that real change happens when we unite to fight for those whose voices are often silenced.
The event was a reminder that the fight for Palestinian liberation is not isolated; it is part of a larger, global struggle for justice, peace, and human rights. Whether through art, activism, or direct action, Amplified Voices showed that change is possible when we come together, support one another, and refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: Together, we can amplify our voices, one at a time, until the call for justice is heard across the world.
For more information on how to contribute or get involved, visit https://www.kidzinneed.com/.