“Hear Us Now” is a collaborative video produced by Jamal Meneide and written by Community Change fellow, Ayanna Albertson.

Ayanna offers her author’s commentary on the original poem and discusses the inspiration that came from the stories of her grandparents and elders – illustrating how difficult and painful it was to be in a country that did not value them as whole people. Being a voter is one way to commemorate the days when we couldn’t be counted. Together, we must raise our voices to be heard.

She breaks down key elements of this piece from words rich in hope and pain, stunning visual metaphors, and the simple act of breathing as a signal to ourselves and others that we are still here — with so much left to do. The full video plays at 3:15.

Video by Ayanna Albertson

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