Dream In Soul

The David Crowder*Band recently spoke to the philanthropy organization Causecast about some of their views on the mechanics of social change and leveraging the arts to address the current climate of the world. In the interview they also touched on challenges music artists face today, and of course Twitter. The interview is really candid and interesting, and was part of Causecast’s series with influential musicians, aimed at asking them questions about relevant issues that might not come up in other interviews, and to inspire others to take steps of change. You can read the entire article on Causecast.org: The David Crowder* Band On The Mechanics Of Change.

Some highlights from the interview:

“…Because as artists, you’re shaped and moved by the culture you’re breathing in and out, so it naturally pops into your art you’re making, but at the same time, if we could think critically about where we are, and about the platforms that we’ve been given, then there’s an opportunity to say a whole lot to people who listen to you and who care about what you think about, what you believe in…”

Thanks to Marina from Causecast for sharing this link.

As those in Haiti cry out for help, it’s amazing to see the outpouring of love and unity to come to their aid. Recently the Gospel music community came together to record a tribute song, “Are You Listening.” Kirk Franklin rallied up artists such as CeCe Winans, BeBe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Natalie Grant, Jeremy Camp and many others, to record the song he wrote for Haiti eight years ago.

The proceeds of the song will be donated to Unicef and other charities to help with relief efforts in the rebuilding of communities.

The Gospel Music Channel premiered the video in a one hour special presentation on Friday before the airing of the global “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon. If you missed it you can watch the encore of the special on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6:00 p.m. (ET). There will also be an exclusive “A Love Song for Haiti: The Making of ‘Are You Listening’” behind-the-scenes special in February.

“Are You Listening” is now available for purchase at www.verityrecords.com. The single will also be available next week on iTunes after January 30 at Wal-Mart and other major retailers. Do your part in sending love to Haiti with your continued donations and prayers.

Below is the music video for the song, (it is really beautiful and moving):

“All the artists associated with the project donated their talent and gifts for this project. This initiative is so important because while we are asking America to give we know that many are giving sacrificially. The people of Haiti are very spiritual people with an unwavering faith and belief in God and still count The Lord as the main source and provider. We will continue to pray and stand with them. We hope this song will bring much needed support and awareness in an effort to raise funds in the near and long-term future.”
- Kirk Franklin, who produced the song “Are You Listening.”

Dr. Martin Luther King: Continuing the Legacy and the Dream

He dreamed of unity, of communities of people - of every color and creed - working, living and serving together. Today as we celebrate the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let’s not forget what he stood for, what he walked and fought for - and how we can continue the dream today.

As brothers and sisters in Haiti are in holding on to what ribbons of hope they have left, let’s paint strokes of that dream, and show them the brotherhood and service that God calls us to, the kind Dr. King spoke of in several of his speeches.

Visit CNN to learn more ways to help Haiti today. Here’s another way to contribute to supplies for rescue teams, via @ShaunKing.

Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Continue reading for a tribute to Dr. King
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