As our country encounters a series of unprecedented moments in American history, we want to address the recent events that led to the violence and damage at our nation’s Capital. Our Create Music Group family is deeply troubled by the assault on our democracy and values.
Let us be clear. What occurred in Washington D.C. was nothing less than an insurrection, an act of sedition against the founding principles of our nation. Physical and verbal violence is never tolerated and those that aid in the destruction of our democracy must be held accountable.
As Martin Luther King said:
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people” – MLK
We are artists and music industry professionals, but we are also citizens of a great nation that allow us the freedom of artistic expression. We must be conscious of the power of our words and use music to heal and bring people together. As we strive to uphold our beliefs, integrity, and respect for our differences, we must be united.
MLK Day and Presidential Inauguration
“It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people”. – MLK
Today and Wednesday mark yet another historical moment. We want to take today, January 18th, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his activism and leadership of the civil rights movement. In 1955, when he began his activism, MLK was only 26 years old, the age of many CMG artists. This is proof that age is not a limitation when it comes to changing the world, through music or action.
As Dr King said, “the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” But, music and art do not exist in a vacuum. They are a form of communication, and often communication about the world, and society, that surrounds them.”
On Wednesday, we will celebrate the peaceful transition of power and historic inauguration of the 46th President and Vice President of the United States. President-elect Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. will be the oldest President and Vice-President-elect Kamala Devi Harris will be the first Black and Southeast Asian Vice President in American history. Despite the actions of a motivated few, just weeks ago, in assaulting the Capitol for the first time in over 200 years; that same building, our temple of democracy, now continues the record of the longest orderly hand-over of authority in history.
Create Music Group celebrates this momentous occasion with all of America. We hope that, in the coming weeks and years, America can once again become that ‘shining city upon a hill’ and continue the difficult work of justice and equality begun by Dr. King a half century ago.
Warnings
The FBI has received information indicating “armed protests” are being planned all around the country, in all fifty states and Washington, DC in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20. While security measures are being stepped up ahead of Inauguration Day; federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are preparing for the possibility of more violence. We encourage our Create Fam from around the country to take these warnings seriously and to plan accordingly.
For more information:
Take Action / Help Out – Volunteer Opps:
LA Works: MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE 2021
Feeding America: Find Your Local Food Bank
MLK Serve-a-Thon
Biden Calls On Americans To Celebrate His Inauguration By Volunteering At Home
LISTEN – Podcasts:
We Celebrate the REAL MLK Day
NPR’s In Black America
Preparing for Inauguration Day Security Threats
History of Inaugurations
WATCH – Movies/Documentaries:
Selma
King: A Filmed Record – Montgomery to Memphis
Inauguration Day: The Documentary
Biden Harris Inauguration Special To Air
READ – Books/Articles:
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250257703
The King Center: Books By MLK Jr.
Inauguration Day 2021: What You Need to Know
FAQs about the Presidential Inauguration
