On this Labor Day we should stop and think about what this day is really all about. How about we take some time to acknowledge the workers? How about we honor those who are underpaid, trying to make ends meet while those who employ them decrease wages and benefits, make work conditions more dangerous and use corporate media to create a climate of hostility toward those who dare ask for a wage that’s liveable?
Never one to shy away from issues of the day is Pittsburgh artist Jasiri X who has always been a friend of the working class. In honor of the Fast Food workers who went on strike for one day last week, Jasiri X penned a song called ‘We Coming‘. He then went to Milwaukee for a rally.
The year before Jasiri was out in that city supporting workers who found themselves under siege by anti-union governor Scott Walker.. Many are pleased that he stays in the trenches supporting poor and working class folks. One would not have known there was a fast food worker strike from the lack of mentions and discussion during the highly publicized 50th anniversary March on Washington.. We need more artists like Jasiri to bring to light what many of our ‘leaders’ like to forget or overlook.. Here’s what Jasiri X said about this new effort..
“We Coming” was inspired by the Dream Defenders, BYP100, and the movement of fast food and low wage workers to get $15 an hour and the right to form a union. “We Coming” was shot on location in Milwaukee, WI during the 8/29 Strike that took place in over 50 cities around the country. “We Coming” was produced by GM3, shot by Paradise Gray, and based off a chant by Artist and Activist Jazz Hudson. Young people are rising up all over the country and the world, believe me when I say, “WE COMING”!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4P6v3pGGmI
Here’s a song that addresses income inequality.. American Workers vs Multi-Billionaires
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwpSh66aEUw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QQbRXaGsjM