Trayvon (Martin), Freddie (Gray), Michael Brown and in my lifetime, unfortunately, the list keeps going on.

I've had the opportunity to perform for the family and community of Tony Robinson Jr., who was also killed by gun violence in Wisconsin. Although these are tragedies, I feel like this is a big moment in Black History because the consciousness is growing within our communities.

I believe it has given me, as well as my peers, a chance to speak up and represent the opposite through our music, fashion, films and social presence. I want to influence the younger generation to know that we have the ability to make a change and bring us all together.

Black Lives Matter.

— As told to Shantell E. Jamison


Follow the social media hashtag #EBONYBHM for more of our Black History Month content including our monthlong "In My Lifetime" narratives. Click here for other entries in the series.

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