Last night's justice jam was a huge success. I would like to thank everybody who came out last night to what I think was the best Java Jam I've ever been to at SJU. The quality of the performers, the atmosphere, and the space were great, and everything worked out well for all who planned it and participated in it. This isn't just my opinion either as a performer; if you talk to anyone who went or heard the Justice Jam they would probably agree that hey had a great time. All the music played last night and just...well, everything was just incredible. It was a great tribute to Saint Joseph's university and its spirit. There is an implicit indication here, though, one that's more subtle.
As I observed some of the acts after mine I realized something that music does for people, something that I've always thought music did but never really personified so clearly until last night. For example, a freshman named Geoff came up and rapped his heart out for the whole crowd. In the middle of his set he asked everyone to get up and dance, and a substantial amount of people did. Everybody was throwing up their hands when he threw his up, people were dancing and having a great time. During his last song, people echoed the refrain "It ain't murder if we do it with a smile, right?"
Another example is when shining TV screens got up and performed an acoustic set for all of us. Towards the end of their set people were calling out for a song everyone could sing along to, and they obliged the crowd. What ensued was singing, dancing, and even some swaying for a slower part of one of the songs. Generally, during the set everyone just was feeling good and smiling, laughing, and just allowing themselves to be free of the stress of school and life.
For me, these aren't any big deals. I have been go to shows like this all my life: people are frenzied and dancing, singing along to the songs, throwing up fists, meeting new people. This is characteristic of music: Music creates community. Last night the community was so strong. Everybody there was excited for the music playing and excited for the songs. Yet, there was something else everyone was excited for: justice.
The Poverty Awareness Week Committee didn't intentionally do this, but they were able to create a tangible community that was interested not only in the music being played, but in the idea of justice: Justice that isn't marred by hate for anyone else or moral superiority towards other, but that is guided by love and liberty for all. This is a wonderful reality that was realized last night, and so I say we continue this tradition. Whenever you're at a show or a demonstration (see: SOA protest), get lost in the music. Allow yourself to meet new people, sing along with strangers who you don't know, dance, and by building this community, you will begin to build a community of justice. I know I'll be there.
-Jeff
As I observed some of the acts after mine I realized something that music does for people, something that I've always thought music did but never really personified so clearly until last night. For example, a freshman named Geoff came up and rapped his heart out for the whole crowd. In the middle of his set he asked everyone to get up and dance, and a substantial amount of people did. Everybody was throwing up their hands when he threw his up, people were dancing and having a great time. During his last song, people echoed the refrain "It ain't murder if we do it with a smile, right?"
Another example is when shining TV screens got up and performed an acoustic set for all of us. Towards the end of their set people were calling out for a song everyone could sing along to, and they obliged the crowd. What ensued was singing, dancing, and even some swaying for a slower part of one of the songs. Generally, during the set everyone just was feeling good and smiling, laughing, and just allowing themselves to be free of the stress of school and life.
For me, these aren't any big deals. I have been go to shows like this all my life: people are frenzied and dancing, singing along to the songs, throwing up fists, meeting new people. This is characteristic of music: Music creates community. Last night the community was so strong. Everybody there was excited for the music playing and excited for the songs. Yet, there was something else everyone was excited for: justice.
The Poverty Awareness Week Committee didn't intentionally do this, but they were able to create a tangible community that was interested not only in the music being played, but in the idea of justice: Justice that isn't marred by hate for anyone else or moral superiority towards other, but that is guided by love and liberty for all. This is a wonderful reality that was realized last night, and so I say we continue this tradition. Whenever you're at a show or a demonstration (see: SOA protest), get lost in the music. Allow yourself to meet new people, sing along with strangers who you don't know, dance, and by building this community, you will begin to build a community of justice. I know I'll be there.
-Jeff
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