Image Source: Facebook / Jordin Sparks [1]
Jordin Sparks is sending a message of hope and unity to everyone who has come together in solidarity to support the Black Lives Matter movement [2]. In a post shared to her Instagram account on Wednesday, the singer shared a video of herself performing her new song, "Unknown," marking her first solo release since 2015. Sparks originally wrote the song alongside artist and songwriter Jordyn Dodd-Waddington, but she notes that it's taken on a whole new meaning for herself and those around her in the wake of recent events, namely the protests following George Floyd's death on May 25 [3].
"There have been times in my life where I don't know what's going to happen next," she said in a video interview with KTLA 5, adding that the song is about her faith and the people in her life [4] who have walked beside her every step of the way. "I hope you can close your eyes and let this song take you where you need to go and release," the singer captioned her Instagram post. "Cry, scream, hug someone you love (if you can), thank God for another day . . . know that we'll get through this together."
Sparks then went on to explain her recent experiences protesting and the hope it gave her to see people from so many different walks of life coming together to support the Black community. "Sending so much love to those who feel the burden and heavy weight of what's been going on," Sparks said. "Use it to propel yourself forward in action. SPEAK UP FOR WHATS RIGHT EVEN IF YOUR VOICE SHAKES." Watch Sparks's full, moving performance here, and let the empowering lyrics sink in as we continue to find ways to uplift voices in the Black community [5].
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