Prior to May 3, Belmont University approached Daybreak Arts with an idea for a project. Five people, along with myself, volunteered: Amattulah Hassan, Robert (Zareef) Edwin Lockridge, Daniel Holmes, Cheryl Harris and Sidney Sparkle. Belmont broke us into two groups: photography and music.
First, we learned black and white photography using a camera. We were asked to take pictures that described our homelessness. Later on, after several meetings, we were invited to an opportunity to display our photographs in a show. Large pictures would be sold for $75 and small ones for $50. They would be displayed at the Packing Plant, an art space in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.
While the photography work was being done, I was presented with an idea to create music from a painting that I made. I wrote the lyrics to the song a year prior with several failed attempts. Belmont asked me if they could write the melody to complete my dream of having a song that represented the daily struggles for homeless society. I believe this will allow people to know that if given opportunities we can do anything if given the chance. We met several times at the Daybreak Art Studio to practice with just a guitar and several gifted singers who sang the backup as I took the lead. Belmont creates some talented students who should be utilized as often as possible.
Next, we performed at a music studio for six hours. It was an experience I will always cherish. Amattulah Hassan added her beautiful voice to the background vocals to create a song truly made for people to listen and appreciate.
The title of the song is, “Our Lives are as an Unwritten Song” by Daniel Holmes and it’s available on YouTube or by scanning the QR Code below. I am trying to reach 10,000 views. Please hit like and subscribe with the bell.