There have been so many devastating tragedies in the last few months alone that it's hard to hold on to any feelings of hope. But in one fell swoop, Amor "Lilman" Arteaga, a 9-year-old Latino boy from East Flatbush, New York, has restored my faith! The young rapper recently released a music video dedicated to the Sandy Hook victims–and his message is powerful and hauntingly true: Stop the violence.
In the video, Arteaga–who previously became a YouTube sensation with another one of his raps–urges people to "put the guns down" and "stop the killing." "Think before you act, don't make a poor decision. The world is hurting, we all need healing," he sings. "No more guns / what a wonderful feeling."
Apparently, Arteaga has been working on the project for months. But after hearing the news of the Sandy Hook shooting, he asked his dad if they could release the video as soon as possible as a tribute to all those who lost their lives.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Sandy Hook shooting Facebook memorial page will move you to tears
The video also features crowds of Brooklyn elementary school children, who all join along in his pleas. Wow…what an inspiring and powerful message–and from such a young kid! It's amazing how Arteaga manages to realize and get across a point that so many adults are still refusing to accept. He's only 9 years old and he's already wiser than some people six times his age!
I'm even more impressed by the way he is so dedicated to making change. "I want to perform for Obama," he told the Daily News. "Obama should listen to me. If we work together, we can make a difference. I am young. I can reach an audience that politicians, and other grown-ups, try to relate to, but they really don't know what to say."
I am so impressed by Arteaga and can only hope that he always feels this way and continues to strive to make a difference as he grows up. I only wish more people had his attitude!
Watch his message here:
Embedded content: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFZlqAvFjyo&feature=player_embedded
Image via YouTube
