As peaceful marches drown the sound of gas canisters and military choppers overhead, Milwaukee continues to fight. The city is behind the movement to finally end a battle that has been traumatizing families and communities for decades.
Shaun Love has lived in Milwaukee his entire life. The singer, record label owner and studio operator had one word to describe it, “ugly.”
As he witnessed George Floyd’s life being taken from him, just as the rest of the world had, it didn’t just strike a nerve, it shocked his core. He watched city after city join together for a cause he has lived with his entire life.
“Being an African American and what I’ve gone through in my life, and to see this was heartbreaking. But, there were so many people fighting for the right cause,” he said.
His friend and colleague called him up and they spoke about what was going on. From the media whiplash and social media firestorm, to the community and worldwide response, it was his chance to use his platform to educate and inspire.
They decided it was time to release a song that would embrace unity, disgrace police brutality and crush racism.
“Stand With Me” is Love’s call to action for everybody to “Get on out and get on up!”
He said the song was completely inspired by the peaceful marches he had witnessed in Milwaukee.
“I had the beat, but nothing would come. So, I went out to the actual protest to kind of see what was going on. I saw people crying and just a lot of emotions out there. When I got back to the house, the words just started flowing. From the what I’d been seeing on the news over the years, and having lost family to violence, I know how it hurt me during that time. It was amazing to experience,” he said.
Love describes everyday situations like sitting at the bus stop or simply being in a neighborhood and getting killed. It’s the heat-sinking feeling that a traffic stop could end in death, within a blink of a second.
While supporting protestors to continue bringing awareness and positivity on the track, he also addresses how the justice system and lawmakers need to make change.
Ultimately, it’s about standing together for what is right. Why would the rest of the world be standing up if it wasn’t’?
“It’s everywhere and I think it’s a beautiful thing because before it was hard to get people to come together on something. In spite of whatever differences we had in the past, we’re united,” he said.
The beat was produced by longtime collaborator and friend, Nimic Tha Producer. The pretty synths and knocking drums on the hook are met with knowledge from Louis Farrakhan. It gives marchers an extra ounce of energy.
Whether people are on the front lines marching for equality, donating to local organizations or pushing petitions and knowledge online, “Stand With Me” encourages everybody to stand together and unify in the fight to save Black lives.
“I wanted to create something we could listen to, and keep moving forward until we see change,” Love said.
Listen to “Stand With Me” by clicking here.