SAN
BERNARDINO, Calif. and RIVERSIDE,
Calif., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As workers
across the nation celebrate labor victories, a collective of
grant-winning Inland Empire musicians and artists unveil a mural
celebrating their mission to merge music, art, and union
organizing.
The mural by artist A'Kailah Byrd-Greene, is the emblem of
a grant-funded project based on the music and organizing of grantee
Jonny Miller Jr. Awarded by Creative
Corps Inland SoCal and funded by California Arts Council, the
project, "IE Songs: Labor Songs Revival", was inspired by
Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and the 1909 songbook, "IWW
Songs." Along with musician Max
Cruz, Miller brought traditional folk songs with lyrics
adapted to current local labor battles to picket lines, uplifting
the voices of logistics workers, nurses, United Auto Workers, and
more. This mural symbolizes their songs.
"I was inspired by IE Songs' enthusiasm in advocating for
workers," recalled A'Kailah. "I wanted to create a mural that
reflected the support I felt when I met them, and I saw a chance to
give a visual voice to leaders that have impacted our community.
It's been an honor to team up with such talented people."
In 2023, IE Songs hosted workshops with IE Labor Council,
highlighting historical connections between folk music and the
labor movement. Community members were welcomed to submit lyrics to
be published in the "IE Songs" songbook. Miller chose three songs
and set them to melodies inspired by traditional ballads performed
by Jonny Miller & Suns at
May Day: International Workers Day,
in Fontana. Max Cruz' band, Los Agentes Del Imperio, sang
the same songs in Spanish.
"Throughout my life I've seen family, friends, and workers in my
community fail to be rewarded the dignity they've worked hard for.
I'd like to do my part in the fight for a better life for working
people. If these songs inspire any pro-labor action I'll be happy,"
said Cruz. "It's a great honor to be included in this project.
I hope to make my people proud."
Both bands' performances were recorded live on May Day, and will be released on a 10-track
album called "IE Songs", streaming everywhere 8/15/24. CDs and
songbooks will be handed out at the mural celebration.
"My grandfather, Rodney Miller,
was chair of his Utility Workers Union, and marched with
Cesar Chavez in Coachella. My
great great grandfather, Julius, was a construction organizer that
defended Joe Hill, co-creator of IWW
Songs, before he was martyred in Salt
Lake City," said Jonny, "I see my art as carrying on the
traditions of my ancestors. In this way, Joe Hill, Julius, and Rodney Miller never died."
Join IE Songs mural unveiling, 12-1pm, Saturday, 6/29/24, at 1411 N D St,
San Bernardino.
Contact:
Jonny Miller Jr
***@jonnymillerjr.com
Photos:
https://www.prlog.org/13026230
Press release distributed by PRLog
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SOURCE JonnyMillerJr.com