There is a good reason Alicia Keys has bared her baby bump for the world to see. The image is meant to raise questions, and awareness, for her We Are Here campaign. The image is meant to shock, and to draw attention – it’s all about making the issues visible.
A peace sign plastered over a baby bump, now that’s an image worth a thousand words.
“It’s time to get people’s attention” the songstress told the NY Times. The photo is yet another step in launching her social justice campaign, which began with the release of her single of the same title, “We Are Here”. The song was accompanied by a plea made by the singer, asking her listeners to take a moment to think about why they are here, and to speak up for the justices they seek. And it all begins with that one simple question, which she was asked by a friend recently, “why are you here?” It was a question she said she had never been asked before, and it surely resonated with her.
Alicia stated, “I want to build an army.”
To be a part of that army, Alicia asks that her fans reach out to create change. Post #WeAre Here, and support organizations who are working towards a more peaceful future. To get things going, the star is donating $1 million of her own money to be divided up between 12 outstanding charities:
- All Out: A gay rights organization
- CARE: An aid group
- Equal Justice Initiative: A group that targets racial inequalities within the criminal justice system
- The Future Project: A group to empower high school students in America
- Girl Rising: An organization that supports girls’ education worldwide
- Keep a Child Alive: A group that helps children affected by H.I.V. and AIDS
- Moms Rising: An organization that supports universal prekindergarten, maternal leaves and tighter gun laws
- Oxfam: A group fighting global poverty
- Partners in Health: An organization that aids in disease relief around the world
- The Trevor Project: A group to prevent suicide among gay and lesbian youth
- The Trayvon Martin Foundation: A group that fights racial profiling
- War Child: An organization that supports children living in conflict territories
The award-winning musician is expecting her second child in December, with husband Swizz Beatz. She is also step-mother to his children from past relationships. Clearly, motherhood is a major inspiration for her movement. The NY Times reported that she is expressing concern for the world her children will inherit.
Alicia explained that although some of her causes may seem controversial (ie. gun laws), she believes her fans, and many members of the public, share her concerns. “This is bothering us, so how can we take that to the next step and do something about that, as opposed to just being angry?”
About the pic, she also noted: “People won’t be able to ignore this visual.”
Photo: Ny Times
