Inner City, Idris Elba, and Detroit Will Breathe have teamed up for the powerful video statement, “We All Move Together.” Detroit Will Breathe is an integrated, youth-led organization fighting police brutality and systemic racism in Detroit. Organizer Jae Bass explains:
“Detroit is rich in political and cultural experiences and expressions of liberation. From Motown Records, the Labor Movement, and Aretha Franklin, to the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, the 1967 Rebellion, and the birth of techno. We aspire to make Detroit once again a space where liberation is expressed and experienced in transformative ways. Kevin Saunderson did this along with thousands of Black Detroiters when he helped birth the global movement that techno has become. The techno scene embodied the intentions of Black Detroiters looking to free themselves from an oppressive environment. Today that fight for freedom continues.”
Detroit Will Breathe was formed this summer during the uprising of outrage and protest against police brutality. In the collective’s short time together, they have begun to enact powerful expressions of change in the city through their organization, protest, and legal action. Detroit Will Breathe successfully mobilized for Grace’s release, a 15-year-old girl sent to jail for not completing her homework. They have also rallied in support of justice and answers regarding Priscilla Slater, a woman found dead in her jail cell, leading to a mayor resigning and two officers being fired for concealing information regarding the case. Detroit Will Breathe also facilitated a public tribunal to hear testimony from citizens who had experienced police brutality during a rally in June, resulting in the suspension of one officer and eleven others’ investigation.
“We All Move Together” is the lead cut on the Inner City’s 2020 LP of the same name. Featured on the track is UK actor, DJ, and producer Idris Elba, and he explains: “When we all move together, change becomes inevitable.” Kurt Schneider directed the video for the effort which also features the MC Jae Bass and dancer Kenya Sutton. Discussing the intention behind it, Inner City offers:
“With the challenges in Michigan, the US, and further afield, specific to what we are facing with the BLM movement, we deeply felt that we wanted to release a culturally significant and impactful video that not only embodies the message of the track, but that also directly benefits the Detroit Will Breathe individuals and collectives on the frontline of the movement in the city. Our platform can shine a global light on the amazing work they do, and it takes the message of the track to an even higher place. We All Move Together”
You can help support Detroit Will Breathe, as well as their legal efforts, here.
