How Do We Feel
Leslie Odom Jr. Dedicates Last Performance To #BlackLivesMatter
Alton Sterling. 37. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Selling CDs outside a convenience store.
Philandro Castille. 32. St. Paul, Minnesota. Driving with a broken tail light.
No configuration of words can properly articulate the heartbreak and anger we feel in our hearts as tragedy continues to find its way to the doorstep of another innocent Black man, at the hand of the police.
We’ve prayed, we’ve posted, and we’ve marched.
We rejoice because we are still alive. We still have a voice. We still have love in our hearts. And we still have the opportunity to make a change.
Saturday, July 9, 2016, was the last day Leslie Odom Jr., Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, and Ariana Dubose took the stage as Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Hamilton, and “The Bullet” in Hamilton.
While many took to Twitter in devastation, congratulations, and all around Hamilfandom around the exit of three main principals and a standout ensemble member, The Tony winner, Leslie Odom Jr., had something else on his heart.
On a day that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most cherished of his life, commemorating the biggest role of his career to date, Odom dedicated his day to “Alton, & his children, & the struggle. For Orlando, & Philando, & the slain officers in Dallas.”
For me, today is for Alton, & his children, & the struggle. For Orlando, & Philando, & the slain officers in Dallas…#BlackLivesMatter
— Leslie Odom, Jr. (@leslieodomjr) July 9, 2016
The most profound legacy of #HamiltonBway will be that it has set a table for strangers to connect, to have meaningful conversations.
— Leslie Odom, Jr. (@leslieodomjr) July 9, 2016
#HamiltonBway has been our common ground. I am excited and cautiously optimistic for a real and lasting spiritual awakening amongst us.
— Leslie Odom, Jr. (@leslieodomjr) July 9, 2016
May the conversation continue. I’ll see you out here in these streets. Onward. We have work to do. ✌🏾️Love. Forever.
— Leslie Odom, Jr. (@leslieodomjr) July 9, 2016
Activism in the digital age comes in many shapes and forms. In this day and age, many fans seem to expect to have their favorites weigh in on current events.
This expectation is not a requirement. We all process and heal differently.
We are grateful for the outpouring of sincere support— from the videos to tweets, to interviews, to articles.
Our voices must be heard.
Leslie Odom Jr., thank you for sharing yours.
