Credit: Amanda King
Shooting Without Bullets, a self-described “expressive arts program that provides a framework for black and brown teens in Cleveland to develop and utilize their artistic voice to process the complex social issues affecting their lives and community,” has partnered with local rappers Aphiniti and JB to create a new music video for their song “Wake Up.”

Their hope is that the highly artistic, black and white music video will motivate black youth to “become civically and politically engaged around issues affecting their communities” beginning with participation in the 2018 midterm elections.

Inspired by Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech delivered in Cleveland in 1964, the song speaks to individual and collective struggles with systemic oppression.

Guided by the artistic direction of Shooting Without Bullets founder Amanda King and shot by filmmaker Criss Davis of Seven Screens Media, the video explores themes of “anti-black state violence” and asks viewers to work toward a better future.

Youtube video

This article appears in Oct 24-30, 2018.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.