Remember the first time you saw Alicia Keys? She had those signature braids with beads in her video “Fallin”, and when you heard her sing, you were hooked – like fan for life kinda hooked.
The other day on her social media, Alicia Keys told her audience that she had something on her heart; she had a new song that she gave a snippet of, and we noticed that she did a throw back on us with her braids and beads while on the piano (just the way we love her).
I have theory on the braids; Alicia wanted us to remember her from back then, that soulful singer who really dug deep when it came to delivering quality music. She describes her album as her best work yet, but showing her growth as well, so there is method to the braids.
I wanted to share Alicia’s message in this forum. Although we talk about hair everyday, in the back ground there are some real tragedies, and our world is so complicated we often wonder how our children are going to manoeuvre. Can we give them everything they will need to survive it all?
Enjoy her braids, but most of all enjoy her message:
The day I wrote this song, I was sitting in a circle of people of all ages and we were asked, “Why are you here?” Why am I here?? This really hit me on a deep level. I realized no one had ever asked me that question before. As I prepare to give birth to a new child, I can’t help and think about the world I’m bringing my baby into. No matter where we come from, when we see the state of the world today, we can all feel the growing frustration and desire to make a difference. And we all have a voice – we just need to know how to make it heard.
I have a vision that I believe is more than a dream, that I know can be our reality. I believe in an empowered world community built on the true meaning of equality – where we are all considered one people, regardless of race, religion, gender, zip code, belief system or sexual orientation. I believe all of our voices should be heard, so that our representation reflects our population. We need our leadership to reflect an equal balance of the gifts that both men and women have to offer. I believe in a world where every child born receives a quality education – where their unique gifts are nurtured so that they may be a beneficial presence in this world. I believe in mutual respect and cooperation among all peoples and all nations.
It is time to end all forms of racial injustice for our black brothers and sisters and all people of color. I believe in an end to the prison industrial complex in America and a renewed justice system that is based on fairness and truth. I believe in universal global health care based on Integrative Medicine, so that our bodies are acknowledged and treated as one system, and we can help control the spread of diseases like AIDS, Malaria, TB and Ebola. I believe we have an ability to end poverty, oppression, and hopelessness that often breeds despair, terror, and violence. I believe in common sense gun laws that serve to protect children and families and society from unnecessary violence.
I believe in Peace & Love & Unity. I believe that this vision can be a reality. And, it’s not about me. It’s about WE.
Together we can give birth to a kinder and more peaceful world for ALL children. Our souls were brought together so that we can love each other sister, brother. We Are Here. We are here for all of us. That’s why #wearehere
Sent with Light,
Alicia Keys
Steen How says
Thank you for sharing this with us. I have always loved Alicia Keys and her iconic braids, but her message is so important. I have a little baby of my own and everyday I find myself “shaking my head” at foolish and dumb things that can just be avoided! This nation is falling because of the hatred and disgust people have for one another, and for what?! It does not have to be this way. I want to raise my baby in a world of peace, love, and happiness. He deserves that and so does the rest of mankind. Just for that, I respect Alicia Keys even more for bringing light to what is going on in the world today. We all just need to come together and make it happen. Awesome article!
Caydence James says
Of course she’s wearing braids! She wants us to remind us of the days when we respected, loved and believed the words that were coming out of her mouth! Before she involved herself with a man who was a habitual cheater and baby maker and became a part of another woman’s pain. Everything that she’s been doing – all of the philanthropy, donations, very controlled appearances are meant as peace offerings to a fan base that dwindled upon learning that she compromised her values (or lacked values) for the sake of another woman’s marriage!
Even though she’s making the best of the situation she’s in (believe me, she’s working overtime in this relationship with Swizz Beats and deep down knows that she’ll always have to watch him) there’s a measure of shame that resurfaces whenever she sees the glaces hears the whispers, sees the ticket sales and reads the comments. She knows this and these braids and vocal throwbacks are just her way of trying to bring things back full circle.
Good luck Alicia.