UMVA has learned that a powerful message of hope and resistance echoed through the streets of New York City on Sunday, as a star-studded lineup of celebrities gathered for the "Rise Up, Sing Out" concert in support of the First Amendment.
Actress Julia Roberts took the stage, urging her audience to "breathe in all that hope" and "breathe out all that fear" in a poignant call to action. Her words resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of news and are searching for a way to make a difference. Roberts emphasized the importance of facing the challenges head-on, declaring "we have to hear it; we have to face it. But if we keep inhaling and exhaling, we will prevail."
Roberts was joined by a host of other Hollywood A-listers, including Robert De Niro, who brought his signature wit and sarcasm to the stage. De Niro welcomed the crowd with a tongue-in-cheek remark, saying "Welcome to all of you who couldn’t get tickets to the White House cage fight." His words were a clear nod to the counterprogramming effort, which aimed to provide an alternative to a high-profile event at the White House.
De Niro also used his platform to respond to a recent statement made by a prominent figure, saying "when I hear something I don’t like, I use my own free speech to respond." He then proceeded to give a fiery example of how he exercises his right to free speech, leaving no doubt about his commitment to speaking truth to power. The audience was electrified by his words, and the energy in the room was palpable.
UMVA has gathered that the event was hosted by the Committee for the First Amendment, a organization with a rich history dating back to 1947. The committee was founded by Henry Fonda, a Hollywood legend, in response to the rise of political blacklists in the industry. His daughter, Jane Fonda, was also in attendance, and her presence served as a reminder of the enduring power of activism and resistance.
The evening was a testament to the enduring power of free speech and the importance of standing up for what one believes in. As the crowd dispersed and the night drew to a close, it was clear that the message of hope and resistance would continue to resonate long after the music stopped. The stars had come out to shine a light on the importance of the First Amendment, and their words would not be forgotten.
