Amber Mark has shared “My People,” her cover of “My People…Hold On” by the Temptations co-founder Eddie Kendricks. Inspired by international Black Lives Matter protests, the artwork features the names of Black Americans killed by police or racist violence.
“It’s so amazing to see the world learning, growing and most importantly helping one another. We cannot let go of this feeling or this moment,” Mark said in a statement. “We should use this positive mentality as the everlasting force driving humankind as a whole to greatness not just for the future of yourself but for the future of everyone around you.” Watch Mark’s self-directed video for “My People” below.
All profits from “My People” will go to organizations dedicated to developing Black agricultural land ownership. “In my opinion what we need as a human race to truly thrive is good quality education and good quality land & food,” Mark explained. “The only way we can accomplish such is by giving our black communities access to land and the tools to use it.”
“My People” is part of a larger series of covers and originals titled Covered-19. Other tracks include a cover of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” and the Who’s “The Seeker.”
Read the 2018 Rising feature “Meet Amber Mark, Whose Soulful Pop Will Make You Dance and Cry at the Same Time.”