The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed

[soldierant]

is a multi-movement choral work which premiered in 2016. It was written by Joel Thompson.

Joel Thompson's "Seven Last Words of the Unarmed" is a setting of the last words of unarmed black men before they were shot or killed by the police.

Texts for Joel Thompson's "The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed"
I. Kenneth Chamberlain
"Officers why do you have your guns out?"
II. Trayvon Martin
"What are you following me for?"
III. Amadou Diallo
"Mom, I'm going to college."
IV. Michael Brown
"I don't have a gun! STOP!"
V. Oscar Grant
"You shot me!"
VI. John Crawford
"It's not real"
VII. Eric Garner
"I can't breathe."

I was not familiar with it until a classical radio program aired it tonight (June 4th) in memory of Ahmaud Aubery, Freonna Taylot, and George Floyd.

As difficult as it is to listen to - it is very beautiful, and it needs to be heard.

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. A composition without end, it seems....

There's another 3 or 5 acts to follow now.