Raise Our Voices: Amari Lewis

Earlier this month, Starlight debuted a new video initiative as an opportunity for students with a connection to Starlight’s community engagement programs to share what they are feeling through a filmed performance on the Starlight stage. Titled “Raise Our Voices,” the series encourages viewers to hear and engage in the powerful messages of students seeking change.

Our second performance is from 2014 Vincent Legacy Scholar Amari Lewis. A recent graduate, we featured Amari on our blog earlier this spring in our Starlight Seniors series. Now, she shares her incredible voice through a powerful song from performer and activist Sam Cooke. Amari wants to take action and be an active part in encouraging and advocating change. Although “A Change Is Gonna Come” was originally released in 1964, she knows that it’s still incredibly relevant today.

“We’ve seen the same movement come and go across time, and the amount of change between each gets bigger and bigger,” Amari said. “My hope for the future is that the amount of change that will come from this movement is just huge—and that it sticks within society.”

Since winning her scholarship in 2014, Amari has appeared in a number of productions in the Kansas City metro and at her high school. This fall, she begins coursework to pursue degrees in theatre performance and education. She encourages others to open themselves up to learning and be okay with being uncomfortable—in both performing arts and the world.

“I just want people to know they’re loved and they matter,” Amari said. “I want them to know that their voice matters and they have the ability to make change—no matter how big or small.”

See Amari’s full performance here:

We can’t wait to see what your future holds, Amari!