by Samantha Fredberg
Senior Marchaina Robyn asks the North community for acceptance and tolerance on Kindness Day in her music video titled ‘Where’s the Love?” produced by Newton North TV. The video has made local news such as the Newton Tab.
With camerawork and film editing by the producer, senior Everett Gilpin, Robyn performs her original lyrics along with students and members of Jubilee.
“The main message is coming together. No matter what color, gender, sexual orientation, or religion you are, we’re all the same,” Robyn said.
“There’s already a lot of putting down, so Newton North now it’s time to spread the love around, so where’s the love?” she sings.
Robyn found inspiration for her lyrics in students’ reactions towards discriminatory events in the world. She explained that when Eric Garner was choked to death by the police she heard students claim that the police were following protocol and did the correct thing by killing Garner. These comments disturbed Robyn, so she felt the need to address them.  
Robyn explained that she witnesses or hears about acts of intolerance and bigotry frequently at North. She mentioned that history class sparks bias and discrimination in topics such as slavery or police brutality, meaning students would make racist remarks.
Bothered by her experienced of hatred, Robyn said she felt the need to educate and spread awareness that intolerance is unacceptable.
An experienced songwriter, Robyn says she has been writing verses since she was 10. The Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester provided a space for her to experiment with music from a young age, she said.
“I can be a shy and passive person. Through my music I’m able to raise my voice and say what I want to say, but behind the scenes, without feeling that shyness,” Robyn added.
Although Robyn says she has held the opinions expressed in the video for a long time, she said the project was unexpected and rushed. Before writing the song, Robyn was planning to make a music video for a different specific topic day at school, but TV production teacher Scott Dunlop suggested that the duo create a video on recent events in Newton, according to Gilpin.
With over 8,000 views on YouTube, Robyn’s “Where’s the Love?” continues to reach and educate members of the Newton community.