Watch: We're Not Afraid Stars Stand Up to Political Violence

Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Sting, Keith Richards, Yoko Ono and Jane Goodall among the celebrities involved. 

By David Artavia

 

December 20 2016

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Rock stars and Hollywood A-listers have united to raise awareness about religious and political violence around the world in campaign called “We Are Not Afraid,” which hopes to give a voice to those whose voices often go unheard. 

Originally created as a four minute video directed by Kevin Godley, who has directed videos for U2, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Eric Clapton and many others, the music video incorporated photos of noteworthy artists posing with a sign stating "Not Afraid."

But after the campaign caught the attention of heavy hitters, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen added enough celebrity photos to lengthen the project to eight minutes. Participants include rock stars like  Bruce Springsteen,​ Iggy Pop, Elvis Costello, Blondie's Debbie Harry, Keith Richards, Patti Smith, Robert Plant, and Ringo Starr; actors Robert De Niro and Susan Sarandon; and others like Yoko Ono, Gorilla expert and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall, and many more. 

"It's a positive statement in a negative world," Gruen said. "I hope it becomes something that inspires people around the world to do their own versions. You shouldn't go through life being afraid."

The catchy tune behind the video was written by Nigerian singer-songwriter Majek Fashek.

The video also spotlights the efforts of Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit and nongovernmental human rights organization that publishes over 100 reports and briefings on human rights conditions in nearly 90 countries; and International Rescue Committee, an organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Watch the video below: 






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