Netflix original, We the People created by Chris Nee and executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama and Kenya Barris combine music and animation to educate a new generation of young Americans about the power within the people.
Artists such as H.E.R., KYLE, Janelle Monae, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Andra Day, and poet Amanda Gorman utilize their talent to perform original songs with each episode being a call to action. We the People calls on the youth to rethink civics as a living, breathing thing and to reframe their understanding of what government and citizenship mean in a modern world. Topics such as active citizenship, taxes and federal vs state power will be addressed in the 10-episode series.
While aimed at educating the younger and upcoming generations, We the People is an easy and fun refresher on U.S. civics even for adults. “I didn’t really know much about the topic but I think that was the most rewarding part about making this song, was I got to be completely educated on a topic that I didn’t know much about,” explained KYLE. KYLE co-wrote and performed an original song about federal vs state power explaining how each state has its own unique needs and issues which is why we have a federal government that makes sure these states have what they need to be successful. The struggle for power between the states and federal government is ongoing and it has become increasingly important to understand the differences. There is so much information to divulge yet each episode is only 3 minutes long and does and excellent job at bringing clarity to these possibly difficult topics.
Singer and songwriter, H.E.R. happily took on the conversation surrounding active citizenship in which the animation was produced by creative studio BUCK as well as four of the other episodes in the series. Often, we feel as though the issues of our country are too much for just one person to make a difference, especially if you’re a child. However, H.E.R. explains how easy it is for the youth to get involved in their community and to actively use their voice. “As I get older the more that I learn, the more I share and the more that I realize that I’m educating and empowering young people,” H.E.R. shares.
There has been so much change and difficult conversations happening regarding the state of our country. The youth have showed up in exuberant numbers to voice their opinions and make their presence known. There is a clear hunger for knowledge and understanding and We the People aims at taking it back to the basics, using common language to educate the youth about U.S. civics but making it cool.
