(July 13, 2026) The federal enforcement surge of ICE agents across the greater Minneapolis area from this past December through April wreaked immeasurable emotional, mental, physical, and financial strain upon the region and its citizens. Amidst the efforts to rebuild and heal, local singer-songwriter Jay Avion has collaborated with several artists from his hometown to put forth a statement in song that speaks to both the ongoing struggle and need for hope of civilians and families affected by the violence of the attacks and killings that have taken place.
Avion is joined by vocalists Darnel Alexander, Kendra Glenn, Kijana Gant, Jordan Johnston, and Krishawna on “Rise,” a soul-searching ballad which opens with Alexander delivering the passage, “Lady Liberty, I see the tears in your eyes/What must we do to restore your pride?” Avion reflects before the onset of the first chorus, “But all you stand for will soon fade away/If we don’t realize it’s time for a change.” Throughout, the varied vocal shades of the artists bring a centered and affirming conviction of the need to learn from tragedy and push consciously for more civility and adherence to shared values within America.
Avion says of the creation and meaning of “Rise”: “I originally wrote the song during Donald Trump’s first term. I was inspired by what was happening around us. Time passed and we didn’t record the song, but it always stuck with me. Fast-forward to the ICE raids and murders in my hometown of Minneapolis, and I knew that I had to record it. The murders of George Floyd, Renee Good, and Alex Pretti were all in the neighborhood where I grew up. It was all just too close to home. I knew that I didn’t want to sing the song by myself, so I asked some of my closest friends and respected peers to be on the record. The last person who joined in was Kendra Glenn, who came at the recommendation of my longtime producer, Ben Obi…