JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of local teens and community leaders are celebrating peace through art and music.
"We Rise" is a local community movement. It occurred Saturday at the Eastside Brotherhood, already known for supporting and uplifting the community.
"We chose the Eastside because it is a community that has been oppressed for a long time now and it needs some loving, and we wanted to start the We Rise festival here because it's beautiful community and a beautiful neighborhood," director and artist Nicole Holderbaum said.
Holderbaum was inspired to create the festival after the tragic Landing shooting.
"Something clicked in me. I can't do this anymore. I cant hear this anymore. I need to do something. So I decided to use my platform to organize an arts and music festival," Holderbaum said.
It's a festival that provides young artists, such as Larry Fullwood, a moment to shine through art.
"I just see talent, amazing talent in all the other artists and photographers, rapping, singing, etc. Yes, I am happy to see," Fullwood said.
As the children play, their laughter, expression and creativity is proof that if you want to do something positive for this city, you can.