Amid deadly clashes between protesters, teachers and police in Oaxaca, Mexico, singer-songwriter Lila Downs took to Facebook to call for peace in her native state.
“Violence provokes more violence. Why provoke with confrontation and repression? If we have the same preoccupations: better education, respect toward students, respect toward teacher, respect toward life and society. Corruption needs to be eliminated in all areas including senators, union leaders, presidents and politicians that don’t accept an anti-corruption reform and accept to be bribed,” Downs wrote about the violent encounters, which left six dead and 100 injured over the weekend.
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“We are teaching our kids to resolve problems with violence and corruption. I know that we can change things using other ways. I have faith in the intelligence and heart of my pueblo.”
This is not the first time Downs has been vocal about a political issue in Mexico. In February 2015, the artist wore an armband with the number 43 to the Grammy Awards ceremony in solidarity with the 43 students that disappeared in Ayotzinapa, Guerrero. She also released the song “La Patria Madrina,” featuring Juanes, which condemns corruption in Mexico and asks for justice for the 43 students.
Earlier this month, Downs was honored with the degree Doctor of Humane Letters from DePaul University for her musical trajectory and political and social activism. During her speech, the “Balas y chocolate” singer asked the graduates to “use your knowledge and apply it to help your community.” Adding: “I invite you to do what you believe profoundly and make a statement about your reality.”
Desde Chicago @liladowns en el @DePaulU commencement donde recibirá un doctorado Honoris Causa. pic.twitter.com/cDVUSaoXAX
— Westwood Ent. (@WestWoodEntt) June 11, 2016