Dev Hynes, better known as Blood Orange, released a song and video inspired by Sandra Bland, the Texas woman whose circumstances surrounding her death earlier this year was the subject of extreme controversy.
“Sandra’s Smile,” a song promised by the singer on his Tumblr page, focuses on remembering the victims that we have lost to violence. He also references Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, and that he doesn’t blame her for refusing to forgive George Zimmerman, her son’s killer. The video, shot entirely in black and white, shows Hynes walking through the streets while singing for Bland and other victims. It also features appearances from Waffle Crew, Junglepussy, and Ian Isiah.
Sandra’s Smile. pic.twitter.com/no9G55ywMN
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) October 27, 2015
Hynes, who performed with Solange during the FYF Festival in the summer, also announced plans to have a one-night only event at the Apollo Theater on Dec. 12, entitled “Blood Orange & Friends.” According to Pitchfork, the proceeds of the show will go to the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music.
“Playing music saved my life; if it wasn’t for the chance to play cello or piano when I was a kid growing up in Essex, I shudder to think where I’d be right now,” he said in a statement.
Peep the video below.