If you haven’t been living under a rock, I’m sure you have heard all the hype about the Broadway musical Hamilton that just scooped up all the awards at the Tony’s this year.
Ideally, I’d like to think that everyone reading this article has listened to some of the soundtrack from Hamilton, but if not then please do so after you are finished reading (start with the song Alexander Hamilton, maybe skip to History Has Its Eyes On You, OR just listen to the whole thing – I mean why not??).
I’d like to use this article to take a look at the man behind all of it: Lin-Manuel Miranda.
While on vacation in 2008, Miranda picked up a biography about Alexander Hamilton and was inspired. Using the book as a reference and guide, Miranda went on to write the biggest game changer of a musical this world has ever seen. Music was written and rewritten until it perfectly reflected the life and idea of Hamilton, also bringing to light each individual to cross his path in his lifetime. Using a hip hop and R&B style, this musical attracts a whole new wave of people in our generation. This soundtrack has drawn so many new people into seeing the beauty of the arts. With such a diverse cast and the story about an immigrant rising from nothing, this show can connect with people all over the world.
This show could not have become popular at a more important time in our country. Over the past year, there has been an overwhelming amount of discrimination against immigrants, and what seems like a whole new wave of racism against those who aren’t white. Our country is struggling to remember who we are and where we came from. This entire country was built on immigrants. It was built on people of all color and race. Just because those who were white were the ones "in power" does not mean that this country became “great” from them alone. We are turning on each other, and it almost seems like sometimes we are moving back in time. Hamilton forces us to recognize the immigrants and minorities that fought and struggled to create a safe place of freedom and opportunity. It forces us to recognize that all of us are human, regardless of race or social standing or time frame we were born in, and that we all go through similar hardship and heartbreak.
While Hamilton is Miranda’s most popular achievement, he also uses his time elsewhere to create change and spread awareness wherever he can.
Not too long ago, Miranda was a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon." He competed in a freestyle competition with the Tariq from The Roots. Both men were given ridiculous words to incorporate in a freestyle rap and Miranda managed to include LGBT communities AND shed some light on current struggles in Puerto Rico, all while just playing a game. It's beautiful to know that even off the top of his head he still has causes in mind. I've included the link to this video at the bottom of this article from Fallon because you're definitely going to want to watch it!
The Tony's happened right after the mass shooting in Orlando took place at Pulse, a club used by primarily the LGBT community. As Miranda accepted an award for “Best Actor in a Musical” he wrote a very simple yet powerful poem as his acceptance speech, making it completely about how love can outshine hatred even in times of tragedy, taking a moment that should be about him and turning it completely into an aid for the despair this country felt that day. This emotional speech is something to carry with us forever as it holds so much truth and heart. I have also included this link for your viewing (get ready for the feels).
As for something much more subtle, he even takes the time on social media to deliver positive messages to anyone that reads them (you should definitely follow him on Twitter).
These are just a small few example of the ways Miranda works to make a positive impact in our society. Although he has been creating change these past years, I certainly feel like there is more to come. He has said that having the status he does has given him the ability to hold a megaphone to this generation to inspire change, teaching and educating us all about ongoing issues and giving us the inspiration to use our voices to do good. If this doesn’t define the perfect role model, I’m not sure what does.
And here's one more, cause why not.
-----LINKS-----
Fallon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w31jboLYcH4
Tony's Acceptance Speech:
