“We feel a sense of responsibility to honor those lost, injured, and affected. We plan to honor them with courage, bravery, and defiance in the face of fear. Today’s One Love Manchester benefit concert will not only continue, but will do so with greater purpose. We must not be afraid, and in tribute to all those affected here and around the world, we will bring our voices together and sing loudly...We ask the strong city of Manchester and the world to join us in making the statement that hatred and fear will never win. Today we stand together. Thank you.”

-Scooter Braun

On May 22, 2017, a terrorist attack happened just after an Ariana Grande concert concluded at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. A suicide bombing occurred and over 20 people lost their lives and more than 100 were injured. About two weeks later on June 4, 2017, Ariana Grande held a benefit concert to pay tribute to the lives lost, to the families of those who passed and to all that were at or affected by this horrific event. Ariana Grande stood beside artists such as Robbie Williams, Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell Williams, Take That, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Little Mix, Justin Bieber, Niall Horan, Coldplay, and special guest Star Liam Gallagher, to honor everyone involved and show that love is greater than hate and fear.

When I first heard about this attack, I was horrified. Horrified that someone would do such a horrible thing at a place where all that should be felt is love and joy. Horrified that as a music fan and concert goer, I could have been at a concert where this could have happened. Horrified that the people who lost their lives, and anybody else for that matter, never would have believed that this could happen. As soon as the feeling of horror passed, the questioning began. How did the world become this way? How did we become so angry and filled with hate that something like this could have even occurred? How is this even a reality?

As I write this article, I am filled with heartache. Heartache for those lives lost. Heartache for those families and friends who lost loved ones. Heartache over the fact that this event even occurred. But as I write this article, I am also filled with happiness. I am filled with hope. Happiness that Manchester is filled with resilience. Happiness that there is some light being shed on this attack. Hopeful that one day, love will overcome hate, permanently. Maybe not right now, but someday. Hopefully someday soon.

Nothing can change what happened. Nothing can magically make this world a better place. Nothing can erase all the hate and fear that people have. But do you know what can help? Love. Do you know what else can help? Music.

Do you want to know what is incredible? The fact that One Love Manchester was available to stream online on multiple television stations and yes, even the radio. The fact that some of the biggest stars in the world dropped whatever they had going on to be at this event and show their support. People all around the world came together to tune into this event. People all over the world were showing their support for those who were affected. The fact that music, on this very day, brought everyone together.

It is so important to realize the effect music can have and how influential music can be in this world. Music is a way to express yourself. It is a way to understand yourself and understand others. For many people, music is used as an outlet. How incredible is it that no matter what race, sex, ethnicity, or religion, everyone could come together and show support through music? That music could be used as a healing mechanism for something that shaped the world for musicians and music fans everywhere? That love and support overcame hate and fear? In a time where hate is so prominent and the world is so scary, it is so important to realize how similar we are to one another. It is important to be kind and support one another. It is important to connect to one another. It is important to listen to music and use music as an outlet. It is important to put passions to good use. It is important to try and shape this world into a more welcoming and understanding place. It is important to use melodies to send messages. It is important to choose love. Always.

We are with you, Manchester, and we always will be.