Alfred Howard portrait

Alfred Howard

We're proud to present this spoken word poem, "I Love America," written and performed by lyricist Alfred Howard. Inspired by an encounter Alfred had with an audience member after he read a piece called "Definition of Patriotism" at an anti-war protest, this poem explores the many things that unite us as a human race.
"I stepped off the stage and this guy got in my face and he was yelling at me. He said, 'If you don't like America, you can get the F out of this country,'" says Alfred. "And I tried to have a conversation with him, and he wasn't willing to talk. And I had this realization that I love America...so I went home that night and I sat down and put pen to paper. I think we have this tendency to just view ourselves as polar opposites...we probably have more in common than different and I think it's important to explore that, so that's where this piece came from. When people hear this poem I want them to remember that we're all brothers and sisters, friends, and family, just trying to make it through life here in America, in the world."
Through communication and honest dialogue we can start to heal the social fabric of our homes, communities and world. Let's lead with a listening ear and an open heart and together, we will leave this world better than it was before.

Peace Through Music

Social Justice

I Love America PTM thumbnail

<title>Playing For Change | I Love America | Alfred Howard | Peace Through…</title>

PTM showlogo website2

I Love America | Alfred Howard | Peace Through Music

Bob Dylan

Folk song

Times they are a changin thumb 2

The Times They Are A-Changin' | Peace Through Music

Racial Justice

Peace Through Music 2020 thumb

Peace Through Music: A Global Event for Social Justice

Peter Gabriel

Yo-Yo Ma

Angélique Kidjo

Biko thumb 2

Biko | Peter Gabriel | Song Around The World

Song Around The World

Biko thumb 3

Biko | Song Around The World (members only version)

Deconstructed

Iko Iko

Deconstructed Iko Iko member exclusive thumbnail

Deconstructed: "Iko Iko"

Mickey Hart

Tito Puente Jr.

Afro Fiesta

Iko Iko Thumbnail 3

Iko Iko | Song Around The World

Dr. John

Grateful Dead

Iko Iko thumb 1

Iko Iko | Song Around The World (members only version)

Stevie Wonder

Higher Ground

Deconstructed Higher Ground 2020 member exclusive thumbnail

Deconstructed: "Higher Ground 2020"

Aloe Blacc

Sheila E.

HIGHER GROUND SATW THUMB 2

Higher Ground 2020 | Song Around The World

Baaba Maal

Ben Harper

Black Pumas

PTM 2021 Lineup thumb

Peace Through Music: A Global Event for the Environment

Norman Lear

Stand Up for Racial Justice Documentary member exclusive thumbnail

Stand Up for Racial Justice | Documentary

Bob Marley

Keith Richards

Peter Tosh

Get Up Stand Up 2020 thumb

Get Up Stand Up 2020 | Song Around The World

Sara Bareilles

Chris Pierce

Keiko Komaki

Sara Bareilles Playing For Change Thumb Large

"Playing For Change" feat. Sara Bareilles, Chris Pierce & PFC Band | Song Around The World

Slash

Tony Kanal

Black Pumas Colors Thumb Large

"Colors" feat. Black Pumas, Slash & The Pocket Queen | Song Around The World

Taj Mahal

Rosanne Cash

Taj Mahal Queen Bee Thumb Large

"Queen Bee" feat. Taj Mahal, Ben Harper & Rosanne Cash | Song Around The World

Stand By Me thumbnail SATW

Stand By Me | Song Around The World

Dont Worry SAW thumbnail

Don’t Worry | Song Around The World

One Love SATW thumbnail

One Love | Song Around The World

War no more trouble thumb large

War/No More Trouble | Song Around The World

Come As You Are thumb 2

Come As You Are | Song Around The World

Imagine thumb 2

Imagine | Song Around The World

Redemption Song SATW thumbnail

Redemption Song | Song Around The World

Become a member or login to comment