AUGUST 23: Spinning Tableau at the Monument
1769 SPINNING PROTEST REENACTMENT
"Herstory" by Maya Salafia
To celebrate the unveiling and dedication of Something Is Being Done, Maya Salafia, a graduate of Lexington High School, now a student at Berklee College of Music was invited to create a song that reflects a youthful perspective on the monument's theme. Maya's song celebrates women, makes them visible, promotes empowerment and honors their legacy.
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The video was produced by Cheryl Meadow for LexSeeHer, in partnership with LexMedia.
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Herstory
Maya Salafia
At the edge of the water
Diving deep into our past
She’s not just someone’s daughter
Carving paths out of this mess
Block out the noise
Let’s raise her voice
In the morning light
When the sun goes down
In a crowed room
Bring the shadows out
In the pouring rain we see her glory
Now let’s hear her story
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o let’s just take a moment
Think about women we forgot
In the depths of the darkness
Speaking loud yeah she’s standing tall
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Above the crowd
She’s living loud
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In the morning light
When the sun goes down
In a crowded room
Bring the shadows out
In the pouring rain we see her glory
Now let’s hear her story
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Music and lyrics copyright, Maya Salafia. 2024. All rights reserved.
Creating the "Herstory" Video
1. Maya, you seem to have that "Something Must Be Done!" spirit! What inspired you to write a song about the LexSeeHer monument?
There are so many women who made powerful contributions to our world today. However, because of the society we live in, these women are not talked about as much as I believe they should be. I wanted to write this song as a celebration of women everywhere making an impact. I hope this song urges people to learn more about the strong women in the LexSeeHer monument and feel their impact.
Maya Salafia / Singer, Songwriter
2. What was it like singing at the official and historic Unveiling Events?
It was so incredible singing at the official and historic Unveiling Event. It was truly a full circle moment seeing the strong women in our community today recognizing the strong women in history. It was a chance to both honor our past and see how far we’ve come.
3. What creative projects are on your horizon?
I released a single “In the Fall” a few months ago and am currently working on releasing my debut Album, “Girl Like Her.” The album is a collection of songs that encapsulate my thoughts and feelings from the past few years. I am very excited to share it with everyone.
Cheryl Meadow / Producer
1. Cheryl, you seem to have that "Something Must Be Done!" spirit! What inspired you to produce a music video from Maya's song?
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Well, that’s awfully kind of you! Let me start by saying that I wanted to involve a young female singer-songwriter to write and perform a piece for the unveiling of Something is Being Done. My goal was to bring a youthful perspective and inspire future generations while connecting the monument's significance to the ongoing journey of progress and empowerment. By showcasing emerging talent, I aimed to highlight the importance of new voices and bridge past achievements with future aspirations. We found all of that—and more—in the very talented Maya Salafia. Her artistry, perspective, and voice perfectly embody the spirit of progress and empowerment, making her the ideal choice to bring this moment to life. I then decided to create a
music video to promote the monument - as well as a very talented Maya - on social media. This visual record would preserve its message for future generations, celebrate women’s achievements, and reinforce the ongoing fight for equality and empowerment.
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2. Do you have a favorite line from Maya's lyrics? If so, what?
Maya's song, "Herstory," is a profound tribute that powerfully embodies the monument's theme of amplifying women's voices. Through vivid imagery of different times of day and weather—like the soft glow of morning light, the warmth of a setting sun, bustling crowded rooms, and the cleansing touch of rain—she illustrates the myriad circumstances in which women have triumphed. This song serves as a celebration of resilience, reminding us of the strength and determination women have shown throughout history, even in the face of significant challenges.
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3. Do you have favorite women in the monument? Or a favorite part of the monument?
It's nearly impossible for me to choose a favorite among the 20 remarkable women honored on the monument. They represent a diverse legacy of fearless and accomplished individuals spanning the 18th to 21st centuries. How do I compare Margaret Tulip, an illegally enslaved Black woman who fought for and won her freedom in 1770, to Caroline Wellington, a prominent 19th-century abolitionist, and author, or to Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in astronomy from Radcliffe (Harvard), who later became Harvard’s first female full professor and department chair—her groundbreaking work shaping modern astrophysics? It’s like asking me who is my favorite child!!