Bad Bunny, Justice, and the Enduring Power of Love in a Divided America
A global audience of 135 million found solace in a 13-minute performance by Bad Bunny, a testament to the unifying force of culture and a beacon of hope amidst ongoing challenges. The artist’s recent concert wasn’t merely entertainment; it was a powerful statement about identity, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, particularly resonant as Valentine’s Day approaches.
A Cultural Oasis
Bad Bunny’s Sunday performance, described as a “human sugar cane set” despite a “ravaged electric grid,” was a celebration of joy, music, and dance. He made a deliberate choice to perform primarily in Spanish, embracing a multigenerational connection and culminating in a powerful exit with multi-flag displays accompanied by the message “God Bless Our Americas.” This wasn’t just a concert; it was a directional statement, a call for unity encapsulated in the sentiment, “Good hearts everywhere, follow us!”
Redefining America’s Boundaries
The concert served as a potent prelude to Valentine’s Day, with Bad Bunny – also known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – and his band challenging conventional notions of American identity. An electronic billboard boldly proclaimed in capital letters, “THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE,” a message that resonated deeply with current social and political tensions. The artist carried a football emblazoned with “TOGETHER WE ARE AMERICA,” a symbolic gesture that prompted reflection on who truly embodies the nation’s spirit.
Echoes of Sotomayor’s Journey
One figure immediately came to mind as a potential “passer” of that symbolic football: Justice Sonia Maria Sotomayor, the first Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Her story is one of overcoming immense obstacles, beginning with her parents’ immigration from Puerto Rico. Her father’s early death, just two years after a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, and her mother’s upbringing as an orphan on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, highlight the challenges faced by many immigrant families. Despite these hardships, Sotomayor’s grandmother and extended family provided crucial support, fostering a sense of “protection and purpose.”
President Obama, at her swearing-in on May 26, 2009, recognized that Sotomayor possessed more than just legal expertise. He emphasized the importance of “experience being tested by obstacles and barriers,” experience that cultivates “a common touch and a sense of compassion.” This common touch was vividly apparent in Bad Bunny’s performance, mirroring the empathy and understanding that define Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy.
The Legacy Continues with Justice Jackson
That same “common touch” was on display on June 30, 2022, with the confirmation of Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson, another woman of color ascending to the Supreme Court. Describing herself as someone who has “dedicated [her] career to public service because [she] love[s] this country and our Constitution and the rights that make us free,” Justice Jackson embodies a commitment to justice and equality.
Born in Washington, D.C. on September 14, 1970, Jackson’s parents honored their ancestry by choosing her middle name, Onyika, from the Tshiluba language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This language, rich in cultural wisdom, offers a particularly relevant proverb: “Bilengele mbiasa munkelende” – “Good things are found among thorns.” Perhaps most powerfully, the language contains the word Ilunga, defined as “a person who is ready to forgive any abuse for the first time, to tolerate it a second time, but never a third time.”
Justice Jackson’s journey to the Supreme Court was not without its challenges. She endured nearly 24 hours of rigorous, and at times offensive, questioning. Yet, her resilience and commitment to service shone through, qualities recognized even by an 11-year-old Leila Jackson, who recommended her mother for the Supreme Court in 2016, praising her determination, honesty, and unwavering loyalty.
A Celebration of Diversity and Resilience
We celebrate the achievements of Justice Sotomayor, Justice Jackson, Bad Bunny, and the vibrant diversity of the Americas. Their stories remind us of the power of perseverance, the importance of embracing our heritage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
The football spiked by Bad Bunny in the end zone was a vintage Wilson ball from the late 1960s, with white stripes designed to illuminate the field during night games. His #64 white jersey was a tribute to his uncle, a former football player. As NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy noted, “Family is everything, and it’s nice to see that even the world’s biggest stars remain cognizant of who and where they came from.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to all Americans of goodwill, may love and compassion guide us toward a more just and equitable future.
