Some things still spark smiles, inspire over gloom
Our world quickly has been turned on its head by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Schools and businesses are closed, events canceled, bars shut down, restaurants limited to pickup and delivery. To help prevent the spread of the virus, we are advised to stay home. Even religious services and funerals are canceled
It’s encouraging local officials are taking action and many people, finally, recognize the severity of the crisis and are trying to do the right thing. Yet it can’t be ignored that the isolation is hitting some folks pretty hard. Parents are at wits’ end to keep youngsters sanitized and busy. Teenagers are antsy.
Before this crisis confined us to our homes, some may not have yet realized how much they needed the artistic relief of music, movement, performance, or exhibits in their daily lives. Now, I think we all can agree that we crave a source of creative connection now more than ever.
The following represents just the beginning of the ingenuity, creativity and adaptability by Memphis’ arts movement every day, and particularly during these challenging times of social distancing and physical isolation.
Social butterflies are struggling in isolation. Some young adults are stircrazy and making bad decisions.
Yet, even in the midst of this crisis, there are some bright spots and a few inspiring moments — in addition to the incredible job our medical professionals and first responders are doing.
Busy, creative children
This is a great time to spend quality time with your children. It’s OK to let kids play outside; just keep them from congregating. In my neighborhood, it is heartwarming to see families taking walks and bicycle rides. At this time, Tennessee state parks are open, and there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature and fresh air.
Artist Dana Todd Pope is offering a great way to keep children occupied. She invites parents and their children to join her live on Instagram three days a week for her “Kids’ Virtual Paint Party.”
“I have two kids of my own testing my sanity during this social distancing, self-quarantine and school cancellation,” she says. “For me, there’s no better relief from stress than painting.”
A Colorado kindergarten teacher took time to gather and deliver art and other supplies to each of her students. The visits were topped off with air hugs and blown kisses through doors and windows.
In Ohio, young siblings treated an elderly neighbor to a concert on her porch, all while keeping a good distance from her. In another town, young cellists performed a concert for an elderly woman from her porch while she listened from inside.
And the Chino, California, high school choir didn’t let its festival cancellation and home isolation deter its harmony. The 19 members sang their individual parts of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” a cappella into camera phones. The images were edited together and voices synced to create a glorious video performance that is a social media hit.
Yes, music soothes and heals
With Memphis being a music haven, it’s good to know how music is being used as a consoling bond during this troubling time. Memphis Tourism’s Memphis Music Hub sponsored a three-night virtual festival, Get Live! Memphis — streamed live on Facebook — to raise funds for local musicians sidelined by the closing of restaurants, bars and other venues.
And then there are the bagpipers, singers and other performers who have serenaded residents of senior facilities from outside their windows.
Entertainers are lifting our spirits with performances on social media, including Tyler Perry and friends performing individual takes on “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Keith Urban uplifted his fans with a virtual concert. The Metropolitan Opera is streaming performances for free.
One of DJ D-nice’s #Clubquarantine virtual parties drew more than 100,000 Instagram livestreams from people listening to his music and perhaps dancing at home, including Oprah Winfrey, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Justin Timberlake, Lenny Kravitz, Will Smith, Janet Jackson and Kim Kardashian
West.
Giving hearts
Nike and its foundation are donating $500,000 to combat the coronavirus in Memphis. The company is donating $250,000 to the Mid-south COVID-19 Regional Response Fund, a joint effort launched by Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. The response fund is for nonprofit organizations to provide support to those impacted most by the pandemic. Nike also is donating $250,000 to the Midsouth Food Bank. In total, Nike is giving at least $15 million to fight COVID-19.
In addition, Horseshoe Tunica (Caesars) donated truckloads of food to the Mid-south Food Bank and other organizations helping to feed people who have lost jobs due to the pandemic. The generous food donation was from Horseshoe’s restaurants, now closed in response to COVID-19. Disney did the same in California.
Memphis celebrities — Justin Timberlake and director Craig Brewer (“Dolemite Is My Name” with Eddie Murphy on Netflix) — have made donations to the Memphis Food Bank. Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation is giving $5 million to coronavirus response efforts. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, recording artist Ciara, have pledged 1 million meals to Food Lifeline in Seattle. Other athletes and team owners are donating funds to
Smile makers
Yeah! Tax Day 2020 has been moved to July 15 from April 15, according to the U.S. Treasury secretary. Businesses and individual taxpayers can file by the new deadline and make payments without penalties or interest.
A California restaurant is offering a bonus with takeout orders — a free roll of toilet paper! Even better, a man was standing at a busy intersection offering rolls of tissue to anyone who needed it. And then there is the florist who fashioned cheerful toilet tissue roll bouquets.
Throughout Downtown Memphis, specific parking meters are being bagged to provide temporary parking for curbside pickup at restaurants. This will be of great help for restaurants hard-hit by the ban on dining in.
In Rhode Island, family and friends surprised a 92-year-old grandfather with a birthday parade. Vehicles decorated with banners and balloons drove back and forth in front of his house. Then everyone sang happy birthday.
How about that running enthusiast in France who did a marathon by going back and forth on his 23-foot balcony? It took him six hours and 48 minutes. He wanted to lighten the mood while showing that we can stay fit while being quarantined.
During this time of isolation, job loss and uncertainty, we all should take a deep breath and do what we can to stop the spread of the virus. With faith, hope and good spirits, we will survive this challenge. And we can uplift others, whether that is with a donation, soothing music or simply a smile.
Lynn Norment is a Memphis journalist who previously was an editor and senior writer for Ebony magazine. She can be reached at norment media@gmail.com.