The 2016 Tony Awards will go down in history as a historic moment of grief and togetherness which happened so soon after the horrific tragedy of the Orlando massacre.
It was Lin-Manuel Miranda’s night, but it was also a night made heavy with the weight of so many lives lost.
On the same day when dozens were murdered for living their lives and celebrating their uniqueness, hundreds more came together to celebrate many of those same qualities. Remembering with a tear, the pain, but also defiantly celebrating the joy, many found comfort in watching the Tony Awards in all of its diversity and inclusion.
When it came time for Miranda to inevitably celebrate his triumph (and was there one surprised person in the room when his name was finally called?), the man who has had such an impact on American culture in one short year knew that more must be said than just “thank you.”
So he reached out, giving honor to the lives lost and reminding us all that like the love he has for his wife and child, love will once again conquer this hate.
“My wife’s the reason anything gets doneShe nudges me towards promise by degreesShe is a perfect symphony of oneOur son is her most beautiful reprise.
We chase the melodies that seem to find usUntil they’re finished songs and start to playWhen senseless acts of tragedy remind usThat nothing here is promised, not one day.This show is proof that history remembersWe lived through times when hate and fear seemed stronger;We rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longerAnd love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.I sing Vanessa’s symphony, Eliza tells her story
“Love is love is love is love is love” he repeated while the crowd swelled.
At least we have love.
Watch.
